Proof of Ownership
REMINDER:
When you unlock someone's car door, make sure you are shown something that proves their ownership of or right to use that vehicle. Example is their name on the registration, insurance, or rental agreement. If they don't have that, do your best to verify they have the right to get in. Here are a couple examples of what I've run into in the past:
- The name on the paperwork is of someone else standing there with them. I simply ask for proof of their identification also and match names from their ID to their paperwork.
The car belongs to driver's parent. In that case, we contacted the parent on the phone. I asked the person what their name was, matching it to the registration. Then I asked if the customer has permission to use the vehicle. That's it.
- If something in the car has the customer's name on it, that might be good enough also. At least we'd be able to say we made an effort to verify they were in the car before it was locked.
For a lock pick, it's the same thing. Verify ownership of the house in any of the following ways:
- A rental agreement
- A utility bill with their name on it
- A driver's license with that address on it (although… it would be a good idea to see some unopened mail with their name on it once you get in)
There are news reporters that do stories about locksmiths from time to time, trying to get you to open their cars or homes without verifying identification and ownership/rights.
Please write down on the invoice what method you used to verify ownership/right. This is not a suggestion, it's the law.
Thanks