6 Questions to Ask a Locksmith Before Hiring Them

Six Questions That Could Save You Time, Money, and Trouble

Whether you’re locked out of your home, need a lock upgraded, or want a security assessment for your business, choosing the right locksmith matters. In the UK, locksmith services are not subject to mandatory licensing - which means that while most locksmiths are professional and competent, a small number are not.

A properly qualified, professional locksmith brings important advantages: hands-on experience with a wide range of lock types, background checks (particularly those accredited by industry bodies), proper tools that reduce the risk of damage to your locks or door, and professional accountability to their trade body.

Asking the right questions before you hire protects you from scams, poor workmanship, and unexpected charges. Here are the six most important.

1. Are You a Member of the Master Locksmiths Association?

The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is the UK’s leading trade body for locksmiths. Membership is not automatic - it requires a background check, a technical assessment, and a commitment to ongoing professional standards.

An MLA-approved locksmith:

Has been vetted and assessed for competency
Is subject to a code of conduct
Carries insurance
Can be reported to the MLA if they behave unprofessionally

You can verify MLA membership directly on the MLA website or by using their Find a Locksmith tool. If a locksmith claims membership but cannot provide a registration number, treat that as a warning sign. For more on identifying rogue operators, see our guide on how to spot an uncertified locksmith and protect yourself.

Other relevant bodies include the Institute of Certified Locksmiths (ICL) and the Institute of Locksmithing and Security Professionals (ILSP).

2. Are You Insured?

A professional locksmith should carry public liability insurance. This protects you if any accidental damage occurs to your property during the course of the job - for example, if a door frame is damaged during an emergency entry.

Ask for proof of insurance before work begins. A reputable locksmith will have no hesitation in providing it. If they cannot or will not, look elsewhere.

3. Can You Provide a Written Quote Before Starting?

Always ask for a written quote before any work begins. The quote should include:

The cost of labour
The cost of any parts or materials
The callout fee (if applicable)
Whether VAT is included

A written quote protects you from the most common locksmith complaint: being quoted one price on the phone and presented with a much higher bill once the work is done. If a locksmith refuses to provide a written quote, this is a significant red flag.

For a guide to typical costs, see our locksmith price list.

4. How Long Have You Been Operating, and Can You Provide References?

Experience matters in locksmithing. A locksmith who has been working for several years has encountered a wide range of lock types, property configurations, and problems - and has the practical knowledge to handle unusual or complex situations.

Ask:

How long have you been in business?
Do you have experience with my specific lock type or door type?
Can you provide references from previous customers, or point me to your online reviews?

Genuine customer reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or Checkatrade are also a reliable source of independent evidence about the quality and reliability of a locksmith’s work.

5. Do You Offer a Guarantee on Your Work?

A professional locksmith stands behind their work. Ask whether the locksmith offers a guarantee on:

Workmanship - If a lock they’ve fitted fails prematurely due to a fitting error, will they return and rectify it?
Parts - What warranty does the lock or hardware carry, and does the locksmith pass this on to you?

A locksmith who provides a meaningful guarantee is demonstrating confidence in the quality of their work. Those who hedge or avoid the question may be less confident.

6. What Identification Will You Bring?

Before you let anyone into your home or business, you’re entitled to know who they are. A professional locksmith will arrive with:

Photo identification - A driving licence or passport if asked
Company identification - Business cards, branded uniform, or a company vehicle
Proof of insurance - Available on request

If you called a locksmith company and someone unknown arrives at your door, ask to see their identification and call the company to confirm they sent this person. A legitimate business will expect and welcome this caution.

Other Factors to Consider

Beyond the six questions above, these factors also help you evaluate a locksmith before hiring.

Proximity and Response Time

In an emergency, response time is critical. Use location-specific searches to find locksmiths near you. Many reputable companies offer a guaranteed arrival window - look for services that commit to arriving within 30-60 minutes.

Range of Services

A quality locksmith should offer more than just emergency entry. Look for providers who cover lock installation, repair, and replacement, key cutting and duplication, security assessments, and smart lock or access control systems. The breadth of services a locksmith offers is a reasonable indicator of their knowledge and capability.

Availability

Security emergencies do not observe office hours. Ensure your chosen locksmith offers 24/7 emergency call-out services, and ask about their average response time so you know what to expect.

Reviews and Reputation

Online reviews are your best indicator of real-world service quality. Check Google, Trustpilot, and Checkatrade for honest customer feedback. Look for a high volume of positive reviews, consistent comments about punctuality and professionalism, and evidence that any negative feedback was addressed constructively. Personal recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours also carry significant weight.

Specific Concerns for London Residents

London presents a few unique challenges when it comes to finding a trustworthy locksmith. The capital’s size means hundreds of locksmith businesses operate across the city, and unfortunately some of the worst practices in the industry are concentrated in densely populated urban areas.

Google Local Services Ads - Some listings that appear at the top of search results are call centres that dispatch subcontractors rather than employing locksmiths directly. The person who answers the phone may have no connection to the person who arrives at your door. Ask whether the locksmith dispatched is an employee of the company you are calling.
Pricing consistency - A trustworthy locksmith will give you the same price on the phone as they charge on completion. In London, where emergency demand is high, some operators quote low to secure the booking and inflate the price once on-site. Always confirm: “Is this the final price, including VAT and parts?”
Response time claims - Many London locksmiths advertise 15 or 20-minute response times. This is realistic in central zones but less so in outer boroughs. A locksmith who gives you an honest estimated arrival time - even if it is 30 or 40 minutes - is more trustworthy than one who promises 10 minutes and arrives in an hour.
Local knowledge - A locksmith who knows London’s building stock understands the common lock types in Victorian conversions, purpose-built flats, and new-build developments. This practical experience means fewer surprises and faster completion.

For more about what to expect, see our locksmith price list.

Where to Find a Trustworthy Locksmith in London

City Locksmith is a fully vetted, professional locksmith service covering all areas of London. We carry full identification, provide written quotes before starting any work, and stand behind everything we do.

We offer residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith services - available 24 hours a day.