Being locked out is stressful, and stress is exactly when people make rushed decisions about who to call. Most locksmiths are honest, but the trade does have a minority who rely on vague pricing and pressure. This guide covers what to do first, what to ask before anyone sets off, and the warning signs to watch for.
First: check the basics
Before calling anyone, take a minute to go through the obvious options:
- Check any other doors and windows you can reach safely. Do not climb or force anything.
- Think about who else has a key — a housemate, family member, neighbour or friend.
- If you rent, contact your landlord or letting agent. They may hold a spare, or have a locksmith they prefer you to use.
- If anyone’s safety is at risk — for example a young child or vulnerable person is alone inside, or something has been left on the hob — call 999 rather than waiting for a locksmith.
What to ask before anyone sets off
When you call a locksmith, a few questions up front will tell you a lot:
- What will the total cost be? Ask for the full price, including VAT and any call-out charge, before they set off. A reputable locksmith can give you a price or a clear range once they know the type of door and lock.
- Who is coming? Ask whether you are speaking to the business that will do the work, or a call centre that passes jobs on.
- How will you get in? Ask whether they will try non-destructive entry first.
- How can I pay? Check whether they take card and will give a receipt.
- What is the business called? Use the wait to check its reviews.
Warning signs of a rogue locksmith
Be cautious if you notice any of the following:
- A very low headline price that grows once they arrive — “from” prices that turn into much larger bills.
- Vagueness about price: “it depends when we get there” with no range given.
- Drilling the lock straight away without trying anything else, or without explaining why.
- Insisting that locks which work perfectly well need to be replaced.
- Cash only, no receipt, and no company name or details on the paperwork.
- No identification, and no questions about whether you actually live at the property.
- Pressure to agree to work on the spot.
Drilling is sometimes genuinely necessary — high-security locks are designed to resist other methods — but it should not be the automatic first step on a standard lock, and the cost of any replacement should be agreed before the drill comes out.
It is also worth knowing that some businesses that advertise online are national call-handling firms using local-sounding names, which then pass the job to whoever is available. Not all of them are dishonest, but it can make it hard to know who is coming and what they will charge. Checking reviews and asking who will do the work helps.
What a reputable locksmith will do
A trustworthy locksmith will usually:
- Tell you the price, or a clear range, before setting off.
- Ask for proof that you live at the property — ID, a utility bill, or someone who can vouch for you. This protects you as much as them.
- Try non-destructive methods first where the lock allows it.
- Explain before doing it if a lock needs to be drilled or replaced, and what that will cost.
- Give you a receipt with the business details on it.
Locked out of a rented home
If you rent, tell your landlord or letting agent as soon as you can, even if you end up calling a locksmith yourself. Your tenancy agreement may say who should arrange and pay for lock work, and whether you can change a lock without permission. If a lock has to be replaced to get you in, your landlord will need a key to the new one, so let them know what was fitted. Keep the receipt in case the cost needs to be discussed later.
If you think you have been overcharged
If you feel you have been charged unfairly or pressured into work, you can get advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline, which can also pass complaints to Trading Standards. Keep the receipt and any messages, and write down what was said while it is fresh. Paying by card can make it easier to dispute a charge than paying in cash.
Avoiding the next lockout
A few simple steps make a repeat less likely:
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust nearby — not under the mat or a plant pot.
- Consider a key safe if you need one, choosing a security-rated model and fitting it somewhere discreet.
- Know how your door locks. Some nightlatches lock automatically when the door closes, which is how many lockouts happen.
- Deal with stiff locks early. A lock that is hard to operate often fails at the worst moment. Our guide to the signs your uPVC multipoint lock is failing explains what to look out for.
How we work
We are a local, Essex-based company. We give you the price before we set off, and there is no call-out fee in the Essex areas we cover; in our East London areas a call-out fee may apply, and we tell you the total before anyone travels. Our engineer is fully insured, DBS checked and can show ID on arrival, and we try non-destructive entry wherever the lock allows it. Read more about our emergency locksmith service or check the areas we cover across Essex and East London. If you are locked out now, call 07500 582013.