Many people don’t know about locksmiths or how to choose one. This is because many people are ill prepared for an emergency involving keys or locks. Don’t get stuck out waiting for someone to help. This guide will assist you in selecting the proper locksmith.


If you have just moved into a new place, you should call a locksmith and have them change the locks right away. Even if the former owners seem trustworthy, you don’t want someone walking around with keys to your home. The price of a lock is small compared to the need for safety for you and your family.

Do not be offended if a locksmith asks for your identification or questions you a little. He or she needs to make sure they are helping the person that actually owns the home or the vehicle. You would not want to work with anyone that did not ask questions to verify authenticity.

Always be leery of locksmiths who want to charge more once they arrive at the scene. They’re doing this to scam you out of more money. If you’re told that you have to pay more than you did on the phone, try picking another service to use.

If you get locked out of your vehicle, make sure that the locksmith doesn’t block your car in when he gets there. Unscrupulous people will do this in order to get more money from you. Never pay them anything. The best thing to do would be to take note of their license plate and call the police.

Before you hire a locksmith, make sure to ask them how long they have been in business. This will give you a good idea of their professionalism. Limited experience should be a red flag.

When you call a locksmith for the first time, always ask how long they have been in business for. Have they always worked in the same location? Generally, a locksmith with five years in business is legitimate.

Always ask your locksmith for professional identification before you let him into your home. It’s all too easy to advertize as a locksmith when you really are not one. Also, be careful where you find yours. While there are many reputable businesses on places like Craigslist, you really never know!

If you have a keyless auto lock, let the locksmith know that when you call and ask for his service. All locksmiths are not qualified to handle this, so you may be wasting time by holding back this information. Most locksmiths will ask, but make sure to tell them in case they do not.

The locksmith should ask you for identification. Any reputable locksmith will want to ensure that you are the actual owner of the property. This may seem like an inconvenience, but you need to realize that a locksmith that asks for indentification is only trying to protect the community from theft.

Get an estimate in writing before allowing the locksmith to begin working. This estimate should include the cost of unlocking the lock along with the cost of replacing the lock. You can agree to certain parts estimate. For example, you can agree to pay the service fee with the stipulation that if the lock needs replaced you will want to get several quotes.

Never hire a locksmith without getting a solid estimate first. When you are given a quote, ask them whether this includes parts, labor, paperwork and fuel charges. Too often low quotes end up costing a bundle once all of these extra charges are added. Asking questions can let you know what to expect.

Do not use a locksmith who charges you just for showing up! This is not common practice, so you’re most likely dealing with a scam artist. If a locksmith arrives and demands money before they do the work, ask them to leave.

A good locksmith should be able to do more than just change a lock on your door. If you have been the victim of a burglary, they should be able to change the locks on your windows as well. They may also be trained in repairing alarm systems.


Find a locksmith before you need them. This is key to ensuring that you know the person is reputable and trustworthy. Don’t just look online, but call them, meet them and learn what they offer. You’ll get a feeling for them and know if you trust them right from the start.

Ask if the locksmith has an invoice on them which they plan to fill out once the work is done BEFORE they start. Look at it to see if it appears professional. Is it on letterhead? Does it include their company name and address? Or do they plan to create a handwritten invoice? If so, send them on their way.

Let’s be frank – make an extra set of keys. That means house keys, business keys or even car keys. If you can stop yourself from needing a locksmith, then you don’t have to worry about hiring one! That said, still research your options in case you need a lock changed or security set-up upgraded.

Check out local consumer protection agencies when you are creating your list of potential companies to hire. They will provide you with information on both good companies and those which have many complaints against them. This extra step is worth it in helping you to narrow down your list.

Always remember that you are allowing entry to your private home to someone with lock picking skills. If you don’t get a good vibe from them, then don’t use them. That is the reason it is imperative you go to their store to meet them before you ever give out your home address.

When the time comes to bring a locksmith in to get the job done, you need to already know who the best option is. If you are prepared, you can have them on the scene right away to ensure your dilemma is solved. Today, use these tips to search for the locksmith you need.