Most people generally need a locksmith in an emergency with very little time to verify the credentials of the person or company that they are calling. Take some time to read through our tips on choosing a locksmith you can trust in your area and when you find them, make sure you save their number for when you need it.
1: Know the service that you require
Emergency locksmith, domestic locksmith, commercial locksmith, auto locksmith, safe Locksmith. Make sure the person you hire has the specific skills and experience to do the job you need.
2: Choose local and independent
Don’t choose the first advert that comes up on Google. Scroll down to the organic listings and look for a local independent business.
Why? Local businesses trade on their reputation and would not do anything to damage the reputation that they have worked hard to achieve.
They will attend in person and not subcontract.
Their prices should be more realistic as they do not have the same overheads of the national companies.
3: Don’t choose the cheapest
You have probably seen adverts quoting £49.99. These guys are NOT locksmiths but drill smiths. They normally turn up in an unbranded car without a uniform and make no attempt to use non-destructive entry techniques to get into your property or solve your problem. £49.99 is just the hook to catch you, their final bills are unrealistically high, and these prices are not made clear at the start. See BBC This Morning Rogue Locksmiths Overcharging. A genuine locksmith will be transparent and upfront with their pricing.
Do NOT use a handyman – they probably won’t charge as much but they do not have the knowledge or the tools.
If you can, always get 3 quotes/prices.
4: Accreditation/Affiliation/Qualification
It may surprise you that the Locksmith trade in Britain is not regulated. Anyone can trade as a locksmith without the need for a license or qualification (which is why the £49ers continue to get away with ripping people off).
The Master Locksmiths Association is the main locksmith body in the UK. And seeks to give structure and accountability to the trade through training and accreditation. All of its members are DBS/CRB checked.
The MLA Approved Company scheme means that the locksmith company has been:
- Vetted via a DBS Security Check
- Regularly inspected
- Employs a qualified locksmith (i.e. somebody with an exam based proof of competence).
It takes time to become an MLA Approved Company. The process starts with becoming a Registered member. You then have 4 years to pass your MLA exam to become a Qualified Master Locksmith. You are then eligible to apply for MLA Approved Company status.
If a locksmith is claiming any kind of accreditation, using logos etc, always check that this is genuine.
Qualifications are starting to come through, City & Guilds, Highfield and NFCE but most experienced Locksmiths would not see the point in completing these, so they are not a reliable way to assess ability or competency.
5: Recommendations/Reviews
If family or friends have had a good experience using a local locksmith make sure you take their details, but don’t just take their word for it. Make sure you check out the locksmith’s website and credentials yourself.
Always look at the reviews!!! Look for consistency in the reviews and verify the reviewers, especially if the review looks like it could have been paid for or written by the owner!
6: Take your time
Even in an emergency situation – pause!!!
Take the time to check out some local locksmiths websites before you call. Check their reviews, how long they have been operating, are they accredited.
When you ring, tell them your problem and ask for a price – the response should be clear and helpful and the pricing clearly defined.
Andrew Wintringham – Abel Locksmiths – Oswestry, Wrexham, Ellesmere, llangollen and surrounding areas