5 Essential Questions to Ask Your Locksmith Before Hiring

Locked out of your home? Or perhaps you're upgrading your security? Whatever the reason, hiring the right locksmith is a decision you shouldn’t rush. A locksmith doesn’t just unlock doors or replace keys—they play a critical role in keeping your property secure. Choosing the wrong one could lead to issues like poor-quality work, security risks, or even overpricing. Knowing the right questions to ask can help you weed out untrustworthy locksmiths and pick a true professional.

This blog covers five essential questions you need to ask a locksmith before hiring them. Whether you're facing an emergency lockout or planning a security upgrade, these tips will ensure you make an informed decision.

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

One of the first and most critical questions to ask any locksmith is whether they are licensed, bonded, and insured.

• Licensed: A professional locksmith should meet your state or local licensing requirements. While not all jurisdictions require licensing, hiring a licensed locksmith usually guarantees more legitimacy and expertise.

• Bonded: Bonding protects you as the customer in case the locksmith doesn’t complete the job as agreed. It’s an extra layer of assurance.

• Insured: Insurance covers any damage caused during the locksmith's work. Imagine repairing a lock only to end up with scratched doors—insurance ensures you're not financially liable for such mistakes.

Pro Tip  

Before hiring a locksmith, ask for their licensing number and verify it on your local government’s website. This helps you avoid scams and ensures the locksmith you hire is credible.

2. What Are Your Emergency Service Hours?

Lockouts don’t just happen between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you suspect you’ll need help outside typical working hours, ask about their availability. Here’s why this matters:

• Round-the-Clock Service: Not all locksmiths offer 24/7 service. If they don’t, you could find yourself stranded if something goes wrong at odd hours.

• Emergency Response Time: Check how quickly they can reach your location. A good locksmith will be able to provide an approximate time frame, often within 30 minutes to an hour.

Important to Know  

Emergency services often come with additional fees. Make sure you ask about the extra charges beforehand to avoid any nasty surprises.

3. Can You Provide an Upfront Estimate?

Transparency in pricing is a hallmark of a trustworthy locksmith. Always ask for an upfront estimate for their services. Understanding the cost before the job begins will save you from unexpected fees later.

Things to Confirm:

• Call-Out Charges: Does the locksmith charge you just for showing up?

• Hourly Rates vs. Flat Fees: Ensure you know whether you're paying a flat rate or hourly rate.

• Parts vs. Labor: Clarify which parts of the fee are for materials (like replacement locks) and which are for labor.

Many rogue locksmiths might quote a low price initially only to inflate the cost once the work begins. Get a clear written estimate if possible.

4. Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Work?

Any reputable locksmith will stand by the quality of their work and provide a warranty. A warranty ensures that you can contact the company for follow-up repairs or corrections if anything goes wrong shortly after their work is done.

Key Points to Clarify:

• Warranty Duration: Most standard warranties last anywhere between 30 days to 1 year.

• What’s Covered vs. Not Covered: Confirm what specifically the warranty includes—does it cover just labor, or are parts included too?

• Customer Support: Find out how they handle post-service issues. Will they respond promptly, or are follow-ups a hassle?

A locksmith offering warranties is more likely to care deeply about their service quality and reputation—so always ask!

5. Can You Handle Modern Locks and Smart Security Systems?

The locksmithing industry has come a long way from traditional keys and locks. With the rise of smart security systems, it's important to verify whether your locksmith has experience with advanced, tech-driven solutions.

Ask What They Specialize In:

• Smart Locks (like August or Schlage)

• Biometric Locks

• Electronic Keypad Systems

• High-Security Locks  

If you’re using older locks, the locksmith might not need this expertise—however, if your home or office relies heavily on smart or complex systems, choose someone proficient with these technologies.

Bonus  

Ask if they have updated certifications like ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) to ensure they’re trained on modern advancements in the field.

Tips for Choosing the Right Locksmith

Look for Reviews

Browse reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google to gauge overall customer satisfaction. Testimonials can provide insights into punctuality, professionalism, and costs.

Check Their Tools & Equipment

A professional locksmith will arrive with well-maintained tools and possibly even branded company vehicles—an indicator of their legitimacy.

Avoid Red Flags

Be cautious of locksmiths:

• Who don’t provide upfront pricing.

• Who refuse to show identification or licensing when asked.

• Offering exceptionally low prices (it’s likely a scam).

Trust the Professionals

Choosing the right locksmith ensures not just the safety of your physical property, but also gives you peace of mind. By asking the five essential questions listed above, you can confidently hire someone trustworthy, skilled, and timely.

Need emergency locksmith support or upgrading your home security? Reach out to our professional team today, and we’ll be happy to help!