The Emergency Locksmith Checklist: What Information to Have Ready When You Call
Finding out you need to call an emergency locksmith is never at the top of anyone’s wish list, you might find yourself locked out, locked in or you might be faced with a broken lock and unable to secure your home.
To help you prepare for this unfortunate situation, we’ve created a checklist of steps to take when it is time to call.
Your Emergency Locksmith Checklist
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Your location and contact details
- This one might sound like a no brainer, but if you have recently moved, are locked out of your car in an unfamiliar location or find yourself locked out with your belongings inside and using a neighbours phone to call, knowing a few simple details can make the booking process a lot smoother for you.
- You want to make sure you have your postcode and first line of the address you’re located at to hand as well as leaving a phone number and email address for important updates along the way. A reputable locksmith will keep you updated of an appointment time, and of any delays along the way.
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The type of lock and door
- A locksmith will be able to help you out with this when you are on the phone with them, but having information on your door and lock type can help you receive a more accurate quote for the works. If you have a wooden door you are likely to have a Yale and/or Mortice and with a uPVC door you will most likely have a euro lock and multipoint locking mechanism.
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What has gone wrong
- A brief description of your issue to the locksmith will again help with a more accurate quote and also ensure that the locksmith you are talking to is able to help you. For example, not all domestic locksmiths deal with car lock outs.
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Any urgent safety concerns
- Are you locked out? Are you in safe? Is anyone vulnerable locked in? These are questions you should ask yourself before calling a locksmith. Relaying these to a locksmith can help them prioritise their workload and get to you as soon as they possibly can. Keytek Locksmiths aims to get to an urgent lockout within 30 minutes of the call where possible.
Questions to Ask About Emergency Locksmith Costs and Call-Out Charges
It’s really important that you not only have some questions ready for when you call a locksmith, but also that you are calling a reputable locksmith.
We’d always recommend looking at reviews, accreditations and not falling for unrealistic pricing advertised online. There is a known locksmith scam at the moment where a company will advertise locksmith services for £49, but when it comes to paying the bill you can expect over 10 times that amount.
These are Keytek’s expert recommendations when booking a locksmith, and what to ask:
- First, do some quick research on the company you are calling. Do they have any accreditations? Are they a member of Checkatrade? Have a quick scan of their Trust Pilot profile and make sure they have at least 4 stars with a decent number of reviews.
- Ask if the company has a call-out charge. A reputable locksmith company will not charge you for travelling time to site.
- Make sure you have an understanding of cost. This may be relayed as a labour charge plus parts if needed or an all in price.
- Arrival time. If you are in an emergency situation, this is arguably the most important question – how quickly the locksmith can get to you. Make sure that you have an understanding of when you can expect the locksmith, whether that is an exact time, or arrival window.
- Is there a warranty offered on any parts fitted, and if so how long?
How to Prepare for an Emergency Locksmith Visit
Preparing for a Locksmith to visit is simple, essentially the most important part is that you are ready to meet them when they arrive at site. If you are waiting at a neighbours or nearby café due to being locked out – simply ask for a warning call when they are 10 minutes away.
If parking is difficult around your property or location, or your property is notoriously difficult to find, make sure to let the locksmith know when they are on the phone, this can ensure the visit goes smoothly and there is no delay in arrival time!
Lastly, it’s a good idea to have the agreed payment method ready for when the locksmith arrives. The locksmith shouldn’t charge you until the job has been completed and you have inspected the works, however it’s always great to be prepared.
Knowing what to ask before booking a locksmith can help make a stressful situation that little bit easier. If you’re locked out, dealing with a faulty lock or need help securing your property, Keytek® Locksmiths are on hand with professional, reliable assistance across the UK. For advice or to arrange a locksmith, get in touch with Keytek today.
Chloe Harrison
Chloe is the Digital Marketing Executive at Keytek and specialises in creating informative home security content that helps homeowners tackle common lock and door issues with confidence. From practical how-to guides to expert security advice, Chloe focus' on delivering clear, reliable information that is easy to understand.
A Marketing graduate from the University of Kent, Chloe combines strong research skills with insights from Keytek's experienced locksmiths to produce accurate, up-to-date content that homeowners can trust.
