Your Emergency Locksmith Checklist: What to Ask and What to Expect
A Guide from Thanet Locksmiths for Stressful Moments
Being locked out of your home or business, or needing emergency security after a break-in, is incredibly stressful. In these moments of urgency, it’s easy to make hasty decisions. At Thanet Locksmiths, we understand the pressure you’re under, and we want to help you navigate it safely and effectively.
As your trusted local emergency locksmiths in Thanet and the surrounding areas, we believe in transparency and professionalism. This checklist will guide you on what to ask and what to expect from any reputable locksmith, ensuring you get the swift, reliable service you need without falling victim to rogue operators.
Before You Call: What to Have Ready
Having this information at hand will help your locksmith assess the situation quickly:
- Your Exact Location: Full address, including postcode.
- Your Current Situation: Are you locked out? Is your lock broken? Have you been burgled?
- Type of Door/Lock: What kind of door is it (uPVC, wooden, composite, aluminium)? Do you know what kind of lock it is (multi-point, mortice, cylinder)? Even a photo can help!
- Any Visible Damage: If a lock is broken or forced, describe the damage.
When You Call: Your Essential Questions
This is your chance to vet the locksmith before they even arrive. Don’t be afraid to ask these crucial questions:
- “Are you a local locksmith, or am I speaking to a national call centre?”
- What to Listen For: A genuine local locksmith will confirm their local base or service area directly. Be wary of vague answers or someone who sounds like they’re in a large call centre.
- Why it Matters: Local locksmiths have a reputation to uphold in their community. Call centres often dispatch the cheapest available operator, who may not be qualified or insured.
- “What’s your estimated time of arrival (ETA)?”
- What to Listen For: A specific, realistic timeframe (e.g., “within 20-45 minutes,” “around an hour”).
- Why it Matters: This helps manage your expectations and ensures they are truly responsive. Be wary of promises that sound too good to be true, like “5 minutes,” if you’re not literally around the corner.
- “What are your call-out fees, and can you give me an estimate for the work?”
- What to Listen For: A clear breakdown of any call-out fee and a realistic estimated cost for the service (e.g., “Our call-out fee is £X, and a standard lockout typically costs between £Y and £Z, excluding parts if needed”). They might say the final price depends on the lock type or complexity once assessed.
- Why it Matters: Transparent pricing is a hallmark of a reputable locksmith. Avoid anyone who refuses to give any estimate or is overly vague.
- “Can you guarantee non-destructive entry where possible?”
- What to Listen For: A confident “yes” or “we always attempt non-destructive entry first.” They might add a caveat that if the lock is severely damaged, drilling might be necessary.
- Why it Matters: A skilled locksmith will prioritise gaining entry without damaging your door or existing lock. Rogue locksmiths often drill immediately to force a lock replacement.
- “Are you fully insured and what are your qualifications?”
- What to Listen For: Confirmation of public liability insurance and mention of relevant qualifications (e.g., City & Guilds) or professional accreditations like being Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) approved.
- Why it Matters: Insurance protects you in case of accidental damage. Qualifications demonstrate competence. MLA approval is a gold standard in the UK, meaning they’ve been vetted, inspected, and are highly skilled.
When the Locksmith Arrives: What to Expect and Confirm
- Professional Appearance & Identification:
- Expect: A marked van (ideally), a uniform, and a willingness to show their ID badge (especially if MLA approved).
- Confirm: Ask to see their ID immediately.
- Assessment and Clear Quote:
- Expect: The locksmith will assess the situation and provide a firm, itemised quote before starting any work. This quote should cover labour and any parts needed.
- Confirm: Do not allow work to begin until you have agreed to a fixed price.
- Explanation of the Problem and Solution:
- Expect: A clear explanation of what the problem is and how they intend to fix it. If non-destructive entry isn’t possible, they should explain why and what the alternative is.
- Confirm: Ask questions if you don’t understand something. A good locksmith will take the time to explain.
- Skilled and Efficient Work:
- Expect: The locksmith to work efficiently and competently. For lockouts, they should typically attempt non-destructive methods first.
- Confirm: Observe their methods. If they immediately reach for the drill without exploring alternatives, challenge them.
- Testing and Security Advice:
- Expect: Once the work is complete, they should test the lock thoroughly and ensure your door is secure. They should also offer advice on maintenance or security upgrades if applicable.
- Confirm: Test the lock yourself to ensure it’s working correctly and you’re happy with the result.
- Invoice and Payment Options:
- Expect: A detailed, printed or emailed invoice for the work completed. They should accept various payment methods (card, bank transfer).
- Confirm: Never agree to cash-only payment without an invoice.
Choose Thanet Locksmiths for Peace of Mind
At Thanet Locksmiths, we adhere to this checklist rigorously. When you call us for an emergency, you can expect professionalism, transparency, and a commitment to getting you safe and secure as quickly as possible. We are approved, vetted, fully insured, and always aim for non-destructive entry.
In a stressful situation, make the right call. Contact Thanet Locksmiths 24/7 on [Your Phone Number] for reliable, trustworthy emergency locksmith services. We’re here to help when you need us most.