How to Spot a Rogue Locksmith (and What a Fair Quote Looks Like)

Most locksmiths are honest, but the trade has a problem with call centres and rogue operators who quote low on the phone and charge far more at the door. You are most at risk when you are locked out, stressed and searching on your phone. Here is how to protect yourself.

Warning Signs on the Phone

  • A vague “from” price with no total — “from £39” often becomes £200 or more
  • A call-out or attendance fee on top of the work
  • No company name, or a name that is just a keyword like “Locksmith Birmingham”
  • Someone who clearly is not the locksmith — a dispatcher who “will send someone”
  • No straight answer about non-destructive entry

Warning Signs at the Door

  • Going straight for the drill without trying to pick or bypass the lock
  • The price changing once they arrive, with new “parts” or “high-security” surcharges
  • Asking for payment before the work is done
  • Refusing to show ID, or arriving in an unmarked car with no business details
  • No written invoice with a company name and address

Questions to Ask Before Anyone Travels

  1. What is the total price, including everything?
  2. Is there a call-out fee?
  3. Will you try non-destructive entry first?
  4. Am I speaking to the person who will come out?
  5. Can I pay by card when the job is finished?

What a Fair Quote Looks Like

For a standard daytime lockout, a fair local price is typically in the region of £49 to £99, with a modest out-of-hours supplement. With us: lockouts from £49, no call-out fee, out-of-hours adds £20–£30 to the labour, and you get a fixed price on the phone before we set off. See our full price list.

If the Price Changes at the Door

  • You do not have to agree to work you did not authorise
  • Ask for the revised price in writing before work starts, and why it has changed
  • If you feel pressured, say no — a genuine locksmith will respect that
  • Report serious problems to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline

How to Check a Locksmith Is Genuine

  • Look for a real business name and verifiable reviews on Google, not just testimonials on their own website
  • Check whether engineers are DBS-checked and carry photo ID
  • Look for a local phone number and a business that answers it directly

We are rated 5.0 from 47 reviews on Google, and every engineer is DBS Police-Checked and carries photo ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a locksmith charge to open a door?
A standard daytime lockout from a local locksmith is typically around £49 to £99, plus a modest out-of-hours supplement. Be wary of very low “from” prices with no total.

Is a call-out fee normal?
Some locksmiths charge one, but many honest local locksmiths do not. We never charge a call-out fee.

What should I do if a locksmith overcharges me?
Ask for an itemised invoice, do not agree to unauthorised work, and report it to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.

Need a Locksmith Right Now?

📞 07486 889391 — 24/7, no call-out fee, typically with you in around 30 minutes. Or WhatsApp a photo of your door for a fixed quote before anyone travels.

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