8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Locksmith
The locksmith industry has a serious problem with scam operators who quote low, charge high, and do substandard work. These questions help you find a legitimate professional.
Our in-house team of qualified, insured locksmiths covers all of NW London.
Get a Quote1.Are you MLA (Master Locksmiths Association) registered?
MLA members are vetted, qualified, DBS-checked, and insured. Verification is instant at the MLA website. Non-MLA locksmiths have no industry standard they must meet.
Yes — here is my MLA membership number. You can verify it at the MLA website right now.
Not MLA registered, or dismissing MLA as "just a trade body" — it is the only meaningful vetting in this industry.
2.Can you give me a total price before you start — including any call-out fee?
Scam locksmiths quote a low fee upfront, then add call-out charges, VAT, mileage, and labour once on site. A legitimate locksmith will give you a total price before arriving.
My total price for a standard lock change/lockout is £X including VAT and call-out. This is the price you pay — no additions.
Vague about pricing, refusing to give a total until on site, or adding charges you were not told about.
3.Will you attempt non-destructive entry before drilling?
Drilling a lock should be the last resort — it destroys the lock and is more expensive. An experienced locksmith can pick or bypass most standard locks without damage.
I always attempt non-destructive entry first. I only drill if the lock cannot be picked — usually only high-security locks. I will tell you before drilling and the cost difference.
Drilling immediately without attempting non-destructive entry, or not explaining why drilling is necessary.
4.Can I see your ID before you start work?
A legitimate locksmith carries photo ID and is happy to show it. You are granting access to your home — verify their identity.
Of course — here is my ID and my MLA card. I will also leave a receipt with my business name, address, and VAT number.
Reluctance to show ID, or arriving without any form of business identification.
5.What lock brands do you recommend — and what is the insurance rating?
Not all locks meet home insurance requirements. Many standard policies require a BS3621 five-lever mortice deadlock. Fitting a cheap lock voids your burglary cover.
For a front door I recommend [Banham / Yale / Mul-T-Lock] which is BS3621 rated. Your insurer will want this minimum standard. I carry a range of rated locks in my van.
Fitting a basic lock without discussing insurance requirements, or not knowing what BS3621 means.
6.Do you stock smart locks — and can you advise on the right system?
Smart locks (Yale Conexis, Nuki, August) require correct installation and configuration. An experienced locksmith advises on compatibility with your door and your home's other systems.
Yes — I install Yale Conexis, Nuki, and August smart locks. I will assess your door and frame to confirm compatibility before recommending a model.
Installing a smart lock without checking door compatibility, or recommending a specific brand regardless of the door type.
7.Are you available 24/7 for emergencies — and is the emergency rate different?
Lockouts happen at any time. Know the 24/7 availability and the out-of-hours surcharge before you are standing on your doorstep at midnight.
Yes — I am available 24/7. Out-of-hours calls (after 10pm and weekends) have a £X surcharge, clearly stated. My emergency rate is £X all-in.
No 24/7 availability despite advertising it, or dramatically different rates that were not disclosed.
8.Will you provide a receipt and invoice with VAT number?
A legitimate business provides a proper invoice. Cash-only with no receipt is a strong indicator of a scam operator or unregistered business.
Yes — I provide a full invoice with my company name, address, VAT number, and a breakdown of parts and labour. I accept card payment.
Cash only, no invoice, or reluctance to provide any documentation of the transaction.
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Every locksmith at Hampstead On Demand is qualified, insured, and experienced with NW London properties. We do the due diligence so you do not have to.
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