How to Choose a Locksmith You Can TrusT

How to Choose a Locksmith You Can Trust - Advice & Tips from East Kent Locksmiths

Quick Guide: How to Choose a Trustworthy LocksmitH

When choosing a locksmith, it's crucial to verify credentials, check for trade association memberships, and seek recommendations from trusted sources. Verify online reviews via Google Business Profiles to ensure transparency, as rogue locksmiths often lack a genuine online presence. Be cautious of bait-pricing ads, like £39 offers, which often lead to hidden fees. Opt for local, independent locksmiths over national call centres to avoid subcontractors and inflated costs. Look for authenticity through real photos, videos, and a sign-written van. Ensure clear upfront pricing, public liability insurance, and written guarantees.

Hello, I’m Charlie from East Kent Locksmiths.

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably searching for advice on how to find a trustworthy locksmith, whether it’s for an emergency, replacing locks, upgrading your security, or simply being prepared for the unexpected.

As someone who’s been helping customers across East Kent for years, I want to walk you through exactly what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a locksmith. My aim is simple: to give you honest, straightforward guidance, from a professional who’s seen both sides of the industry; the good, the bad, and unfortunately, the rogue traders.

Let’s get started.

Always Check Credentials, Not Everyone is Who They Claim to Be

One of the most important things you can do is check exactly who you’re inviting into your home or business. Locksmithing in the UK isn’t a regulated industry, which means that, in theory, anyone can call themselves a locksmith regardless of their experience or qualifications. That’s why it’s essential to look out for recognised trade associations and relevant qualifications when choosing a locksmith.

At East Kent Locksmiths, we believe professional standards matter. I’ve invested in specialist training, ongoing education, and the correct tools to ensure that any job I take on is done right, whether it's a basic lock replacement or a more complex entry system.

When you’re speaking to any locksmith, ask: Do you hold any trade certifications? Do you have evidence of recent training or accreditations? Can you show identification on arrival?

Reputable locksmiths should have no problem answering these questions confidently.

Recommendations Are Invaluable, But Always Verify

Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a trusted tradesperson. If a friend, neighbour, or colleague recommends someone they’ve used, that’s a great starting point.

That said, don’t stop there. Always back it up with your own research. In today’s world, genuine businesses leave digital footprints.

For example, at East Kent Locksmiths, we maintain an active Google Business Profile where real customers leave honest reviews. If a locksmith has little to no online presence, no business listing, no genuine reviews, no real photos, that should set off alarm bells.

Rogue operators often operate under multiple fake names, with no consistent contact details, and no genuine business address. Transparency builds trust, and that’s exactly what you deserve.

Go Local, Avoid National Call Centres and Bait Pricing

This is a big one, and where many people unknowingly get caught out.

When you search for a locksmith online, you may see ads offering emergency locksmiths for as little as £39. It sounds appealing, especially in a panic, but unfortunately, this is often a bait-and-switch tactic. Once they arrive, you'll likely find the price quickly increases, sometimes by hundreds of pounds, as they claim extra charges for labour, specialist parts, or even just drilling out the lock unnecessarily.

At East Kent Locksmiths, I run a genuine independent local business, serving Margate, Ramsgate, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Thanet and the wider Kent area. When you call, you’re speaking directly to me, not a call centre who’ll subcontract the work to an unknown operator.

A local locksmith is invested in the community and reputation, knows the area and can respond faster, and offers personal service, not a revolving door of unknown contractors.

Look for Authenticity, Real People, Real Business

In this industry, authenticity matters. Take a moment to really look at the locksmith’s website and social media.

Do they use real photographs of themselves, their van, tools, and work? Do they feature genuine customer reviews and case studies? Are they regularly posting updates showing recent jobs or useful advice?

Many rogue locksmith websites are cheaply built with stock images that you’ll see copied across dozens of sites. There’s no personal introduction, no real van, no team photos because often, there isn’t really a business behind the advert.

At East Kent Locksmiths, everything you see online is genuine. That's me, my tools, my van, and the work I’ve personally completed for customers across Kent. My sign-written van is fully equipped, insured, and easily identifiable. You won’t find me operating out of a private car like many rogue traders do.

Clear Pricing, No Surprises

Before any work starts, you should always receive a clear, upfront quote. This should include labour costs, lock hardware prices, call-out fees if any, and VAT or additional charges.

At East Kent Locksmiths, I’m always happy to explain pricing in detail before attending, so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Be wary of anyone who refuses to give even a ballpark estimate or insists on arriving before giving any information. That’s often the first step in a high-pressure upsell.

Experience Matters, Every Lock and Situation is Different

Locks come in many forms, wooden doors, uPVC multi-point systems, high-security cylinders, British Standard night latches, digital locks, safes, and smart entry systems.

Each requires knowledge, the right tools, and a careful hand.

I’ve spent years building hands-on experience across domestic, commercial, and emergency entry jobs. Whether you’re locked out of your home, upgrading locks to insurance-approved standards, or securing your business, I bring specialist knowledge to every job, always using non-destructive entry techniques wherever possible.

Experience also means knowing how to correctly assess vulnerabilities in your property and recommend the best solution without overselling unnecessary products.

Insurance and Guarantees Provide Peace of Mind

A reputable locksmith should carry public liability insurance to protect your property in the unlikely event that something goes wrong.

I’m fully insured, and I also provide guarantees on both the workmanship and the locks supplied. That means if you ever experience a fault with a newly fitted lock, you can call me directly, and I’ll resolve it promptly.

Legitimate Documentation, No Excuses

Upon completion of any job, always request a proper receipt, a clear breakdown of parts and labour, and any warranties offered on the products installed.

Rogue operators often work cash-in-hand and provide no paperwork, leaving you exposed if issues arise later.

At East Kent Locksmiths, you’ll always receive full documentation for your records.

The Big Red Flag, Too Good to Be True Pricing

As I often say to customers, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Locksmithing requires proper tools, parts, training, and time. Prices quoted as low as £39 rarely reflect the real cost of any legitimate locksmith service. Instead, they’re designed to get a foot in the door before the upselling begins.

Instead of chasing the lowest quote, focus on proven expertise, transparency, and trustworthiness. That’s far more valuable than saving £20 upfront.

Emergency Locksmith Tips: Stay Safe and Secure

If you find yourself locked out, it’s easy to panic, but taking a few simple precautions can protect you from rogue locksmiths.

First, never let anyo

ne into your property unless you are confident they are legitimate. Ask for identification and proof of credentials before opening the door.

Secondly, always ask for a quote before work begins, even in an emergency. Genuine locksmiths like East Kent Locksmiths will provide clear pricing and won’t pressure you into costly extras.

If possible, call a locksmith you already know or who has been recommended by someone you trust. For East Kent residents, you can contact me directly anytime, I’m local, reliable, and respond promptly to emergency calls.

My Personal Advice

Choosing a locksmith shouldn’t be stressful, but sadly, it often becomes so when people encounter rogue traders, high-pressure sales tactics, or poor workmanship.

If you follow the steps above, verify credentials, go local, look for authenticity, demand clear pricing, and check for proper insurance, you’ll place yourself in a strong position to make a safe, informed choice.

And of course, if you’re in East Kent, I’d be happy to personally help you.

Whether you’re locked out, moving house and need locks changed, upgrading your home security, securing your business premises, or simply looking for honest advice, you can reach me directly, speak to me personally, and know exactly who will be attending your property.

Bonus TIP: How to Maintain Your Locks and Security

Choosing a good locksmith is just the start. Maintaining your locks properly can save you money and keep your property secure over time.

Regularly check your locks and door hardware for wear or damage. Lubricate locks with specialist graphite powder to keep mechanisms working smoothly avoid using oil, which can attract dirt.

Consider upgrading to insurance-approved locks if you haven’t already, especially on external doors. High-security cylinders and multi-point locking systems offer better protection against forced entry.

At East Kent Locksmiths, I’m always happy to provide maintenance advice or arrange a security review to make sure your home or business is as safe as possible.