Find Locksmiths in the UK

A locksmith is a skilled professional who works with locks, keys, and security systems. They can help with a wide array of tasks, including:

• Lock installation

• Lock repair

• Emergency lockouts

• Key cutting

• Safe installation

Locksmiths can also help with rekeying, safe opening, general security upgrades, and even installing electronic access systems.

In the UK, locksmiths are regularly called out during emergencies, where people no longer have access to their homes, cars, or workplaces. Even so, many of the services locksmiths provide are not urgent, and are simply available to help people improve the security of their properties.

To find a reliable service, you can either browse nearby locksmiths or post a free enquiry, and let them get in touch with you.

Auto locksmiths specifically work with vehicle locks and keys. They offer a variety of services covering vehicle security, including:

• Car key programming

• Ignition repair

• Vehicle lockouts

• Car key cutting

• Duplicating car keys

Auto locksmiths provide these services with precision and care, making sure the vehicle isn’t damaged during the work. You can also expect to pay less for these auto locksmith services than you would for equivalent services from dealerships.

As with generalist locksmiths, the best way to find a reliable professional is on Yell. Either browse nearby auto locksmiths or post a free enquiry and let the experts get in touch with you.

The cost of hiring a locksmith in the UK can vary depending on the service required, time of day, and location. For a standard job like rekeying a lock, expect to pay between £50 and £100. Emergency services, particularly those outside of normal working hours, can be more expensive, often ranging from £80 to £250.

We recommend you always request detailed quotes from several services before hiring anyone. This way, you can make sure you’re getting good value for money, and you’ll also avoid any unexpected fees that could bump up the price significantly.

You can learn more about potential expenses with our guide on how much a locksmith costs.

The amount you’ll be charged by an auto locksmith will partly depend on your location, the time of day, and the service you’re requesting. In general, though, you should expect to pay between £30 and £120. Bear in mind that prices could increase if you’re asking for help at short notice, or outside of normal working hours.

To make sure that you’re getting the best possible value for money, it’s usually best to ask for quotes from several nearby auto locksmiths. This will help you understand what the typical cost of the job is, and allows you to choose the most favourable payment terms and conditions.

Locksmiths in the UK are not legally required to hold a specific licence to operate. Don’t worry, though, you can still find reliable locksmiths in your area. Many locksmiths choose to join reputable industry associations like the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), which sets standards for skills and ethics in the profession.

You can check whether locksmiths belong to the Master Locksmiths Association by searching their name on the MLA register. Membership with such organisations is a sign of credibility and professionalism. Always check if your locksmith has relevant certifications or is affiliated with a recognised association and you stand a much better chance of picking well.

For most standard lockouts, skilled locksmiths can usually open doors in between 5 and 30 minutes. More complex, higher-security locks (or electronic systems) are probably going to take longer. The exact time it takes for a locksmith to unlock a door depends on the type of lock and the complexity of the mechanism.

When taking quotes from your local locksmiths, you could ask them how long they anticipate unlocking the mechanism will take. For them to provide an accurate estimate, you’ll need to give them information about the type of lock they’ll be dealing with, as well as any access issues that might be present.

Yes, locksmiths can make a new key without the original by using the lock's key code or by disassembling the lock to determine the correct key pattern. This service is common for lost house keys or when you need a spare car key.

Auto locksmiths can also program a new key for your vehicle even if the original key is lost. Whether you’re dealing with lost car keys or house keys, it’s best to let the locksmith know the situation clearly, so they’re adequately prepared to deal with the problem when they arrive.

Rekeying a lock involves altering the internal mechanism so that it works with a new key, while changing a lock means replacing the entire lock hardware. Rekeying is often cheaper, especially when the existing locks are still in good condition.

Of course, there might be situations where rekeying a lock simply isn’t the right solution. Locksmiths can advise on whether to press ahead with rekeying or replacing the lock based on your specific needs.

If you've lost your keys, experts recommend either rekeying or changing your locks. This makes sure the security of your property isn’t compromised. A locksmith can rekey the existing locks so that old keys no longer work, providing a cost-effective way to secure your home or business without replacing all the locks.

If you fail to rekey or change your lock, there’s a chance that your old keys could be used to enter the property. Paying for an expert to secure your property not only protects you and your possessions but delivers peace of mind as well.

Yes, most locksmiths provide 24/7 emergency services for situations like lockouts, broken locks, or lost keys. In general, both locksmiths and auto locksmiths are happy to provide emergency services that help you regain entry or re-secure your property.

For example, if you can't remove a broken key from a lock yourself, you may need a locksmith to visit your property urgently and help you regain entry. Although it's less common, the same thing can happen with keys in vehicle locks.

Be aware that emergency callouts, especially outside of regular working hours, often come with additional fees. You can ask nearby locksmiths about these additional fees when taking quotes. This will help you choose the service offering the best value for money.

Yes, auto locksmiths are equipped with the tools and expertise to program new car keys, including transponder keys and remote key fobs. They can create a new key for your vehicle even if the original is lost, which is so often the case.

This is a valuable service not just for its utility in helping you regain access to your vehicle, but for the fact you’re likely to pay much less than if you took your problem to a dealership. This is the most cost-effective way to get a set of working car keys again.

Remember: the problem with your car keys might be simpler than you realise. Try changing your car key's battery before calling an auto locksmith to see if you can resolve the problem more cheaply and quickly.

Yes, locksmiths who specialise in safe services can open a variety of safes, including combination, electronic, and key-operated models. They use specialised tools and techniques to unlock safes without causing damage. The complexity of the safe’s locking mechanism will affect how easy or hard it is to unlock.

Many locksmiths can also help install safes and vaults, change combinations. or repair safe locks. Since not every locksmith provides these kinds of services, you’ll need to ask around. Either browse nearby locksmiths or post a free enquiry and let qualified professionals contact you directly.

Yes, many locksmiths are trained to install electronic and smart locks, including keypad entry systems, fingerprint locks, and keyless door locks. They can help set up and program these systems to make sure they function correctly and securely, enhancing the safety of your property.

Since this is a more specialised type of service, you might need to speak to several locksmiths to find the right fit. Look for professionals with existing knowledge and a proven track record at installing electronic or smart locks. When it comes to security, you probably don’t want to use a novice.

Yes, locksmiths can often repair damaged locks and keys. They can fix or replace lock components like tumblers, springs, and pins to restore functionality. For keys, they may be able to duplicate or recut them if they are bent, worn, or broken.

In cases where a lock is beyond repair, they can recommend and install a suitable replacement. If the locksmith raises any doubts about the effectiveness of a repair on a broken lock, it’s best to take their advice and have a replacement lock installed. Remember, keeping weak and faulty locks is one of the most common home security mistakes in the UK.

Response times vary depending on the locksmith's location and the time of day. Many locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency services and aim to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes of your call. It’s always a good idea to ask for an estimated arrival time when you contact them.

If a locksmith cannot get to you as quickly as you’d like, you can always ask other local locksmiths for help. Since many services offer similar response times, you’ll have to balance service time against the urgency of your situation.

Most locksmiths can provide an initial quote over the phone based on the information you provide. Still, keep in mind that the final cost may vary depending on the complexity of the job. For more accurate pricing, it’s best to get a written estimate once the locksmith has assessed the situation in person.

Of course, you can also get quotes by providing a detailed breakdown in your free Yell enquiry. With the right details included, professionals can provide quotes by both phone and email, and without you having to gather details and phone around.

Professional locksmiths use non-destructive techniques to unlock doors whenever possible, meaning they aim to open the lock without causing damage. Of course, in some cases, such as with high-security locks, minimal damage may be unavoidable.

A reputable locksmith will inform you of the best approach and potential risks before proceeding. All skilled locksmiths do everything possible to avoid damage while unlocking house and car doors.

Many reputable locksmiths provide warranties on their work, covering both the labour and parts used. Warranties and guarantees typically range from 30 days to a year, depending on the type of service, the materials used, and other particulars related to the service request.

It’s important to ask about any guarantees before hiring a locksmith. Not all locksmiths are willing to provide guarantees, and you don’t want to find out you’re not covered once the work is complete and a problem presents itself.

When contacting an auto locksmith, be prepared to provide details such as the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the location of the car. Additionally, it’s helpful to explain the issue, whether it's a lockout, lost key, or faulty ignition. This information allows the locksmith to arrive prepared with the right tools and equipment.

If you can’t provide this type of information to your chosen locksmith, the unlocking, reprogramming, or key cutting process is likely to take longer. More concerningly, it might bring into question your ownership of the vehicle. For this reason, showing proof that it’s your car is always a good idea.

You’ll find sourcing and hiring high-quality locksmiths much easier if you know the right questions to ask them. After reading reviews and assessing service track records, you should have a shortlist of suitable locksmiths. Once you have that, here are the questions you should send their way.

• What are your payment terms and conditions?

You’ll probably already have basic estimated costs from locksmiths, but you need more specific payment terms and conditions to compare them fairly. Get a breakdown of what’s included in the service, including material and labour costs, short notice and cancellation charges, and their accepted payment methods.

They should also be willing to provide this in writing, so you have something you can point to if there are any disagreements later on, either during the work or after it’s completed. This is the most reliable way to get value for money from an honest, reliable locksmith for more substantial work.

• Do you provide any warranties or guarantees on the work?

Just in case things go wrong with the work, you need to make sure that your chosen locksmith provides some form of warranty or guarantee. If they don’t, you could be left with flawed results that don’t match your expectations.

Most reputable locksmiths in the UK are willing to offer warranties or guarantees of some sort. That’s all very well, but you still need to find out the terms and conditions, and the period you’re covered for. Once you know these details, you’re in a better position to decide if they’re the right service for you.

• Do you have insurance coverage in case something goes wrong?

Locksmiths require insurance to protect their customers and themselves in the event something goes wrong either during the work or after it’s completed. In general, locksmiths need public liability insurance, and possibly employers’ liability insurance (if they have a certain number of employees).

If they don’t have these forms of insurance – or if they aren’t willing to show proof that they’re covered – it’s a red flag. You’re far better off choosing a more reputable service that has the right protections in place.

• Can you provide any references?

Reviews are a great way to quickly gauge whether a business provides high-quality services, but you might want further evidence before hiring someone. That’s particularly the case for more substantial projects. For this reason, consider asking whether your locksmith can provide any references.

Ideally, these references should be for similar types of work, like installing a safe, for example. This will show you that they’re a legitimate operation, and that they’re willing to stand behind the quality of their work. If they won’t or can’t provide any references, that could look suspect

• Are you a member of any trade associations, like the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)?

In the UK, locksmiths are not required to gain certification or qualifications to operate. Accordingly, you should check whether your local locksmiths belong to any trade bodies or associations. The relevant bodies in the UK are: the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and The National Guide of Certified Locksmiths.

These bodies exist to uphold industry standards and protect the public from scams and shady operators. If locksmiths belong to one or both of these organisations, the likelihood is they’re a competent and reputable service. You can ask for proof of their enrolment, or check the respective registers yourself.