Best Locksmith Claims: What Really Matters When You Hire

Why slogans don't tell you much

Plenty of locksmiths describe themselves in glowing terms, and nobody checks. A slogan tells you how a business wants to be seen, not how it works. The useful questions are about licensing, pricing, identification and how the job is carried out.

Check the licence

In California, locksmith companies are licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), and you can look up a licence on the BSIS website. Ask any locksmith for their licence number when you call; a legitimate business will give it without hesitation.

Get a quote before work starts

A professional will ask about the lock, door or vehicle and give you a price, or a clear range, before sending someone. On site, the technician should confirm the price before beginning and ask before doing anything extra.

Look for professionalism on arrival

• The technician can tell you which company they're from
• They ask for your ID and proof you live at the address or own the vehicle
• They explain what they're going to do and why
• They give you a written or emailed invoice with the business name

Warning signs

• A very low phone price that grows a lot once the technician arrives
• Refusing to give any price or range on the phone
• Answering the phone with a generic phrase like 'locksmith service' and no business name
• Going straight to drilling a standard lock without trying other methods
• Pressure to buy expensive hardware you didn't ask about

Why local matters

A locksmith who works in your area knows the buildings, the parking and the common lock types. If there's a problem afterwards, you know who to call. Read more about how we work on our emergency locksmith page, or call 323-803-1727 with any question.