Locked out of your home: what to do

Locked out? What to check first, who to ring, and how to avoid being overcharged by a locksmith.

Check the easy options first

Try every door, including back, side and patio doors.
Ask anyone else who has a key: a partner, family, a neighbour or a friend.
If you rent, ring your landlord or letting agent. Many keep a spare, and some have an out-of-hours line.
If someone vulnerable is inside and at risk, or there's a danger such as a hob left on, call 999.

Don't force your way in

Climbing through a window is risky, and forcing a door or window often does more damage than a locksmith would cost. A good locksmith can open most standard doors without damaging the lock.

Get a fixed price before anyone comes out

Some locksmith adverts show a low "from" price, and the real bill only appears once the work is done. Before you agree to anything, ask for the full price for call-out and labour, plus a range for parts in case the lock has to be replaced.

On LockedPrice every quote is a fixed price for call-out and labour. It can only change if you approve a new price in writing in the app.

What a good locksmith will do

Ask for proof that you live there, such as ID with your address, a bill or your tenancy agreement. That protects you.
Try to open the door without damage before drilling anything.
Tell you the cost before replacing a lock, and let you decide.
Give you a receipt.

If your keys were lost or stolen

If the keys were with anything showing your address, get the locks changed, or at least the cylinder. Check your home insurance too: many policies include cover for replacing locks after lost or stolen keys.