"Best locksmith" claims: what actually matters

Search for a locksmith and you will see plenty of superlatives. They cost nothing to write. What tells you about a locksmith is how they behave when you call and when they arrive.

Signs of a professional

• They answer with a clear business name.
• They ask what the problem is and give a price or a range before coming out.
• The technician shows ID and asks for yours.
• They try non-destructive methods first.
• They explain the options and don't push upgrades you don't need.

Licensing and insurance in California

In California, locksmith companies are licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). You can look up a licence on the BSIS website. Ask whether the company carries liability insurance too, and whether its technicians belong to a trade body such as ALOA.

Red flags

• No business name or local address
• A phone quote that is suspiciously low
• Refusing to give any price before starting
• An unmarked car and no identification
• Pressure to replace a lock that could be opened or rekeyed

Why local matters

A local company relies on its reputation in the community, knows the hardware common in the area and has a reason to come back if something isn't right. Judge any locksmith, including us, on what they do rather than what they claim. Call 714-548-3101 and ask us these questions.

Frequently asked questions