When you call a locksmith, you’re often in an emergency. You might, for example, be locked out of your home, have found that your keys have been stolen, or have had a bag snatched, and need help as urgently as possible.

Our advice is to ensure you look for one thing: confirmation that your locksmith is a verified member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).

Unfortunately, a lack of regulation means that anyone with a few basic tools can claim to be a professional locksmith. Numerous reported issues have occurred where a home or business owner has been overcharged by a significant margin or left with new locks or keys that simply don’t work properly.

The MLA is a UK-specific trade association, and a business with membership status – which you can check quickly yourself – is undoubtedly the best possible provider of all emergency locksmith services.

What Is an MLA-Approved Locksmith and Why Does This Matter?

MLA-approved companies or tradespeople are professional locksmiths who have met stringent standards set by the trade association. The MLA dictates several mandatory requirements any locksmith must adhere to both to secure their membership and keep it:

  • Pass in-depth criminal record screenings and hold a valid DBS check.
  • Comply with regular inspections, which analyse the quality of the locksmith’s work, the standards they meet and how satisfied their customers are.
  • Ensure staff have appropriate training and qualifications, suitable equipment, good communication policies, and meet industry best practices.
  • Have at least one Qualified Master Locksmith who has completed the MLA Level 4 qualification – an Ofqual-regulated certification that is the highest available in the UK.

As we’ve touched on, there is no government or regulatory licensing scheme. That means the MLA is the only trade body that conducts periodic inspections and holds members to standards in terms of their abilities and the services they provide.

This is hugely important for consumers who might otherwise be charged inordinately high prices, receive substandard services, or end up paying an unqualified or rogue locksmith, which could make an already stressful situation much worse.

The Benefits to Home and Business Owners When Hiring an MLA-accredited Locksmith in Coventry

Finding an approved locksmith is very easy, and even if you’re in a rush, we strongly suggest taking the time to visit the MLA website – or bookmark the page on your phone so you’ll have it to hand when you need it.

Simply type in your postcode and the service you need, and you’ll get a list of all the nearby locksmiths with MLA approval, including links to their WhatsApp messaging, SMS and phone contact details. This provides you with all of the following assurances.

1. Knowing That Your Locksmith Is Trained and Trustworthy

The most obvious plus point to hiring a locksmith with MLA membership is that you can have complete confidence that they are highly qualified and possess the tools and expertise you need.

Trust is vital when you’re providing someone with access to your home and keys, and it’s well worth knowing that your locksmith has been screened and background checked to ensure they’re genuine and have no criminal background.

2. Confirming That All Work Is Fully Insured

Calling a locksmith without checking their credentials can result in work that may not be insured. This means that any damage or losses will put extra strain on top of the costs of dealing with lost keys or broken doors.

The MLA will never approve a locksmith without evidence that they hold comprehensive professional insurance and complete all installations or repairs correctly and with the appropriate tools.

3. Verifying That a Local Locksmith Is a Specialist in the Services They Offer

We provide varied services that extend beyond replacing or repairing broken locks. Choosing an accredited locksmith, or using the MLA search function, ensures you’ll be dealing with a professional who can provide the support you need, whether that is:

It’s never worth taking a chance with your home security. If you’re worried about break-ins or damage to your doors and locks, or how to prevent recurrences, we can also conduct a free security check to advise on any upgrades that may be beneficial.

4. Picking a Professional Locksmith Who Adheres to Industry Standards

Industry best practices, as inspected by the MLA, outline a comprehensive range of guidelines for locksmiths. These set out rules for how locksmiths must, for example, meet safety requirements, train new staff, vet employees, enforce transparency when offering quotes or suggestions, and protect the security of their clients’ homes and data.

5. Ensuring You’re Not Paying Over the Odds for Poor Quality Work

Alongside the risk of low-quality locks or door repairs that fail after a short period of time, any unqualified locksmith you find elsewhere could charge rates that an accredited locksmith wouldn’t dream of – and there is very little accountability or likelihood you’ll get your money back if you’re unhappy.

Professional locksmiths offer upfront pricing and can advise on more cost-effective options that might suit your requirements, such as replacing a weak lock with a reinforced security lock that will last a lifetime and won’t require continual repair.

6. Protecting Yourself Against Rogue Traders

While rare, rogue traders exist and often target vulnerable people when they are panicked and in desperate need of help, including when they have lost their keys or been locked out of their homes.

The issues are significant and can include taking covert copies of keys to facilitate future break-ins, providing a very low quote and then demanding multiple times that in payment, and using scams to capture credit card details.

7. Receiving Guarantees and Warranties Against Lock Repairs and Replacements

As we’ve covered, a reputable locksmith will always be insured. We will also advise on the guarantees available against our work and the warranties associated with specific products, such as replacement locks or new keys. 

In almost every case, you won’t need to use them, but consumers need to have proper protection when paying for any professional service.

8. Asking Questions With Confidence You’ll Receive Independent Advice

Finally, an MLA-approved team will be happy to offer their input and suggestions, recognising that many people aren’t familiar with the multitude of lock brands or repair options out there – and, because we’ve been independently verified as meeting the MLA standards, you’ll know our advice is dependable.

The team at Eydens Locksmiths and Security hope this guide illustrates the importance of selecting a locksmith you can rely on to complete the job to the best standards, and we would recommend saving a link to the MLA Directory should you ever need it.