Locksmiths Insurance
Protect your locksmith business from property damage claims, security-related disputes and tool theft with cover designed for your trade.
Get in touchWhat is locksmiths insurance?
Locksmiths insurance is a specialist policy that protects locksmith businesses from the unique risks of gaining entry to properties, installing security systems and providing emergency call-out services. It typically includes public liability, professional indemnity and tools cover.
Working on clients' doors, locks and security systems means you could face claims for property damage, faulty installations or security failures. The right insurance protects your business against these risks.
Find cover options from specialist insurers who cover the locksmith trade, ensuring your cover accounts for emergency call-outs and security system installations.
Public Liability
Covers claims if you damage a client's property while gaining entry or fitting locks.
Professional Indemnity
Protects you if a client claims your security advice or specification was inadequate.
Tools and Equipment
Covers your specialist locksmith tools, key-cutting equipment and diagnostic devices.
Employers Liability
Required by law if you employ anyone, covering injury and illness claims.
Who needs locksmiths insurance?
Emergency locksmiths
Providing 24-hour lock-out and emergency entry services
Auto locksmiths
Specialising in vehicle lock-outs and key programming
Commercial locksmiths
Installing and maintaining security systems for businesses
Master key system installers
Designing and fitting master key and restricted key systems
Safe engineers
Working on safes, vaults and high-security containers
Licensing and accreditation for locksmiths
Locksmiths are not required to hold a formal licence in the UK, and locksmithing is largely unregulated. However, if you fit locks to commercial properties, secure data centres, or provide security-related services, you may be subject to security vetting under the Security Industry Authority (SIA). SIA licensing is not currently mandatory for locksmiths, but some insurance companies require disclosure of security work.
Residential clients expect locksmiths to carry public liability insurance before allowing them access to properties. Commercial clients, property developers, and insurance companies typically require certificates and may conduct background checks for security work.
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement but is expected by almost all clients. Many residential properties require proof of insurance before allowing a locksmith access, and commercial contracts specify minimum cover levels.
Insurance protects you if your work causes damage to locks, doors, or property. If you undertake security work or install high-value locks, confirm your cover includes these activities and that you are not restricted by vetting or disclosure requirements.
How much does locksmiths insurance cost?
£120 – £350 per year for sole traders; locksmiths with employees or those providing high-security installations may pay £450 – £900
Real claims: what locksmiths insurance covers
A locksmith's attempt to open a damaged lock on a residential door caused damage to the door frame and lock mechanism that required expensive replacement.
Public liability covered the full cost of replacing the damaged door frame and lock, and compensation to the customer for access denial and inconvenience.
£3,200 total — £2,400 door frame and lock replacement, £600 compensation for access denial and inconvenience, £200 legal fees
A locksmith's improper installation of a high-security lock system on commercial premises created a security weakness that was exploited by intruders, leading to theft of valuable equipment.
Professional indemnity covered the cost of correcting the lock installation and the customer's compensation for the security failure, though not the theft itself (which is the property owner's insurance concern).
£8,500 total — £5,500 remedial lock installation and security assessment, £2,500 compensation to customer for security failure, £500 legal fees
A locksmith's forced entry to an antique door caused fractures in hand-carved wooden panels, damaging a historic feature that cost significant money to restore.
Public liability covered the full cost of professional restoration of the historic wooden panels by a specialist carpenter.
£6,800 total — £6,200 specialist restoration of historic panels, £600 legal fees
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Cover for property access risks
Gaining entry to properties carries inherent damage risks. Cecil finds insurers who cover locksmiths specifically, so accidental damage to doors and frames is included.
Professional indemnity for security work
If a client claims your lock installation or security advice was inadequate, professional indemnity covers the claim. Cecil makes sure this is part of every locksmith policy.
Tools and diagnostic equipment covered
Locksmith tools and electronic diagnostic equipment are expensive and portable. Cecil ensures your cover protects these items in your van, on site and at your workshop.
Quick quotes for busy locksmiths
Emergency locksmiths need cover sorted quickly. Get your options in minutes with no lengthy forms or phone calls.
Common questions about locksmiths insurance
Do locksmiths need public liability insurance?
Public liability is not a legal requirement, but it is essential for locksmiths. You are working directly on clients' property and security systems, so the potential for damage claims is significant.
Do locksmiths need professional indemnity insurance?
If you advise clients on security solutions or specify hardware, professional indemnity protects you against claims that your specification was inadequate.
Does locksmiths insurance cover damage when gaining entry?
Yes, accidental damage to doors, frames and surrounding property during a lock-out is typically covered under your public liability policy.
What level of public liability do locksmiths need?
Most locksmiths carry between £1m and £2m of public liability cover. Commercial security work may require higher limits.
Is there specialist insurance for auto locksmiths?
Auto locksmiths face specific risks related to vehicle entry and key programming. Cecil works with insurers who include cover for accidental vehicle damage during lock-out work.
Do I need SIA licensing to work as a locksmith?
SIA licensing is not currently mandatory for locksmiths in the UK, but some insurance companies require disclosure of security work or background checks. If you work on high-security systems or commercial premises, declare this to your insurer. This may affect your cover or require additional vetting.
Am I covered if I damage a customer's door or lock while attempting to open it?
Yes, public liability covers accidental damage caused during lock opening. However, clarify with the customer in advance that some damage may occur. Document the condition of the lock before work and explain what damage may be necessary to achieve access.
What if I am called out to open a property and it later turns out to be a burglary?
If you have reason to believe entry is fraudulent, do not proceed. Request appropriate identification and contact local police if suspicious. Document the situation and notify your insurer. Your cover does not apply if you assist in unlawful access.
Do I need to inform customers about key duplication and data protection?
You must comply with the Data Protection Act if you hold customer information. If you duplicate keys, only do so for customers who provide clear proof of ownership or authorisation. Poor practice here can expose you to liability claims and loss of cover.
Am I covered for UPVC door lock repairs and replacements?
Yes, UPVC lock work is typically covered under standard locksmith insurance. However, some policies may exclude certain modern electronic or smart locks. If you work on electronic locks or smart home systems, confirm these are explicitly covered.
Interested in Locksmiths insurance?
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