A locksmith is paid to get into places, which makes this a trade where the insurer's questions are as much about trust as about accident. The cover has to answer for damage done deliberately and for suspicion that arrives afterwards.
Damage that was the job
Non destructive entry is the aim and is not always possible, so a locksmith routinely damages a lock, a cylinder, a frame or a door as part of the work. Whether a liability policy answers for that depends on how it treats damage to the item being worked on, which is the care, custody and control area. Policies written for this trade usually address it specifically, and a general tradesman policy often does not, which is the single most useful thing to check on a quote.
Getting it wrong, and the security you left behind
A lock fitted incorrectly, a mechanism that fails, a door left insecure after a callout, or a master suite keyed wrongly can all result in a burglary or an injury the customer will attribute to the work. Where the locksmith specified as well as fitted, an allegation that the recommendation was inadequate is a professional indemnity claim rather than a public liability one, and businesses doing commercial security surveys should carry both.
Keys, codes and the vetting behind them
Holding keys or master codes for commercial clients, landlords or managing agents concentrates a large exposure in a small business, and a lost key can mean rekeying a whole building. Insurers ask about key control, about disclosure checking for staff, and about trade association membership, because the customer's real fear is misuse rather than accident. Some commercial contracts require vetting to a stated standard before keys are handed over.
The van, the stock and the emergency callout
A locksmith's van carries tools, cylinders, locks and key blanks, which makes it a target and brings the usual overnight vehicle conditions into play. Out of hours emergency work means driving at night to unfamiliar addresses, which affects both the motor exposure and the personal safety questions an insurer asks. Where the business also fits alarms or access control, that is a separate activity with an installation and a monitoring dimension of its own.
Questions people ask about locksmith insurance
Is damage caused during entry covered?
It depends on how the wording treats damage to the item worked on. Policies written for locksmiths usually address it; a general tradesman policy often does not.
Do I need cover for holding clients' keys?
Yes. Key cover answers for rekeying a building after a loss, and commercial clients often require vetting to a stated standard as well.
Is a burglary after my work covered?
Where it follows from a fitting error, the liability policy responds. Where it follows from advice or a security specification, it is a professional indemnity claim.