Locksmith in an Emergency: These Tips Protect You From High Costs

Just taking out the garbage or accompanying a friend to their car. Then at the front door the realization, eyes wide open, frantic searching: The key is still in the apartment. Most of the time, this happens when it's pouring rain, an important appointment is on the agenda or a train has to be caught. It is even more unpleasant when the key is missing and it is unclear whether it has been lost or even stolen.

Now only the locksmith can help. But often one is pretty uncertain in such an emergency situation:

What do locksmiths cost - especially at night or on weekends? Is the locksmith allowed to let you into the house at all? How do you make sure that you get a reputable locksmith?

You can find the answers here. 

1. What is a locksmith allowed to charge?
2. When can a locksmith open the door?
3. Who pays in case of a defective lock or loss of keys?
4. Which insurance covers the locksmith?
5. Home Cover from Livy Plus: You are protected even without homeowners insurance
6. Save yourself high costs with the key emergency service: 5 tips

1. What is a locksmith allowed to charge?

What a bummer! The key inside, the door closed. No one's home.

In such a situation you would give just about anything to get back into the apartment. At the same time, of course, nobody wants to be exploited in an emergency situation and pay absurdly high prices. So: How much does a locksmith service cost?

How expensive a locksmith service is naturally depends on the provider and also on the situation and time of day. According to the German consumer center, the costs for a key emergency service should be between 70 and 120 euro during the day on workdays. If you are locked out at night or on the weekend, a surcharge may be added.

But don't worry: high three-digit or even four-digit amounts are completely overdrawn. If your lock has been damaged and you ask for an emergency lock, this will of course cost extra. Here's a tip: When you move in, do your research for a trustworthy locksmith and what they require. That way you will know exactly what to expect in an emergency.

2. When can a locksmith open the door?

Of course, the locksmith is not allowed to open the door for everyone. After all, anyone could claim that it is his apartment.

Therefore, the locksmith must make sure that he does not open the door to a person with the wrong intention. In most cases, you have to provide proper identification so you can prove that it is your apartment. If things really went south and your identification is also in the apartment, you can still show them afterwards. If necessary, your neighbors can also be questioned.

3. Who pays in case of a defective lock or loss of keys?

You need a locksmith - who pays?

Basically, you have to pay for the costs of a key emergency service yourself. However, there are a few ways to protect yourself in advance. For example, you can take out an emergency house and apartment insurance with your insurance company or just use Home Cover from Livy Plus. Click here to learn more.

4. Which insurance covers the locksmith?

A homeowners insurance does not cover the costs of a locksmith or an emergency lock.

However, there is another solution: In addition to your homeowners insurance, you can also take out an emergency house and apartment protection policy so that your insurance pays for the locksmith. The house and apartment protection insurance also includes other insurances such as heating or sanitary emergencies.

Click here to find out more.

5. Home Cover from Livy Plus: You are protected even without homeowners insurance

You don't have homeowners insurance? You want a cheap and uncomplicated insurance for emergency situations? Then the different Home Cover Packages are the perfect solution for you: For only 15-25 € per year you are covered all around - not only for the locksmith in an emergency, but also in case of water damage, after burglaries, problems with your heating, and more.

6. What do you need to know when you call a locksmith? With these five tips you will be well prepared in case of an emergency, so that everything goes according to plan.

1. Leave a spare key with friends or neighbors

The door slams shut and you are locked out? No problem, because your spare key is waiting one floor downstairs at your trusted neighbor. So instead of stress and emergency service there is a little chat in the stairwell.

2. Use a cylinder lock with an emergency function

Not all locks are alike! A profile cylinder lock with an emergency and danger function can also be opened from the outside if the key is inserted on the inside. This means that the lock does not have to be replaced and a lot of money can be saved.

3. Use a trusted and reliable provider

If you really need a locksmith: Make sure that you choose a local provider (to save travel costs) and that the provider is trustworthy. You can do this for example via the Livy App.

4. Arrange a fixed price in advance

This way, you can prevent an enormous bill at the end without any authorization.

5. Avoid paying in cash.

Only pay when you have a legitimate and complete invoice and do not let the locksmith force you to pay cash. If necessary, get the assistance of a neighbor and do not hesitate to call the police. Coercion is punishable by law!

7. Your advantages with the locksmith insurance from Home Cover

For less than 2 € per month you can insure yourself against losing your keys and many other emergencies in your rented apartment or home. If you have lost your key or locked yourself out, Home Cover offers you the following advantages:

• only certified providers 
• Acquisition of up to 500 € three times a year
• Emergency lock included
• Emergency service around the clock, also at night and on weekends
• Contact immediately and uncomplicated via the Livy App
• reasonable prices

Protection for your home? Find out more about Home Cover from Livy Plus.

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