Trusted with every key.
General liability, coverage for faulty work and key control, tools and van coverage, crime and fidelity bonds, and workers' comp for mobile, storefront and commercial locksmiths.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Locks, keys and trust
A locksmith's biggest claims rarely come from a slip in the shop. They come after the job: a lock that fails and a home gets burglarized, a master key that ends up in the wrong hands, a door or safe damaged during a lockout. Customers hand you access to their property, so your insurance has to answer for that trust.
In California, locksmith companies are licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, and their locksmiths register with the Bureau. I set up general liability with completed operations, coverage for the customer property in your care, tools and van coverage, and a bond when a contract asks for one.
- General liabilityDamage on the job and completed work.
- Care, custody or controlDoors, safes and locks you are working on, when added.
- Tools and inventoryKey machines, picks and stock in the van.
- Commercial autoService vans driven for work.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- License: BSIS locksmith company license number.
- Work: residential, commercial, automotive and safe work by share.
- Key control: how you track master keys and codes.
- Vehicles: vans and who drives them.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures and number of locksmiths.
- History: current policies and claims.
Locksmith insurance, answered
Do I need a license to work as a locksmith in California?
Yes. Locksmith companies are licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, and locksmith employees register with it. Larger jobs at one site can also need a contractor's license from CSLB.
If a lock I installed fails and there's a break-in, am I covered?
Completed operations coverage under general liability often responds when your work is blamed for damage, subject to the policy terms. Theft claims can be disputed, so job records matter.
Does general liability cover a door I damage on a lockout?
Damage to property you are working on is often excluded. I add care, custody or control coverage where a market offers it.
Do I need a bond?
Some commercial clients and property managers ask for a fidelity or license bond. I can add one alongside the policy.
Do you offer locksmith insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Insure your locksmith business
Tell me about your license, your work mix and your vans. I'll find markets that write locksmiths and explain what each policy covers.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.