When a door will not open, a key breaks or a vehicle is locked, an accurate description helps route the call correctly. This guide explains **how to request urgent locksmith assistance**, what information to prepare and what to confirm before dispatch.
For current availability, use the main 24-hour locksmith page and call to confirm the location, coverage and estimated arrival. You can also open the urgent 24-hour locksmith assistance request.
Call 112 if anyone is in immediate danger
Fire, smoke, gas, a medical emergency or a vulnerable person at risk requires the emergency services, not a commercial locksmith response.
Identify the service required
- Home or business door: emergency door opening.
- Broken key: broken-key extraction.
- Jammed or failed lock: lock repair.
- Security door: security-door locksmith.
- Lost or stolen keys: assess cylinder replacement or lock replacement.
- Locked vehicle: emergency car opening or automotive locksmith.
Opening, repair, replacement and producing a new key are separate jobs. Materials should not be assumed to be included.
Prepare and confirm the request
Provide the complete address, phone number, property or vehicle type, how it was locked, key location, visible damage and any previous attempt. For a vehicle, include make, model and approximate year. If every car key is lost, unlocking restores access but making or programming a key may require a separate workshop process.
“24 hour” does not guarantee immediate arrival or simultaneous coverage everywhere. Confirm team availability, supported location, estimated arrival and the known cost before dispatch. Ask what includes travel, labour, out-of-hours conditions and materials.
The technician may request identification and evidence of residence, ownership, tenancy, vehicle use or the owner’s permission. Explain in advance if documents are locked inside.
Avoid additional damage
Do not use cards, wires, screwdrivers, glue, drills or excessive force. Do not climb balconies or windows. If a key resists, stop turning it; if it breaks, do not push the fragment deeper.
On site, the technician checks the access authorisation and the mechanism. Preservation is prioritised when the condition and system permit it, but previous damage, multipoint locks and security doors can require a different approach. Additional work should be explained and authorised first.
For residential guidance, read locked door, key inside or lost. For a vehicle, read car locked with the key inside or lost. These two existing guides are currently in Portuguese.
Check 24-hour locksmith assistance or request urgent help by phone.