This Client Liability Waiver ("Waiver") is entered into by and between the client ("Client") and Key Smith, providing professional locksmith services within the United Kingdom. It should be read together with the Key Smith Terms and Conditions.
By requesting, authorising, or permitting Key Smith to perform any work, service, or entry, the Client agrees to be bound by the terms set forth below.
1. Verification of Authority and Ownership
The Client explicitly warrants, represents, and guarantees that they are the legal owner, lawful tenant, or authorised agent of the property, vehicle, lock or safe upon which services are requested.
The Client agrees to provide valid government-issued photographic identification and proof of address or occupancy upon Key Smith’s request prior to the commencement of any work.
If Key Smith has reasonable cause to doubt the Client’s authority, identity, or ownership, Key Smith reserves the right to refuse service immediately without liability.
If the Client has misrepresented their authority, identity, or ownership, the Client agrees to compensate Key Smith for any loss, claim, or expense arising from that misrepresentation.
2. Consent to Work and Non-Destructive Entry
Key Smith will make reasonable efforts to utilise non-destructive entry (NDE) methods where appropriate and feasible. However, the Client acknowledges that certain locking mechanisms, security hardware, severely damaged locks, or emergency situations may require destructive entry methods (e.g., drilling, cutting, breaking components).
The Client provides explicit, informed consent for Key Smith to proceed with destructive entry techniques if deemed necessary to gain access, secure the premises, or complete the requested service.
3. Pre-Existing Condition and Photographs
The Client agrees to point out any existing damage, fragile items, or known faults with the door, lock, frame, or surrounding area before work begins.
Key Smith may photograph the lock, door, and surrounding area before and after the work as a record of its condition. These photographs are kept as part of the job record and may be used to resolve any later query about the work.
4. Limitation of Liability and Property Damage Waiver
The Client acknowledges that locksmithing interventions—particularly on vintage, high-security, damaged, weathered, or neglected mechanisms—carry inherent risks of cosmetic or structural damage to doors, frames, surrounding woodwork, glass, paintwork, vehicle body panels, and existing hardware.
Key Smith shall exercise reasonable care and professional skill; however, Key Smith accepts no financial or legal liability for unavoidable damage caused during lawful entry, lock picking, drilling, or extraction of broken keys.
The Client agrees to hold Key Smith harmless from any claims, losses, or expenses arising from damage caused to the property or vehicle during the authorised execution of services.
Nothing in this Waiver excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, for fraud, or for any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
Key Smith holds public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Nothing in this Waiver prevents the Client from making a claim where Key Smith is legally liable.
5. Security Advice and Insurance
No lock or security measure can guarantee that a property or belonging will never be broken into. Key Smith does not guarantee the security of any property, lock, or vehicle.
The Client is responsible for checking whether their home or contents insurer requires a particular standard of lock (for example, a British Standard certified lock). Key Smith is not liable for any decision by an insurer to refuse or reduce a claim.
6. Emergency Call-Outs and Property Abandonment
In emergency situations involving vulnerable persons or security compromises, Key Smith acts in good faith based on the instructions of the person authorising entry.
Key Smith is not liable for any subsequent security breaches, weather damage, or loss resulting from a delayed repair if a temporary secure fix is necessary pending parts ordering.
7. Governing Law
This Waiver shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales (or the applicable jurisdiction within the United Kingdom where services are rendered), and both parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts.
8. Acknowledgment and Acceptance
By signing below or authorising the commencement of work verbally or electronically, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms, waivers, and conditions outlined in this document.