Locksmith Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

Locksmith prices vary more than most home services because the job could be anything from unlocking a door to replacing every lock in a house. The time of day, your location, and the type of lock all change the final bill.

Below are the prices that published sources report for the most common jobs at home and on the road, plus what to watch for when you call a locksmith in a hurry.

Vehicle work depends on the make, the year, and the type of key. A basic lockout is quick. Replacing a modern key with a built-in chip takes equipment and programming, which raises the price.

If you have a spare key or roadside assistance through your insurer or auto club, check those first. A lockout may already be covered.

Some locksmiths bill by the hour and others quote a flat price for the job. Rates differ between regular and emergency hours.

Being locked out at night or on a weekend costs more. Locksmiths charge a premium because they have to leave home and drive to you outside normal hours.

Ask for the total price before the locksmith leaves for your address, including the service call fee, labor, and any parts. A legitimate company will give you a price range over the phone or explain what it depends on.

Locksmith companies publish their own price guides, so the numbers reflect where and how each company works. A shop in one metro area may price differently from one in another, and a firm that markets heavily to emergency calls may report higher typical prices than one that focuses on scheduled work.

Treat each figure as a guide, not a quote. Local prices are what you will actually pay, so call two or three nearby locksmiths when you can.

Rekeying changes the internal pins so an old key no longer works, while the lock itself stays in place. It costs less than replacing hardware and makes sense after you move into a home or lose a key. Replacing the lock is the better choice if it is damaged, worn, or too basic for the security you want. Upgrading to a smart lock is an option, though installation is its own category of work.

Lockout calls attract scammers. Warning signs include:

• A very low quoted price that rises sharply on arrival.
• A company that answers with a generic phrase instead of a business name.
• A technician who arrives in an unmarked vehicle or cannot show identification and a license where your state requires one.
• Pressure to drill the lock when a skilled locksmith could open it without damage.

Look for a local business with a real address and reviews. Get the price in writing, and ask for an itemized receipt.

Have the address, the type of lock, and the make and model of the door or vehicle ready. Say whether it is a lockout, a broken key, or a lock you want changed, since each is priced differently. Be ready to show photo ID and proof that you live at the property, because a reputable locksmith will ask for it before opening a door. Ask whether the quoted price includes the trip, labor, and any new key or parts, and whether payment by card is accepted.

• Call during business hours if you can wait.
• Keep a spare key with someone you trust.
• Ask whether rekeying several locks at once reduces the per-lock price.
• Compare a phone quote from at least two locksmiths.