Locksmith Services & Costs
Let's face it, everyone gets locked out at some point in their lives. It's an inevitable part of living in a world where security is key and everyone is busy and distracted all the time. To better prepare for lockout scenarios or to determine whether or not you should wait for a friend or landlord to arrive, reference LockPickShop's handy guide on locksmith costs and locksmithing services. We're experts in the field of locksmithing and lock picking, and we'll help you with all your locksmithing questions and concerns.
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?
The cost of a locksmith depends on the type of service, the hour of the day and whether or not your concern requires backup or specialized tools. Generally, locksmiths charge a flat-rate "house call" fee when you've become locked out of your home or car. This minimum charge can range between $35 and $150 during regular business hours. If you need an after-hours locksmith, you may be paying up to $250 for the visit in costly or rural areas, or around $150 in others. Some locksmiths may charge a base-rate visit fee plus labor charges, so be sure to ask up-front when calling around for a quote.
Locksmithing Services
Additional costs may accrue depending on your specific issues. If you need to have a copy of your key made, you'll probably pay between $1.50 and $5 for standard keys or as much as $20 for specialty house keys. Automotive keys with built-in transponder chips and other technologies are some of the most costly keys to replace and may run you as high as $200 each. Other services, such as lock rekeying (roughly $30 to $100 plus the cost of the lock cylinders) and new locks (roughly $30 to $100 plus labor charges) may contribute to a higher bill. The best way to avoid breaking the bank when hiring a locksmith is to prevent lockouts.