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| Typical costs: | - The cost of having a locksmith make a "house call" when you've locked yourself out of your home or vehicle varies considerably depending on location, type of lock and time of day, but starts with a minimum charge (also called a mobile fee) of $35 -$150 for coming to you. Service on evenings, weekends or holidays can go as high as $150 -$250, particularly in high-priced or remote areas and depending how much time and work is involved. Some locksmiths include most standard lock-out services in their house-call price; others charge a lower minimum but additional fees for specific services, such as drilling out the lock. Having the locksmith rekey or replace the locks adds to the total cost.
- Locksmiths typically charge $1.50 -$4 to copy a standard key, but they may charge $3 -$20 or more for specialized keys, and it can be $50 -$175 for vehicle keys with an electronic or transponder chip.
- To come to your home and re-key your door locks, a locksmith will usually charge a minimum fee of $40 -$100 plus anywhere from $5 -$25 per lock cylinder.
- To come to your home and install new door locks that you supply, a locksmith will usually charge a $40 -$100 minimum fee plus labor charges of $20 -$30 per lock.
What should be included: | - Locksmith licensing requirements vary widely between states; in some states locksmiths have to pass an exam and in others, states they simply have to pay a licensing fee. Professional locksmiths should have insurance, plus a substantial investment in equipment and inventory. A locksmith hosts videos discussing how locks work and the standard types of locks.
Additional costs: | - When getting estimates over the telephone, ask detailed questions about what is included or you may end up with a much higher bill than expected. A locked-out homeowner was quoted $55 on the phone for coming to her home, but ended up with a total bill of $200. In addition to the service charge of $55, she was billed $85.85 to break in (drilling the lock), $15.15 to uninstall the old lock, $5.55 for a new lock, and $15.15 to install the new lock, less a $25 discount both for paying cash and because the locksmith arrived later than promised.
Shopping for a locksmith: | - If you're locked out of your car and have a roadside assistance service, call that service first. Roadside assistance plans often have a list of companies pre-approved to unlock cars.
- If possible, call several locksmiths for their rates. Try to give as many details as possible about what you need done (such as the brand of lock and whether it's a metal or wood door, or the make, model and year of the vehicle).
- Ask about the locksmith's training and experience, whether the company is insured (in case your property is damaged during the process), and if there will be additional charges for after-hours work or other fees. Search for certified locksmiths with the Associated Locksmiths of America
- When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, including a business card and, if applicable, a locksmith license (locksmith licenses are required in nine states -- Alabama, California, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas). The locksmith may ask to see your ID, in order to verify your identity and that you are the property owner.
- The Federal Trade Commission warns against locksmiths that appear local but operate deceptively in wide-ranging areas with an 800 phone number, and without proper professional training. The FTC offers tips for hiring a reputable locksmith.
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Article updated September 2009 |
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