How much will I pay to hire a Locksmith?

What is a Locksmith?

A locksmith is someone who ensures your locks are secure and in good working order. They can also help with key problems, like if you lose your keys or need additional keys to be created. 

Usually, someone will call a locksmith when they are locked out of their home, business or car. Or, if you are worried your lock is not very secure then a locksmith can install a more robust solution.

Some locksmiths may also be able to assist with elements of digital security, such as keyfobs. If you’re lucky, you might even find a locksmith who can install your CCTV! 

What’s the average cost of calling out a Locksmith? 

Locksmiths provide a wide variety of services, with prices varying depending on the urgency of the issue and the complexity of the job. If you’re wondering how much a Locksmith costs on average, here’s a rough breakdown of costs: 

What changes the cost of a Locksmith? 

Several factors may influence how much you’ll pay for a locksmith, the main ones being how many locks need to be changed and the type of lock. 

The more complex the job, the higher the cost will be. Home or business premises security is highly important. Therefore, the cost of having locks changed or fixed is better than leaving the property vulnerable to theft or criminal damage. 

Locksmiths can also make copies of your keys, which is ideal if more than one person requires a key. Some locksmiths can also help with your general security, and advise on any upgrades or changes that are required. 

Another key factor influencing costs is the type of callout: 

Emergency callouts generally cost the highest, due to the inconvenience of the locksmith having to be on call to deal with emergencies at unsociable hours. On average, they cost around $200 - $450.

Although, emergency callout fees can range between $150-$200 just for attending, especially if a locksmith is called in the middle of the night or during the holidays. 

Door handle repair is much cheaper, starting at $55. Though, if the handle fault is preventing you from being able to lock your door, this could be a security risk. Therefore it could be classed as an emergency callout. 

Other price factors 

As locks are the main entry point into a building or vehicle, having issues with either the lock or key can be very frustrating, not to mention the threat it could cause to your security! 

Before you call up a locksmith, here are some of the services they can provide along with what to consider price-wise. 

• Lock replacement 

• Lost house keys 

• Window lock repair 

• Auto locksmith

Lock replacement

If you’re looking to improve the security in your home or commercial property, then you may require a locksmith to upgrade the locks on your windows and doors. 

Lock replacement is also advisable if you have just moved into a new home, otherwise, the previous occupants could still be able to gain access. 

Lock replacement may also be required for insurance purposes. Also, your locks can be replaced using a service known as keyed alike, which will mean all of your locks open with just one key. 

Lock replacement can be as low as $55 for a basic Euro cylinder and range anywhere up to $100 for a uPVC door lock replacement. The total cost very much depends on the type of lock and what the issue is. Some locksmiths may add a callout fee on top of the cost of the job, or price it as one job. 

Lost house keys

Let’s face it, most of us have lost our house keys at one point or another. They could be trapped inside the property, or you could have been a victim of theft. A locksmith who does key cutting can create a new set of keys for you. House key replacement averages at $77.50 and takes about 20 minutes to complete.

To save money in the future, it’s always worth having a spare key cut and leaving it somewhere safe, or with a trusted person. 

A locksmith can create new keys for windows, which are one of the easiest types of keys to make. If it’s not an urgent job, then you may be able to get a much better deal if you have the luxury of time to shop around. 

Window lock repair

There are many reasons why a window lock will require repairing. For example, the door could be jammed, the key will not fully turn or the key may go into the lock but won’t open. One of the most common callouts is for uPVC window locks. 

Expect to pay between $66 to $160 on average for a window lock repairing service. 

Auto locksmith

If you’re having issues with your vehicle locks, then an auto locksmith is what you need. It could be that you’ve lost your car keys, locked the keys inside your vehicle, or that the key has become stuck. Depending on the locksmith, they will work on the likes of cars, vans, lorries, and motorcycles. 

An auto locksmith will charge a fee depending on the type of vehicle as well as the type of job. Vehicles without an immobiliser generally make for cheaper callouts.

Getting a Locksmith - is it worth the cost? 

When it comes to the security of your home, business or vehicle, a locksmith is highly valuable. Ultimately if you can’t get into your property, or if anyone can because the lock is broken, then this ranges from being inconvenient at best to a security risk at worst. 

While locksmiths are often an unexpected expense, you can’t put a price on the security of your assets. A locksmith will also offer peace of mind, especially when the lock has been fixed or when your keys have been replaced. They can even help you get back on the move if the problem is related to your vehicle. 

Given most people don’t have the tools to create a new key or install a lock, locksmiths are most definitely worth it if you need one. 

Resolve any sticky situation swiftly with a trusted Locksmith on Bark.