Locked out of your car? Have you lost your house keys? If so, then you may be wondering how much it’s going to cost you to hire a locksmith. The average cost of a locksmith visit is around $150 to $160. A locksmith will cost you on average $100 per hour for normal business hours and up to $120 for emergency calls.
The cost of a locksmith depends on many things: what needs to be unlocked, the time of day, and your location. If you only need to unlock a door without changing the lock, it will be more affordable than changing a whole lock system.
Many locksmiths are more affordable during regular business hours than during weekends and at night. And if your lockout emergency is far away from the locksmith location, you will be charged travel fees for the locksmith to reach you.
Depending on the type of service, locksmith services require different times and expenses. Let’s take a look at the cost of a locksmith in more detail and what influences locksmith prices for the job you need done
How Much Does A Locksmith Cost For Your Car?
A car lockout will cost you between $50 and $150 for an auto locksmith to come to your location and unlock your car door. A broken ignition will cost you about the same.
A locksmith will typically charge $50 to $300 to unlock your car, depending on the circumstances:
- The cost to physically unlock your car door: Between $75 and $150.
- The cost to unlock your car door in the middle of the night: Between $150 and $300
- The cost to rekey your car (in the event that you do not have a spare anywhere): As low as $50 but possibly even as much as $300.
Let’s face it, though—if you are locked out of your car and need a locksmith stat, you probably aren’t going to spend too much time calling around to find the best price.
Along with these emergency-type services, locksmiths can also replace the locks on your car door ($200 to $600), rekey your ignition ($50 to $150), put on a new keypad (up to $400), make new “regular” keys ($5 to $10 each) and either make or reprogram transponder keys (these keys contain chips that allow you to unlock the car with the push of a button, and since they are currently the industry standard your car probably has one—unless it is 20-plus years old).
Keep in mind that these are just average ranges. You will pay more or less depending on the make and model of your car, and the complexity of the job.
Pro tip: Before you call your local locksmith, check to see if you have a roadside assistance plan or towing and labor coverage that will cover the cost to unlock your car for you.
How do locksmiths unlock a car?
Unlocking a locked car can seem easy-peasy in the movies, but in real life, you need a trained professional to ensure your car isn’t permanently damaged. Going at it with a coat hanger can often do more harm than good.
Locksmiths are trained in the different ways to unlock a car like:
Using Slim Jims
Slim jims may seem easy to use, but they are handy tools only in the hands of a good locksmith. These tools can be inserted between the glass and weather stripping of the car window to unlock it without using a key.
Broken Key Extraction
It’s also possible that your key breaks off and a piece of it remains in the slot. In such situations, locksmiths can use a broken key extractor to remove the part, and then create a new duplicate key.
Mechanical Code Key Cutter
If your car is one that primarily uses keyless entry, you may not have a spare key lying around. Locksmiths use a key analyzer to determine the shape and then a mechanical code key cutter to make a precise duplicate of the manual key.
Reprogramming
Locksmiths know how to reprogram keyless entry systems and unlock cars without too much damage to the car’s systems.
Immobilizer Reprogramming
Many car models these days have an immobilizer, which prevents a car from starting when a thief tries to jack it. However, if you need to enter your car when you’ve lost your key, the immobilizer can be a big hurdle. But locksmiths know ways to get around them!
When Is The Best Time To Call A Locksmith For Your Car?
Calling a locksmith for your car can be a little bit tricky. The reason for this is that there are different types of car door locks, and each one has its own unique lock system.
As a result, it’s important to know which type of car door lock you have before calling a locksmith. Otherwise, you could end up with an expensive bill for a service that you don’t even need.
In general, the best time to call auto locksmith services for your car is when you’re having trouble opening the door or the key is stuck in the ignition. However, if you’re locked out of your car altogether, then you may need to call a tow truck instead.
Either way, it’s always best to call professional auto locksmiths when you’re having car trouble. They’ll be able to help you quickly and efficiently, and they’ll also be able to give you advice on how to avoid future car lockout situations.
How Can I Prevent Myself From Becoming Locked Out Of My Car?
If you’re worried about becoming locked out of your car, there are a few things you can do to prevent getting locked out of your car.
First, make sure you always have your keys with you. If you’re going to be away from your car for a while, hide a spare key somewhere on the outside of the car. That way, if you do lose your keys, you’ll still be able to get back in.
Another good idea is to invest in a remote car starter. That way, you can start your car from a distance, and if your keys are inside, you won’t have to worry about being locked out.
Finally, if you are going to be in a situation where you might be locked out of your car, such as if you’re going to be hiking in a remote area, make sure you have a plan for what to do if it happens. Have a spare key hidden somewhere, or know where you can get help if you need it.