How Much Does a Locksmith Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

If you’ve ever wondered, “How much does a locksmith cost?” then you’re not alone. It’s a common query, as is “How much does it cost for a locksmith to unlock your car?” Locksmiths do a wide variety of tasks, including lock installation, key copying, and installing security systems for businesses.

Costs in Boulder and other large cities are based on multiple factors, including the type of service, whether it’s an emergency or not, the time of day, the customer’s location, and the complexity of the work. A local locksmith for car keys can help with a simple car lockout for much less than it costs to install a Master Key system in a business. Learn all the details below.

Average Locksmith Costs in The US & Denver with All Surrounding Areas

No matter where you live, it’s always smart to ask, “On average, how much is a locksmith for a car, home, or business?” Knowing the national averages for locksmith jobs can save you money. Knowledge is power, after all.

National averages: Costs vary a lot, and are influenced by location, time of day, service type, and time it takes to complete the work. US locksmith prices range from $50 to $250, but minor tasks like key duplication cost between $1 and $5. However, installation of new locks, emergency assistance, or repairs of sophisticated locks are services on the higher end of that average range.

In Denver, CO, and surrounding areas: Local market conditions affect pricing. Routine services range from $75 to $100, while emergency lockout help will set you back between $100 and $200, of course depending on the complexity of the job and time of day when you call for help. Late-night and weekend prices tends to squeeze prices upward.

Call-out fees: During normal business hours, call-out fees range between $50 and $100, but emergency and after-hour call-outs range from $75 to $200-plus. Timing is everything.

Comparisons and upfront estimates: Always compare local locksmith prices. Even within a small neighborhood, rates can vary substantially. A lot depends on the local competition, services offered, and consumer demand.

Ask for estimates before letting anyone begin work. That way, you avoid unpleasant surprises. Do extensive online research to make sure you’re getting a fair shake and to avoid inflated costs and unethical practitioners. Every industry has a few bad apples, and locksmithing is no exception.

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost for Cars?

Automotive locksmith services are in high demand. Some professionals specialize in this niche. If you ever need a local locksmith for car keys that are lost or ask, “How much is a locksmith for a car?” then the following data will come in handy.

Costs vary based on make and model of the vehicle, the service provided, location, time of day, and amount of labor. Here are breakdowns of average prices for each major type of automotive locksmith service.

Car Lockout Services:

Lockout help is the most frequently requested service in this category. Average costs for car lockout help range from $50 to $100, depending on how difficult it is to gain access to the inside of the vehicle. Fees are higher for late-night assistance or when the locking systems are non-standard.

Car Key Replacement:

Costs for replacing keys run from $10 to $50 for older, metal-type keys. Newer keys with transponders, as well as smart keys, cost between $150 and $400 to duplicate. Keys for high-end and luxury cars with sophisticated keys can be even higher.

Rekeying Car Locks:

After a theft or losing your keys, rekeying is a wise option. Depending on the number of locks and type of vehicle, prices for car lock out assistance range from $50 to $200, or higher for cars with advanced lock systems.

Programming Key Fobs and Transponders:

These sophisticated keys are costly to duplicate, with prices between $50 to $150 to program each unit if you hire a locksmith. Expect those values to double if you get service from a car dealership.

Tips for Finding Affordable Locksmiths for Car-Related Emergencies

• Research Local Options: Keep a list of local locksmiths in your phone or on a card in your glove compartment. Only include businesses that offer emergency car service and are ranked high by consumer review websites.
• Ask for Estimates: Ask for an estimate before agreeing to hire anyone to work on your car. Reputable locksmiths are happy to provide specific quotes for all their services.
• Look for Discounts: Ask about special deals, discounts, seasonal pricing, and preferential pricing for military members, seniors, students, clergy, and local residents.
• Check for Licensing and Insurance: For a professional result, only hire locksmiths who are insured and licensed.
• Consider Membership Programs: Some roadside assistance programs include basic and emergency locksmith coverage, especially car lock outs.
• Be Informed: By staying informed about local locksmith prices, it’s possible to save a significant amount when you need help with a car-related lock problem.

Locksmith Costs for Homes

How much does a locksmith cost for residential services? The total price depends on the complexity of the job, the location, and the type of service. Here’s an overview of house-related pricing.

House lockouts

Expect a fee for service calls, which is usually around $50 to $100. That covers the technician’s travel expense and the initial assessment of the work to be done. There are added fees for extra services beyond just letting you into your house.

Rekeying house locks

The cost to rekey locks in a typical house runs from $20 to $50 per unit for standard mechanisms. The service frequently takes less than an hour, and the provider will supply new keys for each unit they rekey. People need rekeying when they’ve lost a key, just moved into a new house, or experienced a burglary.

Changing locks

There is separate pricing for customers who need to replace an entire lock due to damage, wear, or technology upgrades. In general, it costs between $75 and $200 to change a standard locking mechanism. However, those charges depend on the kind of lock being replaced.

Of course, specialty locks and high-security units mean higher costs because they are much more complicated and durable than standard locks. And, sophisticated locks take longer to replace than basic units.

Deadbolt installations

Deadbolt locks are extremely common in homes and apartments. Installing new ones is a great way to boost your home security profile.

In most situations, it costs about $100 to $250 to install a deadbolt lock, with specific pricing dependent on the complexity of the installation and the type of deadbolt. For example, smart deadbolts or double-cylinder models have extra features, so they cost more to install. Single-cylinder versions are the least costly to install.

Smart and electronic locks

Smart locks are enjoying a surge of popularity among homeowners. They are both convenient to use and highly secure. Installing a new smart lock costs from $150 to $300, but that does not include the cost of the lock itself, which ranges from $100 to $400, depending on features and brand name. Owners can connect their smart locks to home automation systems for remote access.

Commercial Locksmith Services Costs

Like auto and house locksmith jobs, commercial service prices depend largely on the location, complexity of the job, and type of lock systems. However, most commercial lock and security systems tend to be much more sophisticated than locks for homes and vehicles. In fact, some commercial locks are designed to protect millions of dollars worth of assets. Here are some of the most common commercial locksmith services and their price ranges:

Rekeying commercial properties

Owners of commercial properties realize that rekeying locks is a savvy way to improve security. Technicians adjust the various internal mechanisms so that old keys don’t work anymore. Businesses routinely change locks after staff turnover and new owners come into the picture. Average rekeying costs range from $50 to $250 per lock. Doing so is a big advantage for companies that have multiple access points. Rekeying costs much less than total lock replacement, so it’s a popular service.

Master key systems

When owners want to control many locks with just one key, they install Master Key systems. Then, individual workers still need to use their area-specific keys to gain entry to their own offices. MK systems are secure and very convenient in large commercial buildings. They minimize the challenge of key management. Installation for a typical Master Key system runs from $100 to $400. The total price depends on the number and complexity of the locks.

High-security lock installation

For added protection, some companies install high-security locks, which are almost impossible to bypass, defeat, or pick. They include sophisticated design components to prevent duplication. Per-lock costs for these units range from $150 to $500, based on complexity, features, and brand name.

Consult with a professional

It’s essential to consult with a professional locksmith before installing commercial lock systems. Experts can offer insights about tailor-made solutions based on a company’s particular needs. Consultant locksmiths examine vulnerabilities and inform owners about the different kinds of security options. They also recommend the best locks and systems for a specific commercial space. For owners, it’s worthwhile to invest in competent consulting services.

Emergency Locksmith Services

In Boulder and other large metro areas, emergency services come with their own prices, which are routinely higher than for non-emergency work. Here are the details:

24/7 emergency services

When people face emergencies and require a local locksmith for car keys, help to get into their homes, or assistance at the office, locksmiths are only a call away, any time of the day or night. Listed “Emergency Services” cater to people who lose keys, broken locks, and lockouts. Average prices range from $100 to $300, which of course depends on services needed and the amount of time required to do the work.

Urgent car lockouts

How much is a locksmith for a car? Urgent car lockouts include everything from locking your keys in the trunk or cab to losing keys while away from home. Some drivers call a locksmith to pop a steering wheel lock for which they have lost the key. All these situations are common, and they cost between $50 and $150, depending on the time of day and your specific location.

Avoid inflated emergency fees. Always keep spare keys in a safe, accessible location. Use your favorite hiding places at home, or provide a trusted friend with a spare key. Avoid hiding extra keys on your car or “under the welcome mat.” Plan ahead to avoid lockouts by always keeping an eye on your keys and knowing where a nearby or accessible spare is located. Planning prevents stress and minimizes locksmith-related expenses.

Tips for Saving on Locksmith Costs

Whether you ask, “How much does a locksmith cost,” or “How much does it cost for a locksmith to unlock your car,” it’s always wise to study a few general tips for saving money, like the following:

• Get several quotes by shopping around. Locksmith prices, even in a single location, can vary widely.
• Discounts are for those who ask! Be proactive and inquire whether there are special prices for veterans, students, seniors, military members, clergy, etc.
• Strive to schedule services during regular business hours, as late-night and weekend prices tend to be higher.
• Take good care of your own locks to minimize the need for replacements and repairs. Lubricating when appropriate and inspecting for damage can lengthen the life of most locks and save money for homeowners and entrepreneurs.
• Stick with locksmiths who are experienced, licensed, and insured.

Key Takeaways

To those who ask, “How much does a locksmith cost,” the simplest general answer is, “Between $50 and $400.” But in cities like Boulder and elsewhere, it’s essential to dig a little deeper to give a specific response. For example, all the major categories of services have their own price ranges. Specifically, car and home price ranges tend to be lower than for commercial and all emergency locksmith assistance.

When you contact a professional, always give them as much information as you can, stating whether you require them for home, vehicle, commercial, or emergency help. In about 90% of situations, your bill will be around $50 to $100.