Loading...

Please wait ...

How much does a locksmith cost in 2024?

On average locksmiths cost
£50 - £150 per hour

depending on the callout time, lock type, and service needed.

Locksmith prices vary widely depending on the urgency of the job and what you need help with. Our locksmith price guide has the lowdown on average costs.

So, you've locked yourself out of your house (or car) - or maybe you've realised your current security isn't that good, and you need to get a new lock on your door stat. That's where a locksmith comes in. A locksmith is someone who ensures your locks are secure and in good working order, and can help with key problems such as if you lose your keys or need new ones to be made.

Locksmiths increasingly also help with digital security elements, such as key fobs. Some locksmiths can also install additional security such as CCTV. But when you're stuck outside in the rain, wondering how to get through the door, you might be asking: how much will this locksmith cost me?

This locksmith price guide will help you understand how much a call-out (planned or not) will cost you. These prices are taken from our UK data and research, but to get the most accurate quote, you can contact local locksmiths for free with Bark.

How much does it cost to call out a locksmith? 

locksmith

If you want to know how much calling out a locksmith will set you back, we've set out the average cost based on the prices of local UK professionals.

In short locksmith prices have an average range of £50 to £100 an hour, with pricing factors such as the type of lock, urgency, and complexity of the job swaying the quote.

Average cost (per hour) £80
Minimum cost (per hour)£50
Higher cost (per hour) £100

While most locksmiths charge by the hour, some may also charge a flat fee for particular services, such as £150 for emergency callouts. 

What are the factors influencing costs? 

locksmith

The factors that could influence the cost include the number of locks that need changing 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 too, 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. 

The main factor influencing the cost of a locksmith is the type of callout: 

Type of callout

Type of calloutHighest average price Lowest average price
Gain entry£100£70
Domestic key replacement£120£80
Remove snapped key£90£60
Repair door lock£110£65
Repair door handle£60£40
Emergency locksmith£150£85
Auto locksmith£95£65

There is no government regulation within the locksmith industry, meaning contractors can set their own prices. 

However, on the whole, emergency Locksmiths (such as if you cannot lock your door at night or are locked out of the house) are the most expensive, costing between £85 and £150 on average. Emergency callout fees can range between £50 - £200 just for attending, especially if a locksmith is called in the middle of the night or during the holidays. 

Door handle repair is the cheapest service, starting at £40. Bear in mind that if the handle fault is preventing you from being able to lock your door, this could be a security risk, classing it as an emergency callout. 

Time of day

The other major factor influencing cost is that time or day (or night). If you're locked out of your home in the dead of night, expect to pay a locksmith far more for their emergency callout than if it happens in the middle of the day.

Here's an overview of locksmith prices based on the time of day. We're basing this on hourly rates for ease of comparison.

Locksmith prices by time of day
Time of calloutAverage hourly rate
6am - 8am (early morning)£70
8am - 6pm (day)£65
6pm - 8pm (evening)£73
8pm - 12am (night)£90
12am - 6am (early hours)£125

Locksmith prices by service

locksmith

As locks are the main entry point into a building or vehicle, having issues with either the lock or key can be very frustrating. Plus, it could be creating vulnerabilities within 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 are considering upgrading your locks then a locksmith can offer lock replacement to both 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 £20 for a basic Euro cylinder (often used for cabinets and cases) and range anywhere up to £160+ 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. 

Here's how much it costs to replace certain types of locks:

Types of lock and cost to replace
Lock typeAverage cost of the whole job
Yale lock (door)£80 - £150
Standard uPVC lock (door)£90 - £160
Patio door lock£80 - £100
Mortice lock (door)£100 - £150
Whole house (doors and windows)£350 - £650
Euro cylinder£20 - £60

Lost house keys

There are many reasons why you might have lost your keys. 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 £80 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 also 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 lock 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. 

The cost of repairing a window lock averages between £20 and £55.

locksmith

Auto locksmith

Auto locksmiths help with car locks, general access, or your ignition key. 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. One of the most common callouts, extracting the key from inside the locked car, costs on average £110 - £150. Bear in mind that vehicles without an immobiliser generally make for cheaper callouts.

Is it worth getting a locksmith?

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 expensive, they will ensure the issue is rectified swiftly. They 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. 

Get quotes from Locksmiths near you

Find a Locksmith near you

The average rating for Bark Locksmiths is 4.8, based on 131,416 reviews

5/5

based on 131,416 reviews