Are you locked out or need new locks? Before you call a locksmith in Walnut Creek, you’re probably wondering: how much is this going to cost me? Will it be $50 or $500? Let’s discuss in detail about locksmith pricing so you don’t get surprised.
What Is the Average Cost of Locksmith Services?
Locksmith service costs vary a lot depending on what you need. Here’s what most people pay:
- House lockout runs $75 to $150 for a basic job during normal hours. Takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Prices jump at night or on weekends.
- Car lockout costs $50 to $125, typically. Simple keys are cheaper. Smart keys or transponder keys cost more because they’re harder to deal with.
- Rekey a lock is $20 to $50 per lock. This is way cheaper than buying new locks. Takes about 10 to 15 minutes per lock.
- Install new lock costs $100 to $250, including the hardware and labor. Basic locks are cheaper. Deadbolts and high-security locks cost more.
- High-security locks run $200 to $500 or more. These take 1 to 2 hours to install and use premium materials that resist picking and drilling.
- Emergency service adds $50 to $150 to your bill. Nights, weekends, and holidays all count as emergency times for most locksmiths.
What Factors Affect Locksmith Pricing?
Several things change how much you pay.
Does Time of Day Change the Cost?
Yes, big time. A lockout at 2 PM costs way less than one at 2 AM. Most auto locksmith companies charge emergency fees after 6 PM, before 8 AM, and all day on weekends and holidays.
Emergency rates add 50% to 100% to the base price. That $100 lockout becomes $150 to $200 after hours.
Does Location Affect Locksmith Prices?
Location matters too. If you’re far from the locksmith’s shop, expect a trip charge. Some locksmiths charge $30 to $75 just to drive to you.
Urban areas with lots of locksmiths have more competition and better prices. Rural areas with fewer options cost more.
How Much Does It Cost for Different Locksmith Services?
Let’s break down the most common jobs.
How Much Does Lockout Service Cost?
Home lockouts average $100 to $150 during business hours. Car lockouts run $75 to $125 for regular keys. If you’ve got a fancy car with a transponder key, add $50 to $100 more.
About 70% of locksmith calls are lockouts. It’s the most common service they do.
How Much Does Lock Rekeying Cost?
Rekeying costs $20 to $50 per lock. This changes the internal pins, so old keys don’t work. You get new keys that work on the rekeyed locks.
Rekeying five locks costs $100 to $250 total. That’s way cheaper than buying five new locks, which would run $500 or more.
How Much Does New Lock Installation Cost?
New lock installation depends on the lock type. Basic door locks cost $100 to $150 installed. Deadbolts run $150 to $250. High-security locks cost $200 to $500 or more.
The lock hardware itself costs $30 to $300. Labor adds another $70 to $150, depending on difficulty.
Are There Extra Fees You Should Know About?
Watch out for hidden charges. Some locksmith service companies add fees you didn’t expect.
Trip charges apply if you’re far away. Service call fees of $30 to $75 are common even before any work starts. Parts and hardware get marked up 20% to 50% above retail prices.
Emergency fees kick in on nights and weekends. Difficult jobs cost more if your lock is old, damaged, or high-security.
Always ask for a total estimate before work starts. Good locksmiths tell you everything up front.
How Can You Avoid Overpaying for Locksmith Services?
Get quotes over the phone. Describe your situation clearly so they can estimate accurately. Ask what’s included and what costs extra.
Compare prices from at least two or three locksmiths. If one quote is way lower than the others, be careful. Super cheap usually means hidden fees later.
Ask about licenses and insurance. Licensed commercial locksmiths charge fair prices and do quality work. Unlicensed ones might be cheap upfront, but cause expensive problems.
Avoid locksmiths who won’t give estimates or who show up and suddenly triple the price. That’s a scam.
Need Fair Pricing and Quality Work?
Locked out of your car in a parking lot. Or standing outside your house in the rain. You need help now, but you’re terrified of getting ripped off. Those online reviews mention $50 turning into $400.
Hero Locksmith serves Walnut Creek with honest, upfront pricing. We tell you the total cost before we start. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. Licensed, insured, and we’ve been doing this for years. You get a locksmith in Walnut Creek who shows up fast and charges what they quoted.
Stop worrying about getting scammed. Call us right now and we’ll give you an exact price over the phone. Your locksmith service shouldn’t be a mystery. Fair prices, quality work, zero games.