Emergency lockout prices vary widely, from $75+ for a simple daytime unlock to $300+ for after-hours service on a high-security lock. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay for home, car, and commercial lockouts, what factors drive those prices up, and how to avoid overpaying when you're in a tough spot.
Average Home Lockout Service Cost
So you're locked out and wondering what this is going to cost you. The short answer: most home lockouts run between $75 and $200+ during regular business hours. Call after 6 PM, on a weekend, or during a holiday, and that number climbs to $150 to $300+.
What exactly are you paying for? The total typically includes a service call fee (the cost of sending a technician to your location), the labor to get you back inside, and the time involved. If your lock gets damaged during the process or was already broken, replacement parts are billed separately.
| Lockout Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Home lockout (standard hours) | $75–$150+ |
| Home lockout (after-hours) | $150–$250+ |
Keep in mind that your specific price depends on where you live, what kind of lock you have, and how urgently you need help. But this table gives you a realistic baseline when you're calling around for quotes.
How Much Does an Auto Locksmith Cost for a Car Lockout
Car lockouts work a little differently than home lockouts. A straightforward vehicle unlock—where the technician uses specialized tools to pop your door open without causing damage—usually costs between $70 and $150+ during daytime hours.
Here's where it gets more complicated, though. Modern vehicles often have transponder keys, smart keys, or push-to-start systems. Transponder keys contain a small chip that communicates with your car's ignition, and programming a new one requires specialized equipment. Smart keys and proximity fobs are even more advanced.
- Standard car lockout: $70–$120+ for a basic door unlock
- Transponder key programming: $120–$250+, depending on your vehicle's make and model
- Smart key or push-to-start systems: $150–$400+, since these require dealer-level programming tools
The year, make, and model of your car all factor into the final price. A 2024 Mercedes with a proximity key system costs significantly more to service than a 2010 Honda with a traditional key.
Typical Commercial Lockout Prices
Business lockouts tend to cost more than residential ones—generally $100 to $250+. The reason? Commercial properties often have more sophisticated hardware.
Think high-security deadbolts, panic bars on emergency exits, or electronic access control systems. According to industry data, 81.0% of locksmiths indicated that electronic access control will impact their product portfolios. A technician working on a storefront with a commercial-grade Medeco lock faces a different challenge than someone opening a standard residential deadbolt.
Common commercial lockout scenarios include office buildings, retail storefronts, warehouses, and storage facilities. If your business uses a master key system, the technician also has to work carefully to avoid disrupting your broader security setup.
What Affects Emergency Locksmith Charges
You've seen the price ranges. Now let's talk about why there's such a wide spread between the low end and the high end.
Time of Day and Urgency
Calling at 10 PM costs more than calling at 10 AM. Most locksmiths define "after-hours" as evenings (typically after 6 or 7 PM), weekends, and holidays.
Why the difference? Technicians working after-hours are on-call, which means they're being compensated for their availability even when they're not actively on a job. That overhead gets passed along to you. Expect after-hours fees to add $50 to $100+ to your total.
Your Location and Distance Traveled
The trip fee—sometimes called a service call fee—covers the cost of getting a technician to your door. If you're in a densely populated urban area, that fee is usually lower because technicians are already nearby.
Live in a more suburban or remote location? The trip fee goes up to account for longer drive times and fuel costs. In Miami-Dade, for example, a lockout in Brickell might have a lower trip fee than one in Homestead simply because of geography.
Lock Type and Complexity
A standard pin tumbler lock—the kind you'll find on most residential front doors—is relatively quick to open. High-security locks from brands like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or ASSA are designed specifically to resist picking and manipulation, so they take longer and require more skill.
Smart locks and electronic deadbolts add another layer, with the U.S. smart lock market reaching $887.6 million in 2024. Some can be bypassed relatively easily; others require specialized knowledge of the specific brand and model.
- Standard pin tumbler locks: Fastest to open, lowest cost
- High-security mechanical locks: Require specialized tools and techniques
- Smart locks and electronic systems: May require brand-specific expertise or equipment
Parts and Hardware Needed
Sometimes a lockout isn't just about getting the door open—it's about what happens after. If your lock was damaged before you called (or gets damaged during the entry process), you'll likely want a replacement.
Parts are billed separately from labor. A basic doorknob lock might add $30 to $60+ to your bill, while a high-security deadbolt could add $150+. The technician can usually give you options on the spot.
After-Hours and Weekend Locksmith Prices
This topic deserves its own section because it's where most pricing surprises happen. Emergency locksmith prices outside business hours can run 50% to 100% higher than daytime rates, reflecting an industry that's grown at 6.6% annually over the past three years.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
- Evening and night calls: Hourly rates often jump from $50–$75+ to $150–$250+
- Weekends and holidays: Additional surcharges of $50–$100+ are common
- Why the premium: Technicians are on-call, responding immediately, and often working solo
When you call for a quote, ask specifically about after-hours fees. A straightforward question like "Does this price include any after-hours charges?" can save you from an unpleasant surprise.
Why Emergency Locksmith Services Cost More Than Standard Rates
It's easy to feel frustrated when you see emergency pricing, especially when you're already stressed about being locked out. But there's a reason behind the higher numbers.
Emergency locksmiths maintain round-the-clock availability. That means paying technicians to be on-call even during slow periods—someone has to be ready to respond at 3 AM on a Tuesday, even if no calls come in.
On top of that, mobile locksmith operations require fully equipped service vehicles. We're talking specialized entry tools, key-cutting machines, transponder programming equipment, and a stock of common replacement parts. Maintaining that infrastructure costs money.
When a technician shows up at your door in the middle of the night, you're paying for immediate response, specialized skills, and the convenience of not waiting until morning. The premium reflects the value of that service, not an attempt to take advantage of your situation.
How to Avoid Overpaying for Lockout Service
Not every locksmith operates with the same level of transparency. Here's how to protect yourself from unexpected charges—or worse, outright scams.
Get an Upfront Price Before Work Begins
Always ask for a complete quote over the phone before the technician arrives. A legitimate locksmith will give you a price range based on your lock type, location, and time of service.
That quote should include the service call fee, estimated labor, and any after-hours charges. If the person on the phone can't or won't give you a ballpark figure, consider calling someone else.
Verify the Locksmith Is Licensed and Insured
Licensed technicians are accountable to regulatory standards and less likely to overcharge or damage your property. In Florida, locksmiths aren't required to hold a state license, but reputable companies carry business licenses, liability insurance, and often professional certifications.
ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) membership is one credential worth asking about. It indicates the company takes its professional standards seriously.
Ask About Service Call Fees
A service call fee (or trip fee) covers the cost of dispatching a technician to your location. Some companies include this in their quoted price; others add it on top.
Clarify this upfront. A simple question like "Is the service call fee included in that quote?" takes ten seconds and can prevent confusion later.
Watch for Red Flags of a Scam
Unfortunately, locksmith scams do exist. Some operators advertise impossibly low prices online, then dramatically increase the cost once they arrive—knowing you're stuck and desperate.
Watch for warning signs:
- Vague or generic company name when you call (no specific business identity)
- Price that jumps significantly after the technician arrives
- Unmarked vehicle or technician without company ID
- Immediate insistence on drilling the lock (drilling is a last resort, not a first option)
If something feels off, you have every right to decline service and call someone else. A legitimate locksmith won't pressure you.
When to Call an Emergency Locksmith
Not every lockout requires emergency service. If you're locked out during business hours and can wait safely—maybe at a neighbor's house or a nearby coffee shop—you might save money by scheduling a standard appointment.
However, some situations genuinely warrant immediate help:
- You're locked out late at night in an unfamiliar or unsafe area
- A child or pet is locked inside a home or vehicle
- You've experienced a break-in and need locks changed right away
- You're stranded in a parking lot or on the roadside
In cases like these, the peace of mind and safety of a fast response outweighs the extra cost.
Get Fast and Transparent Lockout Help in Miami
Locked out and wondering what you'll actually pay? At 305 Locksmith, we provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Our licensed and insured technicians respond in 15–30 minutes across Miami-Dade, and we'll give you a clear quote before any work begins.
Whether it's your home, car, or business, we're here to get you back inside quickly and safely—day or night.
Ready for help now? Call (305) 539-0439 or contact 305 Locksmith today!
FAQs About Emergency Lockout Costs
Does car insurance or roadside assistance cover the cost of a car lockout?
Some auto insurance policies and roadside assistance memberships (like AAA) cover lockout services partially or fully. It's worth checking your policy or membership benefits before calling a locksmith—you might already have coverage that reduces or eliminates your out-of-pocket cost.
What should I do if the locksmith's quoted price changes when they arrive?
You have every right to decline service if the price increases unexpectedly. A reputable locksmith honors their phone quote unless the job scope changes significantly—for example, if they discover a damaged lock that requires replacement rather than just an unlock.
How long does an emergency locksmith typically take to unlock a door?
Most standard lockouts take only a few minutes once the technician arrives and assesses the situation. High-security locks, electronic systems, or unusual door configurations may take longer, but rarely more than 15–20 minutes for a skilled professional.
Can I get an accurate lockout price estimate over the phone?
Yes. Reputable locksmiths provide upfront estimates based on your lock type, location, and time of service before dispatching a technician. If a company refuses to give you even a ballpark figure over the phone, that's a sign to call someone else.