How Much Is a Locksmith for a Car? Average Costs & Services Explained

Have you ever experienced being locked out of your car, either in the middle of night or during an early morning rush? You are not alone. Many people experience this issue which although causes stress and embarrassment. Help is just a call away but how much is a locksmith for a car. 

Commonly, the cost varies between $50 and $400 depending on the service. However, these professionals maintain their availability to provide safe entry solutions for any time period of the day. The following blog explains what locksmiths do to unlock your car.

How much does a locksmith cost car

The cost of hiring a locksmith for your car depends on your vehicle and the location. The cost to hire a car locksmith in the USA usually falls between $50 and $400. However, the prices can go higher if you need emergency help after normal business hours. 

Car Lockout Service: $60 – $150 (or more after hours)

If you’ve locked your keys inside your car, a locksmith can help you open the door. A typical lockout will cost you between $60 and $150 during regular business hours. It could cost $150 to $250 though if you need assistance on a weekend at night or on a holiday. Because of emergency or after-hours service fees it may go further.

Rekey Car Ignition: $50 – $150

Rekeying your car’s ignition means changing the internal parts so a new key works without having to replace the ignition system as a whole. In the event that your keys are lost or stolen this is usually done. Your cars make and model will determine how much this service costs which typically ranges from $50 to $150. Some cars may cost more to rekey because of their more complex ignition systems.

Rekey Car Door: $30 – $150 per door

Rekeying is a good option if you wish to switch out the key that opens your car doors. Only a new key can open the lock, a locksmith will adjust it. Typically, this service costs between $30 and $50 per door. However, for newer models or those with more advanced security features the cost may reach $150 per door.

Change Locks on a Car: $50 – $200 per door

If you want full replacements for security reasons or your car locks are damaged, you can replace the locks completely.  The price for this service is between $50 to $200 per door. This includes both the parts and labor required for installation. Moreover, the price depends on the type of lock and how much work is involved.

Car Key Replacement: $4 – $400

A locksmith can cut and program a new one, if you’ve lost your car key or need a spare. Basic metal keys cost as little as $4 to $10. However, for modern vehicles, the cost can be much higher from $55 to $400 for transponder keys or smart keys. Overall, the price depends on the key type and complexity of the process.

 The Step-by-Step Way to Unlock Your Car Door

What does a locksmith do to unlock your car? A locksmith follows specific procedures to provide quick and safe door unlocking services after you call them. Locksmiths apply these methods most frequently:

Step 1: Checking the Situation

Locksmith takes a close look at the car and locks it. This helps them choose the best way to unlock it without causing any damage. They check:

• Lock type: Many newer cars have electronic or transponder key systems.
• Lock condition: The lock is damaged or jammed.
• Key status: Are the keys locked inside, lost, or broken in the lock?
• Door condition: The door frame and seal aren’t already damaged.

   In this way, locksmiths can decide the most efficient way to unlock the car. 

Step 2: Choosing the Right Tools

After the inspection, the locksmith picks the proper tools according to your car’s lock and the situation.

• Slim Jims: Used to slide between the window and door and best for cars without electric locking systems.
• Wedge Tools: Create a small gap between the door and frame and is used at the start of most car unlocking jobs.
• Long-Reach Tools: Ideal for modern cars with power locks. Used after a wedge is placed to press the unlock button or pull the handle from the inside.
• Lock Picks: Used to open traditional keyhole locks by moving the pins inside the lock. Best for older cars with mechanical key systems.
• Key Decoders: Help read the shape of a car key to create a new one. Useful when the original key is lost and needs replacing.
• VIN-Based Key Cutting Machines: Create a new key by using the car’s VIN number. Used when no key is available and a quick replacement is needed.
• Broken Key Extractors: Remove pieces of a broken key stuck inside the lock or ignition. Used when part of the key is trapped and blocking access.

Step 3: Unlocking the Car

Now it’s time to insert the tools carefully into the door. Once the tool is in position, the locksmith begins the process of unlocking the door.

• Place a wedge tool between the car door and the frame to make a small gap.
• Insert a slim Jim or long-reach tool through the gap.

A trained locksmith can unlock most cars without any damage.

Step 4: Opening the Door Safely

Once locksmith has successfully unlocked the lock, they will carefully remove the tools and open the car door.  Moreover, they’ll also do a quick check to make sure nothing was damaged during the process. In most cases, the door opens smoothly, and you’re back in your car in just a few minutes.

All 4 One Transportation Services & Roadside Assistance- 24/7 help is accessible through a simple phone call whenever you encounter this situation.

 Conclusion

Locksmith provides fast and secure solutions to restart your journey during any time of day or night. Professional locksmiths maintain the ability to unlock your car doors without causing damage. However, we suggest you call a licensed and experienced locksmith to avoid issues and unnecessary costs.

FAQs