What should a locksmith cost — and how to avoid the scam quote?
The honest answer to "how much does a locksmith cost?" is: it depends. That's not a dodge — it's the truth, and understanding what it depends on is how you avoid being overcharged.
What actually drives the price
Four things move a locksmith quote up or down:
- The job itself. A straightforward lockout is very different from cutting and programming a car key, fitting new locks, or setting up a master-key system for a business.
- The time. A callout at 2am on a public holiday reasonably costs more than a 10am Tuesday. That's normal across the trade.
- Your location. How far the locksmith travels, and whether you're central or rural, affects the callout.
- The hardware. If parts are involved — a new deadbolt, a smart lock, a replacement cylinder — the quality and price of that hardware is part of the bill.
The one thing you should always get
Whatever the job, you should get an upfront price before any work starts. A trustworthy locksmith confirms the cost on the phone or on arrival, before they pick up a tool — not after the lock is already open. If someone won't commit to a price until the job's done, that's your cue to stop.
Red flags: the classic scam quote
The locksmith trade has a well-known scam, and it follows a pattern. Watch for:
- A price that's too good to be true on the phone. The bait is a low number ("$49 callout!") that balloons on arrival with add-ons and "complications."
- "We'll have to drill it." Most locks can be opened without damage. Reaching for the drill immediately — then charging you for a whole new lock — is a red flag, not a technique.
- No company name, no ID, no receipt. A legitimate locksmith is identifiable, insured and gives you paperwork. Cash-only with no record is a warning sign.
- Vague, shifting pricing. If the number keeps changing, walk away before work starts.
We quote you an upfront price before we start and stick to it. If the job on site turns out to be genuinely different from what you described, we agree a revised price with you first — never a surprise at the end.
How to get a fair price
Describe the job as accurately as you can when you call — the more the locksmith knows, the tighter the quote. Ask for the price upfront and what it includes. For non-urgent work like new locks or security upgrades, it's completely reasonable to get more than one quote. For an active lockout, prioritise a locksmith who's clear on price and can actually get to you — our emergency service does both.