In the event of getting locked out of your house or car, you may need to call a locksmith. However, instead of being surprised by the bill, read this article so you have a better understanding of locksmith fees and why they charge what they charge.
We’ve all been there before.
You know the story well. You’re running late to work. You whip into the parking lot, park your car, and scramble to gather your things for the day (don’t forget the coffee!)
You slam your car door shut and rush to the elevator. Yes! You made it in the nick of time!
You reach your office door and shuffle around your pockets to find your key. It’s not in the left one. And it’s not in the right one, either. Then it hits you.
You left your keys in the car.
Chances are, you’re not as skilled at picking locks as Harry Houdini. In fact, the world-renowned magician and lock picker was once a locksmith himself! The only thing you can do is call a professional.
You pick up the phone, dial a locksmith, and give your location. By now you’re wondering, “how much is this gonna cost me?”
Don’t let your jaw drop when you look at the bill. Instead, read on to get keyed in on locksmith fees.
Your Locksmith is a Highly Trained Professional
Locksmithing is an age-old profession, and lock technology continues to progress (read: Smart Locks.) Locksmiths need to be able to perform a variety of services to meet these new demands.
Long story short, your locksmith can pick and fix all kinds of locks. And to do this, they have to go through training. A lot of it. Qualified and licensed locksmiths charge more; however, this means you are assured the highest quality services.
Plus, a higher price point means it’s more likely you’re avoiding a scam.
You Need Roadside Assistance
Picture this. You’re stranded on side of the road. You’re in the middle of nowhere. Who ya gonna call? The locksmith!
Roadside assistance grants drivers a peace of mind because it’s super convenient. It might cost you a little extra, though, especially if you’re outside the service area. The price will cover time spent in traffic, fuel costs, and any other expenses that may arise while the locksmith is on their way to your location.
There is a Minimum Service Fee
The minimum service fee covers overhead costs, time it takes to complete the service, and labor costs. This fee will vary on transportation expenses and is dependent on the service that needs to be done. The farther away your location is or the more complex your service is, the more you might be charged.
You Need a Specific Service Done
Because locksmiths are highly skilled in their trade, they are able to perform a variety of services. However, your bill is variable depending on what you need to be accomplished. From changing locks to making copies of keys, here are a few types of services locksmiths perform.
Lockouts
Has your house key ever gotten wedged between couch cushions, then you find out later you’re locked out of the house? Or, did you drop your car keys in the Bermuda Triangle between seats, then locked yourself out of the car?
If so, you’ve fallen victim to a lockout. Lockout prices are usually standard, but additional fees occur if the car door is damaged, or if the lock is particularly challenging.
Lock Installation
If you’ve ever moved homes, you might have wondered about extra keys floating around. And if they get into the wrong hands? Your door could easily be unlocked.
For peace of mind, you could consider changing your lock altogether. The cost of installation depends on how long it takes to install the new lock, and whether or not you or the locksmith provides the lock. Advanced systems, such as bio-metric or passcode locks, will be pricier to install.
Re-keying Locks
If you don’t want to change out the entire lock system for a new one, you can get it re-keyed.
The process of rekeying a lock is more complex than replacing the entire lock because it involves retooling the old pins and springs. The final result is that the old keys no longer work, however, new keys must be made. Copies of the new keys may also incur extra costs.
Additional Locksmith Fees
It’s not possible to predict every circumstance that might affect the cost of a locksmith’s service. Here’s a short list of things that could happen, though.
In Case of Emergency
In the event of an emergency, a locksmith can provide a service on short notice. Emergency services, especially on late nights, weekends, or holidays, do tend to incur an additional fee. If you’ve ever been locked out of the house on a chilly Christmas Eve, you know that the convenience factor is well worth it.
Bad Weather
The weather can also be a factor in pricing. Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, make performing any job more difficult, let alone locksmithing. To compensate for the inconveniences from the weather, there could be extra costs.
Specialty Locks
If your locksmith specializes in a certain lock, or if you require a service that uses a specialty tool, the locksmith may charge an additional fee.
Get Keyed in
Now that you understand how locksmiths charge for their services, the secret to locksmith fees has been unlocked.
So the next time you’re locked out, don’t pick the lock. Instead, pick us, your friendly neighborhood locksmith.
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