Locksmith pricing varies more than people expect, mostly because it depends on what's actually wrong, when you call, and what kind of lock or vehicle you have. Here's a realistic breakdown so you're not caught off guard.
Car Lockouts
Standard car lockouts during normal business hours typically start around $75. After-hours or emergency calls can run higher, generally in the $100–$250 range depending on the time and your location. Rekeying a car door lock usually costs $50–$150+, while rekeying an ignition can run $100–$350+ depending on the make and model.
Home Lockouts
Home lockouts follow a similar pattern to car lockouts — expect a baseline around $75 for standard hours, with after-hours emergency service costing more. Rekeying home locks is usually priced per lock, often in the $20–$50 range per cylinder for standard hardware.
What Affects the Price
- Time of day: after-hours, night, or emergency calls typically carry a surcharge.
- Type of lock or vehicle: high-security locks, transponder keys, and certain vehicle makes cost more to service.
- Rekey vs. replace: rekeying (reusing your existing hardware) is almost always cheaper than a full lock replacement.
- Distance: some locksmiths charge a trip fee outside their normal service radius.
A Fair Locksmith Will Always
- Confirm the price with you before starting any work.
- Provide a written or verbal quote that matches what you're actually charged.
- Arrive in a marked vehicle, in uniform, and be able to show ID or licensing on request.
If a quote changes dramatically once the technician arrives, that's a red flag — see our guide on how to avoid locksmith scams for more on spotting it before it costs you.
AlphaKey Locksmith always confirms your exact price before any work begins. Standard lockouts across our Charlotte, Tampa, and Palm Beach service areas typically start around $75.