It’s 11:45 PM, and you’re standing outside your house in your pajamas, realizing your keys are sitting right on the kitchen counter. Your phone is dying, the neighborhood is quiet, and panic is starting to set in. You know you need a locksmith, but the thought of how much this might cost is making your stomach drop.
Most people don’t plan on getting locked out, especially late at night. But life happens – sometimes you’re coming home from a long work shift, or you’ve forgotten your keys after a night out with friends. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are ways to handle this without breaking the bank.
Why Do Locksmiths Charge More After Hours?
Now, let’s cover the reasons those locksmiths show up in your driveway at 2 AM and charge an arm and a leg. For one, they’re not exactly “on call” in the traditional sense. A locksmith service is not a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week appointment service.
When you’re locked out and call for help, that poor locksmith is humping his or her way out of the recliner, likely with a working spouse or child wondering why the locksmith is leaving “this time of night” and why the family unit has to go “on hold” for the next few hours. Whole families (usually) do not shut down for half the night for half the work shift.
How Much Can You Expect to Pay?
What, then, is the typical cost for this midnight rescue mission? Most locksmith services charge between $75 and $300 for after-hours calls. Here are some things that affect the price:
Location: Rural areas with fewer locksmiths tend to pay more.
Lock complexity: A simple house door might cost less to get opened. A high-security commercial lock or a problem with car keys that are tricky to duplicate could make it more expensive.
Something a lot of people don’t realize is that locksmiths are essentially emergency professionals-much like firefighters, but in the lock world.
You Must Read: How Can I Prevent Unauthorized Key Duplication?
Ways to Potentially Reduce Your After-Hours Locksmith Costs
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of saving money. First, have a spare key hidden strategically-under a discreet rock, with a trusted neighbor, or in a secure lockbox. It might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this simple step.
See if your home insurance covers lockout services. Some policies include this as a standard benefit and could save you a good chunk of change. While you’re at it, have a trusted neighbor or family member keep a spare key, too. A local contact can sometimes be a fast and free alternative to a locksmith near Doctor Lock.
When to Call and When to Wait? [According To 2025]
Not every lockout situation necessitates an immediate, middle-of-the-night response. Take a moment to see if the situation requires that kind of response. Are you in a safe place? Is this a real emergency, or can it be put off until morning? There’s a good chance it can, and if it can, then just waiting for the call to business hours can save you a rather significant service charge.
If you’re locked out of your car in a secure parking lot, or you’re stuck outside your home in a safe neighborhood, it might be worth it to just chill out for a few hours until your friendly local locksmith can come to your “rescue” at our location on Google Maps.
Choosing the Right Locksmith: Red Flags to Watch For
An essential piece of advice: not all locksmiths are equal. Potential scams can be avoided if you do your homework. Always check over a locksmith’s credentials before allowing them to work on your locks. A trustworthy professional will have no problem sharing their licensing information and insurance details.
Always get a price estimate beforehand. Any locksmith worth hiring should be able to provide a clear, written quote before they start the work. If the quotes they provide are significantly low, or if they refuse to provide an estimate, it’s time to move on. Your safety and security are worth investing in; don’t undermine it by hiring the wrong person for the job.
Final Words
Getting locked out is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be a total nightmare. With a little preparation and the right knowledge, you can handle a late-night lockout without losing your cool – or your entire paycheck.
Final Tips:
- Keep a spare key with a trusted friend or neighbor
- Consider a smart lock for future prevention
- Save a reliable locksmith’s number in your phone before you need it
Always verify a locksmith’s credentials and get a price estimate before they start work. A legitimate professional will be happy to provide this information upfront.
