How Much Does a Locksmith Cost For Car Lockouts?
A locked car can be a frustrating experience. You may be left wondering if you should call the local police, hire a tow truck or call a locksmith. However, if you’re lucky enough to have a spare key or two on hand, you may be able to avoid the hassle of calling a locksmith for your lock-out needs.
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If you do need a locksmith, your charges will vary depending on the type of car you own and the locksmith’s services you need. The costs will also depend on whether you have insurance and if the vehicle is covered by a roadside assistance program. Some types of insurance may even cover the cost of a locksmith.
A full service locksmith can replace, install or rekey locks on your vehicle. For instance, rekeying is more affordable than replacing. Rekeying may also be cheaper than installing a new electronic security system.
The cost of a car locksmith’s services is largely determined by the time of day, the make and model of your vehicle, the amount of work you need and the ubiquity of the service in your area. On average, unlocking a car door can cost anywhere from $120-200 during standard business hours. In addition, a locksmith might charge additional fees for travel outside your neighborhood.
The cost of a key replacement is generally much lower for domestic cars. Standard car keys can cost $4 to $10. But a key with more bells and whistles, such as a transponder key, can cost as much as $400.
The most expensive thing about a car lockout is the damage it can cause to your vehicle. The heat and vibration caused by a locked car can have serious health consequences. This is one reason why you should never attempt to open a car door with a coat hanger. It may only end up causing you more trouble.
The best way to save money on a locksmith is to do your homework and research the best deals. Most mobile locksmiths have a minimum fee, and some will work within a short distance of your home. They’ll also be happy to explain the price upfront.
There’s a whole plethora of other ways to get the most bang for your buck. You can also pay to have a locksmith rekey or replace your vehicle’s locks, or have your vehicle immobilized in the event of a lockout. These services aren’t cheap, but they will ensure your safety. So, if you need a lock replaced, don’t leave it up to the whims of a shady car salesman. Instead, go with a reputable company.
While a locksmith might charge a lot, it’s important to remember that the cost of getting a new key is less than the cost of replacing it with a duplicate. Likewise, it’s a good idea to rekey your locks if you’re using a non-genuine key or if you’re having trouble with your existing key. After all, there’s nothing worse than being unable to access your car, especially when you have a family or other valuables in it.