How Much Does An Auto Locksmith Cost?
Auto locksmiths can provide a variety of services to help you get back into your vehicle when you have locked yourself out or need new keys. They can also perform other repairs and services like replacing the locks on your car door, rekeying your ignition system, and making new key fobs to keep your keys safe.
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The cost of unlocking a car depends on how far the locksmith has to travel, what time they need to come out, and what kind of emergency the situation is. A simple lockout service call usually costs around $100 to $200, while a more complex service call can be higher, depending on the time of day and whether you live in an area where there are several locksmiths close by.
Unlocking a Car Without Breaking It
If your key gets stuck in the lock, a locksmith can easily extract it without damaging your vehicle. They use special tools to open the lock and extract the key, while also checking and repairing the ignition switches if any have been damaged in the process.
Duplicate Car Key Cutting
If you’ve lost your car keys, or just want a spare set of them, you can hire a locksmith to cut them for you. The cost of duplicate car keys ranges from $10 to $50, and it’s a good idea to choose a locksmith who offers this service since it saves you the time and hassle of having to get a new key made.
Replacing a Key or a Remote
Replacements of your car’s keys and keyless remotes are another service that many locksmiths offer, but the cost of these is higher than simply getting them cut. For example, if you have a transponder chip key, it can cost about $125 to $250 to replace the old key with the new one.
Rekeying Your Car Ignition
The cost of rekeying your car ignition is slightly more expensive than replacing a key because the process involves changing the internal components that lock and unlock your car’s engine. This is especially important if you’re concerned that your key may be stolen.
Most auto dealerships are members of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), which means that they can rekey your ignition and make you a new key at no extra charge. However, some European manufacturers do not participate in NASTF, which is why it’s important to find a locksmith who is familiar with these brands.
Getting an Exact Quote and Invoice
Locksmiths aren’t required to have licenses in all states, so you’ll need to do your homework when choosing a locksmith. Generally, you should avoid a quote that is too low and get an invoice for every service you need to be sure that you’re not being ripped off.
Trip Fees
Depending on where the locksmith you’re looking to hire is located, they may also charge a trip fee for coming to your location. This will help them cover their travel expenses, and it may be a good idea to ask about it before you schedule an appointment.