How Much Is a Car Locksmith? 

Getting locked out of your car can be a very annoying experience. Unless you have roadside assistance, you will likely have to pay for locksmith services. Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance coverage. However, you should check with your insurer to see if they cover locksmith services. In some cases, your insurance provider may offer a discount for using a locksmith. 

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The cost of car locksmith services is determined by many factors. The make and model of the vehicle, the type of key, the distance the locksmith has to travel, and the time of day all play a part. In addition, locksmiths often charge more for emergency services. This can result in a higher bill. 

Locksmiths will often charge around $50 to $100 to unlock a car. This price range includes opening a car door, rekeying the car, and opening the trunk. Depending on the car, locksmiths may also have to reprogram the key fob. In some cases, a locksmith may need to buy a key code from the manufacturer. A key fob costs around $10 to $15, and a remote transmitter can cost between $125 and $500. 

A locksmith will usually charge around $75 to $150 for emergency services. Depending on the time of day, these services may be billed hourly. Some locksmiths will charge double this amount for after-hours service. However, there are some locksmiths who will not charge extra for off-hours service. 

If you are locked out of your car, you should call the police. In some cases, they can force entry into your car without damaging it. However, the police may not be able to unlock it. If this is the case, you should contact the nearest emergency service to have the car unlocked. 

You may be able to program your transponder key yourself. However, the dealership may have the key already programmed. They may also be able to program your key for free. Some dealerships also have programming machines. This can save you about 20% from a locksmith. 

Locksmiths can also cut and program new car keys. This includes key fobs, keypads, and transponder keys. If your vehicle uses transponder keys, the chip must be programmed in before it can be started. Most dealerships will have this service available. However, locksmiths can program new key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. 

Locksmiths can also replace your ignition switch. This can cost around $50 to $150, depending on the make and model of the car. The dealership may also have to pay for labor. The average locksmith job will take around 25-30 minutes. In addition, the locksmith may have to bring special equipment. The dealership may also charge for towing the car to the dealership. 

If you have an older model car, the locksmith may be able to program your transponder keys for free. However, newer vehicles have more advanced security systems and require different unlocking methods. If you have a newer car, you may need to have your locks replaced, which can cost around $200 to $600.