How much does a locksmith cost in my area?
Published London prices for a lockout opened without damage run from about £70 to £99 by day and £120 to £125 after 11pm or midnight. A standard lock change starts from about £105 on UK figures, typically more in London. Our price for that lockout is £95 by day, £130 evening and weekend, and £150 at night.
Why do locksmiths charge so much?
A locksmith's price covers travel, tools, training, insurance and parts, not just the minutes on site, and night work and London costs push it higher. There is also no licence or set price for locksmiths in the UK, so some firms quote low and charge far more once the work is done.
How much do locksmiths charge per hour?
The Master Locksmiths Association puts UK locksmith labour from about £85 an hour, and from £95 in London. Out of hours London rates start around £122 an hour and rise to about £153 after midnight. Locksmiths often quote a fixed price per job instead, so ask which you are getting.
Do locksmiths charge a call out fee?
Some do and some do not. The Master Locksmiths Association found most emergency locksmiths do not charge a separate call out fee, and where one is charged it may include the first hour of labour. Ask what any fee covers, and the total price, before anyone sets off.
How much should it cost to change a lock?
The Master Locksmiths Association puts a standard euro cylinder change from £105 across the UK, an anti snap cylinder from £137 and a mortice lock from £148, including VAT. London prices typically run higher, and evenings and nights cost more. Check whether the quote includes the lock itself.
How much is a new front door lock in the UK?
The Master Locksmiths Association lists the lock alone from about £27 for a basic euro cylinder, £64 for an anti snap cylinder, £38 for a BS3621 mortice deadlock and £100 for a BS3621 nightlatch. Fitted, its UK figures start at £105 for a standard cylinder and £148 for a mortice lock, including VAT.
How to spot a rogue locksmith?
Warning signs include a very low advertised price, such as £39, £49 or £59, no business name or locksmith's name you can check, vagueness about the total price, and a push to drill the lock first. Claims of police approval or accreditation you cannot verify are another sign.
How can I avoid being scammed by a locksmith?
Save a trusted locksmith's details before you need one, skip paid adverts with very low prices, and get the business name, the locksmith's name and the total price in writing before anyone sets off. At the door, check the name matches and refuse drilling without a clear reason.
What to do if scammed by a locksmith?
Keep the invoice, texts and photos, then contact your card provider or bank quickly about a chargeback, a Section 75 claim or a scam refund. Report the firm to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. If you were not told the price first, you may be able to claim back the difference.
