The answer to the question of how much does a locksmith charge for a car may be different for each car. A simple lock change may cost as little as $10 or as much as $300, depending on the difficulty of the job. However, if you need a more complex procedure, such as rekeying the vehicle, you should expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300 per hour. Here are some common locksmith services:
Key programming: While some vehicles do not have programming capabilities, a trained locksmith can program key fobs for most of them. This can be done with a special diagnostic device, known as a “scan tool,” which communicates with the car’s computer. If the car has transponder technology, the seasoned locksmith can also reprogram the key to the car. It’s important to note that a locksmith can’t reprogramme your key without confirming your ownership.
Licensed locksmiths are required by state law to operate. You can find this information on their websites or by checking customer reviews. Be wary of a locksmith who offers a price over the phone but then charges you more once they arrive. Unlicensed locksmiths may also cause damage to your car. To prevent yourself from being ripped off, ask for their license. If a locksmith is not licensed, it’s probably not a professional locksmith.
Getting a spare key for your car is an excellent idea if you’ve only lost one. This will save you from having to replace your car key several times. You can also save money by having a duplicate made of your existing key. This service can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. However, if your car key has transponder technology, you’ll need to pay a high price.
Locksmiths often work for roadside assistance companies. AAA will pay a locksmith up to $150 in case of an emergency. However, this service is not available around the clock. If your car is locked out, don’t try to open the door yourself, as this may damage the lock, which will add to the price of the service. Instead, call 911. They will unlock your car for free. You may want to consider calling a roadside assistance company if you have a lockout situation that needs to be fixed right away.
Many newer cars come with advanced security features. You may need to reprogram the keyless remote or VATS passcode detector for your vehicle. If you need a spare key, it is better to have the locksmith install it on your car. Otherwise, it will be more expensive to have a new one installed at a dealership. The cost of a locksmith’s labor and parts should be included in the price.
The price of a locksmith will depend on how many services you need. The price you pay will depend on how many services you need and how complex your job is. A simple lockout will likely cost you $60 to $85, while a complex, multi-step service may cost you as much as $250. In most cases, though, a locksmith will charge you about the same amount for each service, but it will depend on the complexity of the job.