Emergency locksmith call-out prices in the UK
Last updated 14 June 2026 · 5 min read · Reviewed by the GotAPal editorial team
Locked out at 11pm in the rain? It's stressful, and that's exactly when some less-than-honest "national" locksmith services try to take advantage. Here's what an emergency locksmith should actually cost in the UK, and how to avoid the classic call-out con.
The short version
- A simple lock-out should be £70–£150, not £300–£600.
- A good locksmith opens standard locks without drilling (non-destructive entry).
- Beware cheap headline prices that balloon once they arrive.
- Use a local, named locksmith with a real address and reviews.
- Get the full price before they start, and a receipt after.
Typical call-out prices
A genuine local locksmith usually charges a call-out fee plus labour, or a single fixed price for the job. As a rough guide:
- Daytime call-out (standard hours): £50–£90 call-out, plus labour.
- Evening / weekend / emergency: £80–£150 call-out, plus labour.
- Total for a simple lock-out (non-destructive entry, you're back inside): £70–£150 is normal.
A good locksmith can usually open a standard UK door lock without drilling it(non-destructive entry), so you shouldn't automatically be paying for a new lock just because you're locked out.
Typical prices for common jobs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Lock-out / gain entry (non-destructive) | £70–£150 |
| Replace a Yale-type night latch | £80–£150 |
| Replace a mortice lock | £100–£180 |
| Replace a uPVC door lock barrel | £90–£160 |
| Upgrade to anti-snap (insurance-grade) cylinder | £100–£200 |
| Change locks after a break-in or lost keys | £120–£250 |
| Board up / secure a broken door (emergency) | £100–£250+ |
Prices include the call-out and basic parts in most cases — but always confirm.
The overcharging con — how it works
The classic scam: you search online, ring a national-sounding number, and they quote "£49 call-out." The locksmith arrives, says your lock has to be drilled out, fits an over-priced replacement, and the bill lands at £300–£600. Watch for:
- A cheap headline price that balloons once they arrive.
- "This lock can't be picked, it'll have to be drilled" — often untrue for standard locks.
- No fixed total before work starts.
- Cash-only, no receipt, no business address.
- Generic call-centre numbers that send whichever sub-contractor is nearest.
How to protect yourself
- Use a local, named locksmith with a real address and reviews — not a faceless national line.
- Ask for the full price before they start, including call-out, labour and parts.
- Insist on non-destructive entry first for a standard lock-out.
- Get a receipt, and pay by card if you can.
- Check membership of a recognised body such as the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) — its members are vetted and DBS-checked.
Find a trusted local locksmith
The best time to find a good locksmith is before you're locked out — save one to your phone now. You can find and compare local locksmiths on GotAPal, with real reviews from people in your area, so you're never at the mercy of a dodgy call-centre price.
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