Find a Trusted Locksmith Near You

A standard locksmith call-out costs £70-£150 for an emergency lockout, £80-£150 per lock for a lock change, and £200-£500 for a full security upgrade. Out-of-hours and weekend rates typically add £30-£80. Specialist work (auto keys, safe opening) ranges from £180-£600.

Most emergency locksmiths arrive within 30-60 minutes in urban areas, and 45-90 minutes in rural locations. A standard lockout takes 15-30 minutes to resolve once on site. Always confirm the ETA and the all-in price before the locksmith leaves their van.

Yes, a skilled locksmith can almost always gain non-destructive entry on a standard UK door (Yale, mortice, uPVC multi-point) using picks, bypass tools or letterbox tools. Drilling is a last resort and the locksmith should warn you before any destructive method is used.

BS3621 is the British Standard for thief-resistant 5-lever mortice locks and certain cylinder locks. Most home insurance policies require BS3621-certified locks on all external doors. Upgrading an existing lock to BS3621 typically costs £100-£200 per door including fitting.

A standard Yale rim lock change costs £80-£120, a euro cylinder replacement £60-£140, and a 5-lever mortice lock change £100-£180. Multi-point uPVC mechanism replacement runs £150-£280 depending on the brand (Avocet, ERA, Yale, GU, Mila).

After a burglary, most home insurance policies cover the cost of an emergency locksmith and lock replacement under the "loss of keys" or "damage by theft" sections. Routine lockouts (lost keys, no break-in) are usually not covered — check your policy or excess before claiming.

Yes — you have no way of knowing how many copies of the keys exist, who has had access, or whether previous tenants/owners have kept spares. Changing all external locks when you move in is one of the most important security steps you can take. Budget £200-£450 for a typical 3-bed semi.

Call 999 if the burglar may still be present, otherwise 101. Get a crime reference number before touching anything. Photograph the damage. Call an emergency locksmith for a board-up or temporary security, then a lock replacement. Notify your insurer within 24-48 hours.

Warning signs: no website or only a mobile number, no company registration, refuses to give a written quote, demands cash upfront, arrives in an unmarked van without ID, or quotes a low call-out fee then inflates the bill on site. Always verify the locksmith on Companies House before booking.

Most locksmiths charge a premium of £30-£80 between 8pm and 8am, plus weekends and bank holidays, to cover unsociable hours, fuel, and reduced supplier access. A typical Saturday night lockout in London or Manchester costs £130-£220 all-in.

A standard rim cylinder or euro cylinder swap is genuinely DIY (15-30 mins, basic screwdriver). A 5-lever mortice lock change requires chisel work and accurate measurement. uPVC multi-point gearbox replacement needs the right gearcase length — get a locksmith. Insurance-compliant fittings (BS3621) should always be done by a professional with a receipt.

Yes — a qualified locksmith can impression a key from a lock cylinder or decode it using specialist tools. Cost is typically £30-£60 per key for residential cylinders, £80-£180 for car keys (transponder programming included).

No — locksmithing is unregulated in the UK. Anyone can call themselves a locksmith without qualifications, which is why rogue traders are common. Look for Companies House registration, trade body membership and verifiable customer reviews before booking.

A locksmith focuses on mechanical locks, keys and emergency access. A security installer covers electronic systems: CCTV, alarms, access control, smart locks. Many companies offer both. For lock issues, emergency access or insurance-grade lock upgrades, you need a locksmith.

Yes — locksmith pricing varies widely. For the same lock change you may be quoted £80 by one and £200 by another. Getting at least 3 quotes lets you avoid overcharging, identify rogue traders, and check that the same parts and labour are being priced. Our directory makes this easy.