Why Do Locksmiths Cost So Much?

We've all been there, we call a locksmith for a simple job of unlocking the front door and when we ask what the cost is going to be, we wince a little (or a lot). How can it cost so much just to have a locksmith come out and unlock a door? So there we are, choiceless and having to pay the fee if we want to get on with our life.

We want to make things a little easier by outlining 10 reasons why your locksmith might cost as much as they do. Hopefully, when you're done reading this article, you'll experience a little more ease when you hand over your credit card to your locksmith.

1. The Cost of Insurance

Like any service professional, a locksmith has to carry insurance to cover themselves if something were to go awry. These insurance premiums are like any other insurance and need to be paid monthly or yearly to cover the locksmith in the event that something unexpected happens. This expense must be factored into the fee that you are charged for a lockout or a lock repair for example. Locksmith insurance policies help pay for legal fees if a client sues over property damage. They can also cover costs from employee injuries, stolen tools, car accidents, and other incidents.

Of course, you are free to hire a locksmith who doesn't have insurance, but if they are cutting corners on their insurance (which protects them) then what do you think they are going to do to protect you?

We recommend hiring a locksmith who is insured so that it can cover any problem that may occur during service.

2. The Complexity of Locksmith Service

It may not look like it on the outside, but each service is a detailed process that requires know-how and proper training to not only do the job correctly, but to protect the car, or door from any damage.  While it's true that some jobs are more difficult than others - like installing a smart lock - all jobs are complex.

A good understanding of many systems are necessary. Car Ignition systems, smart lock systems, electrical wiring, fob programming, the latest technology and home security are a few of these systems. All of them require time and energy to learn. Your locksmith has to recoup some of his time and financial investments to stay up on the latest developments.

3. The Time it Takes

As is everyone's situation who works for a living, a locksmith is getting paid for the time it takes to provide their service. Many locksmiths charge by the service, and therefore, they must take ALL jobs into account and average their hourly rate. 

It's important to note that often times it is impossible to know how much time or effort a job will require. What may seem like a simple lockout can become more complex if other factors are taken into consideration like the distance they have to travel, or the accessibility of the lock, or other details that the owner failed to mention on the phone in the first place.

Lock installation for example can be very complex and involve several steps. From preparing the site for the lock, the install, the wiring, then the testing of the lock - all of it requires time that the locksmith is paid for.

4. How Far Does your Locksmith have to Travel? 

The distance that a locksmith has to travel can be significant. Factored into the cost of your service is the time required in driving, the gas cost as well as considering the wear and tear on the locksmith vehicle.

Most locksmiths will have what is called a "trip charge" and they often roll all these things into one cost.

5.  24/7 Anyone?

It turns out that we expect locksmiths to be available every minute of the day or night. Afterall, we don't know when we will need one and no one plans for it. So if it's in the middle of the night and you need help, you'll be paying a little extra for the convenience that a 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) locksmith can provide.

In an emergency, we can expect to pay extra to have a service that is reliable whenever we need them.

6.  Training and Experience

All locksmiths go through rigorous training to learn all the details of the trade. They are taking the time to learn something that you don't know how to do. This requires focus and critical thinking, especially when having to solve their customer's problems on the spot and under pressure.

A locksmith puts in their time gaining experience and the longer they've been in the business, the more valuable their work is in the field.

When you hire Ty's 303 Locksmith, you benefit from years of experience and training as well as a commitment to excellent, affordable locksmith services.

Check out our affordable locksmith costs.