Getting locked out of your car is one of those situations where you're already stressed and then someone quotes you a price that makes it worse. Here's what a car lockout actually costs — and what to do if you're quoted something that sounds too high or suspiciously low.
Quick answer: A car lockout in the US typically costs $50–$150, with a national average of around $110. After-hours calls add $25–$75. If you're quoted under $35, expect the final price to be much higher.
Car Lockout Price Breakdown (2026)
| Situation | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard car lockout (daytime) | $50–$110 |
| Car lockout (evening/weekend) | $85–$175 |
| Car lockout (late night) | $100–$200 |
| Keys locked in trunk | $50–$130 |
| Keys locked with engine running | $50–$110 |
| Older vehicle (simple lock) | $50–$80 |
| Modern vehicle (smart lock/sensor) | $100–$175 |
What Affects the Cost of a Car Lockout?
Vehicle Make and Model
This matters more than most people realise. Older vehicles with simple mechanical locks are straightforward — most experienced locksmiths can open them in 2–5 minutes. Newer vehicles with:
- Electronic door handles (common on European models)
- Proximity key / keyless entry systems
- Anti-theft secondary locks
...take longer and sometimes require different equipment, pushing costs toward the higher end.
Your Location
Car lockout prices in New York City and Los Angeles run $90–$175 as a baseline. The same job in Houston or Dallas typically runs $60–$110. This reflects the locksmith's overhead costs, not the complexity of the job.
Time of Day
The after-hours surcharge is real and legitimate — a locksmith coming out at 1am has genuine reasons to charge more. What's NOT legitimate is adding a surprise $100 "emergency fee" that wasn't mentioned on the phone.
Always ask: "What is my total cost, including any after-hours charges, for a car lockout at [your address]?"
Whether You Need a New Key
A standard lockout (opening the door without cutting a key) is the cheapest scenario. If you've lost your keys entirely, the cost goes up significantly:
- Basic car key cut: $30–$80
- Transponder key cut + programming: $150–$300
- Smart key / key fob replacement: $150–$400
- Dealer replacement key: $200–$600
Does Car Insurance Cover Lockouts?
This is worth checking before you call a locksmith — especially if you're not in an immediate hurry.
Check these options first:
-
Roadside assistance on your car insurance — if you have comprehensive coverage, check whether roadside assistance is included. Many policies cover lockouts up to $50–$100.
-
AAA membership — AAA covers lockouts at no additional cost for members. Response time varies, but it's free.
-
Credit card benefits — American Express, Visa Signature, and certain other premium cards include roadside assistance with lockout coverage as a cardholder benefit.
-
Manufacturer roadside — newer vehicles often come with manufacturer roadside assistance programs (BMW Roadside Assistance, OnStar for GM vehicles, etc.) that include lockout service free for the first few years.
If you have any of these, it's worth a 5-minute check before spending $100 out of pocket.
How to Avoid Getting Ripped Off on a Car Lockout
The "$15 Car Lockout" Scam
This is one of the most documented scams in the locksmith industry. A company advertises extremely low prices online ($15, $19, $25), sends out a subcontractor, and then presents a dramatically higher bill once they've opened your car. The price escalates through various "fees":
- "Lockout fee" (the advertised price)
- "Service call fee" (separate)
- "After-hours charge" (even at 2pm)
- "Difficulty charge" (your specific lock is "complex")
The FTC has documented this pattern. Your protection is simple: get a total price over the phone before they come out.
How to Get a Fair Quote
Call the locksmith and say: "I'm locked out of my [year/make/model] at [address]. It's [time]. What will the total cost be, including all fees?"
A legitimate locksmith will give you a number. Someone running a bait-and-switch operation will dodge the question or refuse to commit.
Verify They're Local
Many low-price operations are national call centres that dispatch independent contractors. The person who shows up may have no idea what price was quoted. A locksmith with a real local business is accountable in a way that a dispatched contractor isn't.
Ask: "Are you a local business?" and "What's your physical address?" Legitimate locksmiths answer this without hesitation.
What Happens During a Car Lockout
Most modern vehicles can be opened without damage using a long reach tool (a thin bar that goes through the door weather stripping to manipulate the door lock from inside), a pump wedge (which creates a small gap in the door to thread the reach tool), or a J-tool for vehicles where these work better.
This is a non-destructive process that takes 2–10 minutes on most vehicles and leaves no marks. Drilling is almost never necessary for a car lockout unless the mechanism itself is broken.
If a locksmith immediately tells you they'll need to drill your car door for a basic lockout, get a second opinion.
Car Lockout vs. AAA: Which Is Better?
| Local Locksmith | AAA | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50–$150 | Free (with membership) |
| Speed | Usually 15–30 min | 30–60+ min |
| Reliability | Varies | Consistent |
| Available 24/7 | Yes (most) | Yes |
| Works for lost keys? | Yes | Limited |
Bottom line: AAA is better value if you're already a member and aren't in immediate danger. A reputable local locksmith is faster and more flexible, especially for complicated situations.
What to Do Right Now If You're Locked Out
- Check all doors and the trunk — obvious, but always worth 30 seconds.
- Check whether insurance or AAA covers you — could save $100+.
- Get a total price quote from 2–3 locksmiths — takes 5 minutes and protects you from bait-and-switch pricing.
- Stay with your vehicle — especially important at night or in isolated areas.
- Don't accept a price that's dramatically higher than quoted — you can refuse work that hasn't started.
A fair price for a car lockout is $50–$150. If you're being asked for $200–$400 for a simple modern vehicle lockout with no lost keys, that's not a fair price.