Locksmiths do charge extra for nights and weekends in most cases. If you need help outside normal business hours, expect to pay an after-hours surcharge ranging from $25 to $75 on top of the standard service fee. This applies to emergency lockouts, broken key extractions, and urgent security repairs that cannot wait until regular business hours resume.
Understanding when these surcharges apply and what counts as a fair price can save you money and help you avoid predatory pricing. This guide breaks down typical after-hours locksmith costs, explains what qualifies as emergency service, and shows you how to decide whether to call now or wait until morning.
What Counts as After-Hours Service
Locksmiths generally consider after-hours to be any time outside their standard operating schedule. While exact hours vary by company, the industry standard defines after-hours as:
Evening Hours
Most locksmiths close between 5pm and 6pm on weekdays. Any service call after 6pm typically triggers an after-hours rate. Some companies extend their regular rates until 7pm or 8pm, but this is less common. Always ask about cutoff times when you call.
Early Morning Hours
Before 8am on weekdays is generally considered after-hours. If you are locked out of your house at 6am on a Tuesday, you will pay the emergency rate even though it is technically a business day. The same applies if you need urgent lock repair before heading to work.
Weekend Service
Saturdays and Sundays almost always command higher rates. Some locksmiths treat Saturday daytime as regular hours, but many charge weekend rates all day Saturday and Sunday. Sunday service typically carries the highest surcharge because fewer locksmiths work that day.
Holiday Rates
Major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years Day, and Independence Day usually incur the highest surcharges. Some locksmiths charge double or triple their standard rates on these days. If your emergency can wait, avoiding holidays will save significant money.
How Much More You Will Pay
After-hours locksmith service typically costs 20% to 50% more than daytime rates. Here is how the math breaks down for common services:
House Lockout Pricing
A standard house lockout costs $75 to $150 during business hours. After hours, expect to pay $100 to $225. The surcharge accounts for the inconvenience of working late and the limited availability of technicians.
Car Lockout Pricing
Daytime car lockouts run $60 to $120. At night or on weekends, the price increases to $85 to $180. Late-night car lockouts in parking lots or remote locations may cost even more due to safety considerations and travel time.
Lock Changes and Repairs
Installing new locks or repairing damaged ones costs $100 to $250 during the day. After-hours lock work ranges from $150 to $375. Complex jobs that require drilling or hardware replacement fall at the higher end of these ranges.
Emergency Rekeying
Rekeying a house after a break-in or lost keys costs $50 to $150 per lock during business hours. Emergency rekeying at night runs $75 to $200 per lock. Most homes have two to four exterior doors, so total costs add up quickly.
Understanding the After-Hours Surcharge
The after-hours surcharge is a flat fee added to the base service charge. This fee compensates the locksmith for working outside normal hours and covers the costs of keeping technicians on call.
What the Surcharge Covers
Locksmiths pay technicians higher wages for night and weekend work. The surcharge helps offset these increased labor costs. It also covers the overhead of maintaining 24-hour operations, including dispatch services and after-hours phone support.
Typical Surcharge Amounts
- Evening surcharge (6pm to 10pm): $25 to $50
- Late night surcharge (10pm to 6am): $50 to $75
- Weekend surcharge: $25 to $50
- Holiday surcharge: $50 to $100
These amounts are added to the standard service fee. A locksmith who charges $75 for a daytime house lockout might charge $125 for the same service at midnight.
When Surcharges Stack
Some locksmiths add multiple surcharges. A call at 11pm on a Saturday night might incur both a late-night fee and a weekend fee. Always ask for a total price quote that includes all applicable surcharges before agreeing to service.
When to Call Now vs Waiting Until Morning
Not every lock emergency requires immediate attention. Consider these factors when deciding whether to pay the after-hours premium.
Call Immediately When
You are locked out in an unsafe location. Being stranded in a dark parking lot, unfamiliar neighborhood, or extreme weather warrants the extra cost for immediate help. Your safety is worth more than the surcharge.
Your home was broken into. A compromised lock needs immediate attention. Sleeping in a house with a broken lock puts you at risk. The peace of mind from securing your home outweighs the after-hours fee.
You have medical needs inside. If medication, medical equipment, or a pet requiring care is locked inside, call immediately. Delays could have serious health consequences.
Your car is running. A locked car with the engine running creates safety hazards and wastes fuel. The after-hours charge is minor compared to potential damage or theft.
Wait Until Morning When
You have alternative access. If you can stay with a neighbor, friend, or hotel, waiting saves money. A spare key with a trusted contact eliminates the need for emergency service entirely.
The weather is mild. Being locked out on a pleasant evening is inconvenient but not dangerous. Bring a jacket, find a 24-hour cafe, and call in the morning.
No immediate security threat. A broken interior door lock or sticky deadbolt can wait. Document the problem and schedule regular hours service.
You can secure the property another way. If a back door or window provides access, use it temporarily and call a locksmith during business hours to repair the problematic lock.
Red Flags for After-Hours Scams
Emergency situations make people vulnerable to scams. Dishonest operators exploit urgency to charge exorbitant fees. Watch for these warning signs.
Surcharges Over $100
An after-hours surcharge exceeding $100 is excessive for most services. While holiday rates or complex jobs in remote areas might justify higher fees, a standard lockout should not carry a $100-plus surcharge. This often indicates a bait-and-switch scheme where the technician demands far more upon arrival.
Refusal to Provide Pricing
Legitimate locksmiths give price estimates over the phone, including after-hours surcharges. If the dispatcher says they cannot quote a price until the technician arrives, hang up. This tactic allows scammers to inflate the bill once you are desperate and committed.
Vague Service Descriptions
Be wary of companies that advertise only "$15 service calls" without explaining what that covers. The $15 typically covers the trip charge only, with additional fees for labor, parts, and "emergency service" added later. Ask for the total estimated cost including all fees.
Unmarked Vehicles or Generic Names
Professional locksmiths drive marked vehicles and operate under established business names. If the technician arrives in an unmarked van or introduces himself with a different company name than you called, refuse service. This is common with lead generation companies that sell your information to the highest bidder.
Pressure Tactics
Scammers create false urgency. They might claim your lock is "high security" and requires drilling, or insist the job is more complex than described. Take photos of the lock and get a second opinion if something feels wrong. A reputable locksmith will explain your options without pressure.
How to Find Fair After-Hours Pricing
Finding an honest locksmith at 2am requires preparation. Here is how to locate fair pricing when you need emergency service.
Research Before You Need Help
Save contact information for reputable 24-hour locksmiths in your area before emergencies happen. Look for companies with physical addresses, verified reviews, and clear pricing policies. Avoid relying solely on search engine results, which scammers manipulate.
Ask Detailed Questions
When you call, ask specific questions:
- What is your base service fee?
- What is the after-hours surcharge?
- What is the total estimated cost for my specific situation?
- Do you accept credit cards?
- What is the technicians name and estimated arrival time?
Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with. This documentation protects you if the technician tries to charge more.
Verify the Price Upon Arrival
Before the technician begins work, confirm the price matches your phone quote. If the technician claims additional work is needed, ask for explanation and consider declining if the cost seems excessive. You can always call another locksmith.
Use Credit Cards
Paying by credit card provides recourse if you are overcharged. Most credit card companies allow dispute resolution for fraudulent or inflated charges. Cash payments offer no protection and are preferred by scammers.
Tips for Avoiding After-Hours Calls
The best way to avoid after-hours charges is preventing lock emergencies. These simple steps reduce your chances of needing emergency service.
Keep Spare Keys Accessible
Give spare keys to trusted neighbors, friends, or family members. A hidden key in a lockbox is safer than under a doormat. For cars, keep a spare key in your wallet or at home.
Maintain Your Locks
Sticky or difficult locks often fail at inconvenient times. Lubricate locks annually with graphite powder. Replace worn keys before they break inside the lock. Address minor issues during business hours to prevent emergency failures.
Upgrade to Smart Locks
Keyless entry systems eliminate the risk of lost keys. Smart locks with keypad or smartphone access provide backup entry methods. While installation costs more upfront, you will never pay for a lockout again.
Know Your Locksmith
Establish a relationship with a local locksmith before emergencies occur. Regular customers often receive priority service and fair pricing. A locksmith who knows you is less likely to take advantage of your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra do locksmiths charge for night service?
Locksmiths typically add $25 to $75 for night service, with the surcharge increasing for late-night calls after 10pm. Total costs for a night lockout range from $100 to $225 depending on the service type and location.
Is Sunday more expensive than Saturday for locksmith service?
Yes, Sunday service typically costs more than Saturday. While Saturday daytime may have minimal surcharges at some companies, Sunday rates often match or exceed evening rates. Expect to pay $50 to $75 extra for Sunday service.
Can I negotiate the after-hours surcharge?
Some locksmiths will reduce the surcharge during slow periods or for straightforward jobs. It never hurts to ask, especially if you are willing to wait slightly longer for service. However, be prepared to pay the quoted price.
Why do locksmiths charge more at night?
Night service requires paying technicians overtime wages, maintaining 24-hour dispatch operations, and responding when demand is low but availability must remain high. The surcharge covers these increased operational costs.
What if the locksmith charges more than quoted?
Refuse service if the on-site price significantly exceeds the phone quote. Pay only the service call fee if work has not started. Document the discrepancy and contact your credit card company if you already paid and believe you were overcharged.
Are after-hours rates the same everywhere?
No, rates vary significantly by location. Urban areas with more competition often have lower surcharges. Rural areas may have higher fees due to travel distances. High-cost cities like New York and San Francisco typically charge 30% to 50% more than national averages.