How much does a locksmith cost in the UK?
Locksmith costs in the UK depend on the type of job and the time of day — emergency call-outs at night or on weekends attract a premium. Here is what you can expect to pay in 2025–2026.
Typical locksmith costs (2025–2026)
| Job type | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Emergency lockout — home (business hours) | £60 – £120 |
| Emergency lockout — home (after hours/weekend) | £100 – £200 |
| Lock replacement (standard nightlatch, excl. hardware) | £50 – £120 |
| BS3621 5-lever deadlock + installation | £120 – £250 |
| Anti-snap euro cylinder replacement (uPVC door) | £60 – £150 |
| Multipoint lock mechanism replacement (uPVC door) | £150 – £350 |
| Smart lock installation (keypad/app-based) | £150 – £400 incl. hardware |
| Safe opening (non-destructive) | £100 – £300 |
| Security assessment (home audit) | £60 – £150 |
What affects the price?
- Time of day. After-hours, weekend, and bank holiday call-outs attract a surcharge — typically £40–£100 above the standard rate.
- Type of lock. Insurance-approved BS3621 locks and anti-snap euro cylinders cost more to supply and install than basic locks but offer far better protection.
- Lock condition. A simple lockout on a working lock is faster and cheaper than a broken lock that must be drilled and replaced.
- Number of locks. Volume discounts often apply when replacing multiple locks in one visit — ask for a package price.
Choosing the right lock
Standard euro cylinder locks on uPVC doors are vulnerable to "lock snapping" — a well-known burglary technique in the UK where the cylinder is physically snapped in seconds. Anti-snap cylinders (often marked TS007 3-star, or 1-star cylinder plus 2-star handle) resist this and are worth the modest extra cost on any external uPVC door. Many home insurers require locks meeting British Standard BS3621 for wooden doors to validate a claim — check your policy wording and ask your locksmith to confirm compliance in writing.
Tips for getting a fair price
- For non-emergency work, get two or three quotes before committing. Locksmith pricing is not standardised — the range can be significant. TruePro sends your request to every matching verified locksmith in your area, and each quote shows their trust score, so you can compare on reliability as well as price.
- Ask upfront whether the quote includes the lock hardware or just labour. "Install a lock" quotes sometimes assume you supply the lock.
- Check that the locksmith is a member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) or can show valid trade credentials. TruePro verifies MLA membership and shows a badge on the locksmith's quotes and profile once confirmed.
- Get a written invoice for any work done. If a lock is drilled rather than picked, the invoice should reflect the reason.
- Avoid paying the full amount upfront, especially for emergency call-outs. TruePro's payment protection holds your payment securely until you've confirmed the work is done.