Emergency Locksmith Cost in London: Full 2025 Pricing Guide

Published 22 October 2025

The Cost of Emergency Locksmith Services in London: What to Expect

Understanding the emergency locksmith cost in London is essential for both peace of mind and financial preparedness.

At Premier Security London, we pride ourselves on providing transparent pricing, reliable service, and around-the-clock availability to ensure you're never left stranded.

What Influences Locksmith Cost in London?

Several factors determine the cost of hiring a locksmith in London, especially for emergency services:

Time of day – Late-night, early morning, and weekend callouts often incur additional charges.

Location – Central London services may be slightly higher due to travel and parking.

Service type – Gaining access, lock replacements, key cutting, and digital lock repairs all carry different rates.

Lock type and security level – High-security locks and multi-point locking systems are more complex and expensive to handle.

Urgency – The quicker you need a locksmith, the more you might pay, especially for 24/7 callouts.

24/7 Locksmith Pricing in London

Here’s a breakdown of typical 24/7 locksmith pricing in London:

Common Emergency Locksmith Services and Their Costs

1. Locked Out of Your Property

Being locked out is one of the most common emergencies we deal with. Our expert locksmiths use non-destructive entry methods wherever possible to reduce damage and costs.

Average cost: £70–£130 (daytime), £100–£180 (night/weekends)

Factors: Lock type, number of locks, property access type

2. Lock Replacement or Repair

If your lock is damaged or you’ve had a break-in, a lock replacement is often urgent.

Standard locks (Yale or euro-cylinder): £85–£120

High-security locks (BS3621 or anti-snap): £130–£180

Night/holiday surcharges: +£30–£60

We carry a range of locks to offer same-day replacement, ensuring your safety is restored immediately.

3. Car Locksmith Services

Modern vehicles require specialised equipment to regain entry or duplicate keys.

Vehicle entry (no damage): £90–£150

Key programming/fob repair: £120–£250

Premier Security London provides rapid automotive locksmith assistance with trained professionals who can access almost every make and model.

4. Burglary Repairs and Boarding Up

Post-burglary security is urgent. We provide emergency boarding up, frame reinforcement, and lock replacement.

Boarding up services: From £90–£200, depending on area and number of windows/doors

Lock changes: Included as part of emergency response when necessary

Are Emergency Locksmith Services Covered by Insurance?

Many home insurance policies do not cover locksmith services, especially if the incident is deemed accidental (e.g., lost keys).

However, if the callout is a result of burglary or attempted forced entry, insurers often reimburse emergency costs. It’s vital to retain all invoices and request written documentation from your locksmith.

Avoiding Hidden Locksmith Charges

We believe that honesty and transparency are non-negotiable in emergency situations.

Unfortunately, rogue operators still exist in the locksmith industry, and it’s important to protect yourself:

Always ask for a clear quote before attendance

Confirm whether VAT is included

Ask if labour and parts are itemised separately

Avoid cash-only services that don’t provide receipts

Why Choose Premier Security London?

Choosing the right locksmith is about more than just cost.

✅ Fully insured and CRB-checked technicians

✅ Response time under 30 minutes

✅ Over 10 years of trusted service

✅ Available 24/7, 365 days a year

✅ No call-out fees on pre-agreed quotes

✅ Approved by leading insurance providers

Tips to Reduce Locksmith Costs in London

Keep a spare key with a trusted neighbour or in a key safe

Regularly service and test your locks to avoid unexpected failures

Upgrade to digital locks that can be managed via smartphone, reducing key loss

Use non-emergency booking hours if possible

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How quickly can you arrive for an emergency?
We aim to be on-site within 30 minutes, anywhere in Greater London.

Do you charge for callouts even if no work is done?
Only if previously agreed. Most assessments are free with no obligation.

Can you help if I’ve lost my only set of keys?
Yes. We can gain entry, rekey or replace the lock, and cut new keys on the spot.

Are your locksmiths certified?
Yes. All technicians are fully qualified, insured, and trained in the latest access and security technologies.