You never think you'll need an emergency locksmith, until the day you find yourself locked out of your house or car, having to retrieve stuck keys or having to secure your property after a break-in.

These emergencies and others are so common that most local locksmith companies offer a 24/7 emergency service. Read this guide to find out what residential and commercial locksmiths do, how much they cost, and how to find the best local professionals in your area.

What does an emergency locksmith do?

24/7 emergency locksmiths offer a range of services to help individuals, families and businesses deal with access and security-related problems and inconveniences. This can be anything from replacing a lost or stuck key to installing new locks and access control after a burglary, securing your home or workplace and giving you peace of mind.

A skilled and experienced locksmith should be able to open most lock systems without resorting to destructive or invasive techniques, though this can depend on the type of lock or security system involved. A mobile locksmith will aim to arrive at your premises as quickly as possible with all the tools needed for the job.

Emergency locksmith services

24/7 emergency locksmiths are available day or night for automotive, home or business needs. While some locksmiths specialise in certain types of jobs, generally emergency and mobile locksmith services include:

• Emergency lockout assistance
• Key cutting and duplication
• Re-keying locks
• Changing safe combinations
• Replacing car transponders

After calling a 24 hour emergency locksmith and describing your situation, you can expect a quick response time. The mobile locksmith should arrive within 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your location. They will require you to show proof of ownership or residence of the property or vehicle to make sure they are not helping a criminal.

Residential locksmith

An emergency residential locksmith can help you gain access to your home in a lockout, secure your home at short notice against criminals, or give you access control for unwanted tenants.

If you've lost or broken your house key and don't have a spare, your mobile locksmith may be able to cut you a new key on the spot. If it's a more complex job, such as replacing a lock and door handle, they may need to return with the right parts once you're safely inside.

Automotive locksmith

Most 24/7 locksmiths can also help if you get locked out of your car and need to retrieve a key from inside or to replace a car key. They can also replace or upgrade locks on your car to prevent thieves and others from gaining access.

Replacing a car key can be more complex and expensive than a house key, especially if you need to replace a key fob or transponder chip or to retrieve a snapped or jammed key from the ignition. Your mobile locksmith may be able to help you on the spot or they may need to return to their workshop and come back later.

Commercial locksmith

Commercial security systems are generally more intricate and expensive to fix than domestic locks, but an emergency locksmith can help you gain access to your business premises or secure them against criminals. With a quick response time, 24 hour locksmiths will minimise disruption to your business and give you peace of mind.

Emergency locksmith services for commercial premises can include replacing locks, installing advanced electronic and biometric security systems, unlocking filing cabinets and opening safes.

Emergency locksmith techniques

24 hour locksmiths may use several techniques to open a lock or security system, depending on the type of installation. Whenever possible, these will involve little to no damage to your locks.

• Picking a lock involves manipulating the locking mechanism by hand or with an electric pick gun. As each lock is unique, this technique requires a high level of skill and experience.
• Impressioning is often the next technique used if picking is not effective. This involves inserting a blank key into the lock to take an original impression and create a new key.
• If neither of these techniques is successful, the lock cylinder will usually need to be removed and replaced.

How much does a 24/7 locksmith cost?

Hiring an emergency locksmith is generally more expensive than the standard fees of a local locksmith, especially if you're calling them out of hours.

The average cost of an emergency locksmith is between $175 and $330, but this can be higher or lower depending on the job, the company and the time of day.

Expect to pay around:

• $165 - $220 to have a lock picked.
• $200 - $300 to replace a lock and door
• $80 - $180 for automotive locksmith services
• $140+ for commercial locksmith services

Typical after hours locksmith rates are around:

• After normal working hours (5pm - 9pm) - $175
• 9pm to midnight - $220
• Midnight to early morning - $330

For example, Sydney 24 hour emergency locksmith Scope Security offers after hours lockout services starting from $150 + GST after 5:00pm on weekdays.

What to look for in a 24/7 emergency locksmith

You may be in a hurry when contacting an emergency locksmith, but it's wise to take a moment to make sure you're choosing the right professional for the job. Some important details to check are:

• Do they offer a 24 hour emergency service?
• What type of emergency services do they provide?
• Are they a registered business?
• Are they licensed (if required in your state)?
• Do they carry insurance and bond coverage?
• Are they a member of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australia (MLAA)?
• How quickly can they get there? (A locksmith in your suburb should have a faster response time).
• What are their after hours call-out fees?
• Can they give you a reliable quote over the phone?

Getting quotes from 24 hour locksmiths near you

When you're contacting an emergency locksmith, give them as much detail about your problem as you can, so they can bring the right tools and give you an accurate quote. Rather than just looking for the cheapest locksmith, it's important to choose a qualified expert you feel comfortable with.

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.