How Much Does It Cost For A Locksmith To Open Your Car Door?

Locked out of your car? Misplaced your car keys? Let's face it; we have all been there. Be it under the stress of dropping kids off at school or being overwhelmed by the number of grocery bags, we are all guilty of losing our car keys at some point in time. Once you realize that you don’t have your keys on hand, the question inevitably becomes: how do I open my car? 

In a stressful situation like this, it is best to stay calm and figure out the best course of action. You typically have two options: to call AAAor a nearby locksmith. If you do not avail of roadside assistance and don’t have an insurance policy covering the locksmith services, you need to pay for the locksmith based on the services availed.

How much will this cost, though? Let’s find out.

How Much Does It Cost?

Unlocking The Door - $70 - $150

Rates vary according to the distance the locksmith travels and the time of the day. Assistance during the night usually carries a premium over the daytime. Similarly, for distant and obscure locations, the charges may be higher. The cost can also vary according to the type of lock and the effort needed. Cars from manufacturers like Volvo have very high safety standards, and their doors are extremely difficult to open without the right key. These cars might even require technicians from the manufacturer to open them.

In contrast, cars from brands like Ford and Hyundai are relatively easier to open for locksmiths. As a rule of thumb, relatively common car models tend to be easier to unlock. In contrast, uncommon models require more effort on the locksmith's part. 

Rekeying Your Car - $50 - $100

Rekeying automotive locks or modifying the cylinder's internal parts (wafers, sliders, discs, etc.) to open with a new key is a procedure that entails the replacement of the door lock. However, it won't mend a broken lock.

You can also get your car door lock replaced ($300 to $600), rekey the ignition ($100), or get multiple copies of the same key ($30 to $50). 

How Do Locksmiths Do Their Job?

Locksmiths have a variety of tools and tricks up their sleeves. Some of them are listed as follows:

• Slim jim. These look like slim metal rulers. They’re placed between the weather stripping and the glass of your car's window. Once inserted, it reaches the bottom and unlocks the door. If done unprofessionally, it can disable your airbags and damage electric sensors. 
• Reprogramming of keys. With newer vehicles and their advanced keyless systems, locksmiths now carry key analyzers. They can make duplicate keys without inserting tools. They can also reprogram, lock and unlock your car. It might sound simple, but it is a highly complicated and sensitive job. 

Should I Try Unlocking The Car Myself? 

The simple answer here is no. We know that you are tempted to check Youtube and at least want to attempt to do it yourself. However, you need to understand that car doors are equipped with sensitive, expensive sensor-heavy doors. Any mishandling can cost you way more than you are trying to save from hiring a professional. Locksmiths are also skilled with precision tools and specialize in opening keyless doors with a transponder programming tool that does not require physical haggling with the door. 

Summary 

If you have misplaced or lost or forgotten your car key inside the car, it is safest to call a locksmith. Doing it yourself is always an option but comes at the risk of damaging your lock system and denting your vehicle. A locksmith usually charges $50 to $150 based on various factors: distance, time of the day, and complexity of the lock, amongst other things. 

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