What does a locksmith cost in 2026?
A locksmith charges £60–120 for a daytime call-out in 2026 and £100–200 out of hours, which usually covers a straightforward lockout. A euro cylinder supplied and fitted is £70–150, a British Standard mortice deadlock £120–250, and a full uPVC multipoint mechanism £150–350. London prices sit at the top of every range.
Updated 15 September 2026
Fixed prices and the call-out trap
The complaints in this trade nearly all follow the same shape: a low headline price online, a national call centre that subcontracts the job, and an invoice three times the quote because the lock was drilled. Ask for an all-in figure before anyone sets off, and ask for the name of the actual locksmith rather than the brand on the website.
Most uPVC and timber door lockouts are opened without damage in minutes. Drilling should be the exception, explained before it happens, not discovered on the bill.
A genuine locksmith will ask for proof that you live there — a piece of post, a neighbour who can vouch for you. Take it as a good sign rather than an inconvenience.
Typical locksmith prices
Call-out plus labour. Hardware included where stated. Excludes VAT.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Daytime call-out | £60–120 |
| Out of hours call-out | £100–200 |
| Lockout, non-destructive entry | £70–180 |
| Euro cylinder supplied and fitted | £70–150 |
| Anti-snap TS007 3-star cylinder fitted | £100–200 |
| BS3621 mortice deadlock fitted | £120–250 |
| uPVC multipoint mechanism replaced | £150–350 |
| Smart lock supplied and fitted | £250–600 |
| Window lock, each | £30–70 |
| Safe opening | £120–400 |
Insurance standards worth knowing
Most home insurance policies require a BS3621 five-lever mortice deadlock on timber final exit doors. Fitting something cheaper can give an insurer grounds to reduce a claim, so check your policy wording before choosing hardware.
On uPVC and composite doors the weak point is the cylinder. Lock snapping is the standard method of entry, and a TS007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond cylinder defeats it for about £50 more than a basic one. It is the best value security upgrade available on a front door.
Regulation and choosing well
Locksmithing is unregulated in the UK — anybody can print a van livery. The practical checks are Master Locksmiths Association membership, which requires vetting and inspection, a DBS check, and £2m public liability insurance.
Use a locksmith with a real local address and prices quoted before arrival. If you're in a rental, tell the landlord before changing locks and hand over a key, and make sure any new lock still lets you out without a key for fire escape.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a locksmith cost to open a door?
£70–180 during the day including the call-out, and £100–250 out of hours. Non-destructive entry should be the default on a standard door.
What does it cost to change a euro cylinder?
£70–150 supplied and fitted for a standard cylinder, or £100–200 for an anti-snap TS007 3-star one, which is the upgrade worth paying for.
Are locksmiths regulated in the UK?
No. There's no legal licence, so look for Master Locksmiths Association membership, a DBS check and public liability insurance instead.
What lock does my home insurance require?
Usually a BS3621 five-lever mortice deadlock on timber exit doors and key-operated locks on accessible windows. Check your policy wording, because a non-compliant lock can reduce a claim.
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