Car Lockout Cost Guide

Locked your keys in the boot? Dropped them on the seat and closed the door? Getting locked out of your vehicle is a stressful experience, and the first question that comes to mind is: "How much will this cost to fix?"

Unfortunately, some locksmith companies advertise an unrealistically low call-out rate, then add charges once they arrive. To help you protect your wallet, we have put together this transparent breakdown of emergency auto lockout costs in Croydon and South London.

1. What Affects the Price

An honest auto locksmith gives you a clear price for the job before travelling to you, and does not change it on arrival. What you pay depends on the vehicle, the lock and the situation, which is why we quote on the phone rather than publishing a rate card. Here are the scenarios we are called to most often:

2. Locksmiths vs. Dealerships and Tow Trucks

When locked out, you have three main options:

• Dealership: If you call a dealer, they will require you to tow the car to their facility (adding towing fees). You will then wait several days for them to order a key blade from their warehouse and program it, resulting in a substantially higher total bill.
• Tow Truck / Roadside Assistance: They will often use forced entries like wedge tools that can scratch your window trim, damage door alignments, or pop locks open destructively.
• Auto Locksmith: A specialist auto locksmith uses non-destructive picking tools like Lishi picks to read the lock's key wafers and open the door without a single scratch in under 10 minutes. This is by far the fastest and cheapest option.

3. How to Avoid Locksmith Scams

When searching for a locksmith in Croydon:

• Avoid companies that refuse to give a fixed, binding price over the phone.
• Look for companies with local addresses rather than national call centers.
• Make sure they use non-destructive entry methods so you aren't paying for window repairs later.