How much does a locksmith cost in London in 2019?
July 29, 2025
A rough outline of how much a Locksmith costs in London & greater London 2019.
If you've ever locked yourself out of your home or car in London, or if you need to change out the locks on your home, you know what a hassle, and an unexpected expense, it can be. To avoid damaging your home or car, think about getting a locksmith in. We have the tools, knowledge and expertise to get into the lock without too much issues.
The cost to hire a locksmith in London is about £100 on average, though you might pay anywhere from £59 to £350 depending on what kind of locksmith service you need, locks you want and number of keys you need. Some tips to keep in mind when hiring a locksmith are:
Why Do You Need a Locksmith?
Locked yourself out of your home? Then you’ll want to call a locksmith. They'll work quickly to get you back inside. Most pros will offer key copying services and can help change or install new locks when you need an extra step to feel secure.
If you've lost your key or combination, don't worry! A locksmith will be able to open the lock for you and change it or rekey the lock for you so you have new keys.
Is your lock starting to give you trouble? In this case, you'll also want to call a locksmith for expert help! A locksmith can fix a broken lock or replace one that's damaged beyond repair.
How Soon Do You Need a Locksmith?
Locking yourself out of your home can be an awful feeling. You can find an emergency locksmith who can jump into action to get you back in your home as soon as possible. You might also need a locksmith fast to fix a broken lock because you're worried about your security. You can't predict when damage might happen, however sometimes you can feel the lock starting to give, give us a call, we can help. Other services may not require the speed of an emergency locksmith. If you're rekeying your locks or looking to get copies made, you can set up a time that works with your schedule.
Changing Locks -
The cost of changing locks in London is about £75 to £200 on average , which varies in total cost by lock type, fees (bank holidays, weekends, evenings) and your preferred security level. If you have experienced a burglary, we advise you to also consider changing your locks and maybe installing some new ones. There are various situations where changing your locks is necessary. Some additional considerations are:
- If locked out of your home, they will charge about £59 to £150 to come to you. Evening, weekend or holiday services can go up to £85 to £250.
- Locksmiths might charge £2 to £7 to copy a key, but it might cost you up to £23 for special patented keys.
Emergency Needs
While you can plan for some situations, there are others where you might need emergency locksmith services in London . If you’re in a bad spot and locked out of your car or locked out of your home in the middle of the night, that’s when you call in an emergency service. They are on-hand 24/7 to come out and handle your needs without waiting to make an appointment. Situations where you might need an emergency locksmith include:
- Professional lock picking and lock opening
- After burglary lock installations
- Door lock changes
- Window locks repair
If you decide you need an emergency locksmith, expect to pay anywhere from £59 to £160 . While that sounds extremely high, there are some factors that play into the cost. If it's a night-time call-out or weekend call-out it may cost you extra. It’s harder to call a few services in these situations to get a few quotes, but make sure you aren’t being scammed for their services.
Additional Fees
Make sure toask about any additional fees you’ll be charged for their service. They might charge you extra for coming at certain times of day or night, mileage or a minimum fee. You don’t want to have a locksmith who charges you for every step of the process, like coming to your home, drilling the lock, uninstalling it and replacing it. All of this should be covered under one price.
In situations where you don’t need a locksmith immediately, you should definitely check them out online. Read reviews to see what past clients have said. This is invaluable, as it can save you time, money and potential legal fees later to rectify a bad situation.
In after burglary cases where the property has a valid home insurance policy and the property was broken into, you may be able to claim the expenses from them. Ask your locksmith for a receipt and speak to your insurance policy provider.
For any more locksmith advice check our locksmith price list or just send us an email
If you are looking for a lock change locksmith, you have come to the right place When someone searches for lock change locksmith, they’re seeking more than just a service—they want a trusted partner to keep their property safe. At SMS Locksmiths, we understand that replacing or upgrading locks is about security, peace of mind, and protection for your home or business. With years of experience serving London and the surrounding areas, our team of fully trained, DBS-checked locksmiths delivers reliable, professional lock change services every time. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you should know about changing locks—from why it matters and when to do it, to choosing the right locks and understanding the advantages of using professionals. By the end, you’ll know why SMS Locksmiths should be your first call for all lock and security upgrade needs. 1. Why Change Your Locks? Changing locks is about more than just replacing hardware. It’s a critical step in ensuring your property remains secure, especially when key control is uncertain. Here’s why professional lock changes are important: Unknown key holders: If previous occupants, tenants, or staff may still have keys, changing locks ensures only authorised persons have access. Wear and tear: Over time, locks can become loose or malfunctioning, making them less secure. Enhanced security measures: Upgrading to high-security or anti-snap locks can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins. Insurance compliance: Policies often require insurance-approved locks. A professional locksmith can recommend and install compliant hardware. 2. When You Need a Lock Change Here are common scenarios that warrant immediate lock replacement: Moving into a new property Keys lost, stolen, or unaccounted for After tenant departure or staff changes Following a burglary or break-in For security upgrades, including anti-snap or smart locks When locks show signs of wear or are difficult to operate 3. Lock Change vs. Lock Repair Knowing whether to repair or replace your lock is essential: Repair: Ideal if mechanisms are clogged or key entry is limited. Works best for wear-and-tear issues, and can be done quickly. Replace (Lock Change): Necessary if the lock is broken, non-operational, or security needs to be improved. Recommended for move-ins or post-burglary situations. At SMS Locksmiths, we assess and recommend the best option for both security and cost efficiency. 4. Types of Locks and Upgrades We specialise in a range of lock types suitable for different door types, usage scenarios, and levels of security: Lock Type Features & Benefit Whether your priority is keyless convenience, insurance compliance, or maximum protection, we have the right solution. Anti-Snap Cylinder Locks British Standard (BS3621) Deadlocks Multipoint Locking Systems High-Security Cylinder Locks Emergency Locks & Night Latches Smart/Keyless Entry Systems Security Hardware for Doors/Frames Window & Patio Door Locks Prevents forced entry commonly seen in burglaries. Insurance-approved, durable locks for wooden doors. Adds multiple locking points for uPVC or composite doors. Designed to resist drilling, picking, and bumping. Provides quick access control and additional security. Convenient, code-based access without traditional keys. Reinforced plates, hinges, and strike plates to prevent kick-ins. Secures all exterior openings—essential for full-property protection. 5. Our Lock Change Process Here’s how SMS Locksmiths ensures a smooth, fast, and secure lock change: 1. Initial Contact You provide details such as postcode, lock type, and availability. 2. Local Locksmith Assignment A professional locksmith from our London team is dispatched—no call-out fee. 3. Security Assessment on Arrival We check the door, frame, and current lock to determine the best solution. 4. Clear Quotation You receive a written, all-inclusive quote by text or email—no hidden fees. 5. Lock Change or Upgrade We install the replacement lock or upgrade components (cylinders, multipoint mechanisms) efficiently—most jobs are completed in under an hour. 6. Testing & Warranty Final checks ensure the lock operates smoothly. All work is covered by our workmanship warantee. 7. Documentation Provided You receive an invoice and insurance-compliant paperwork for your records. 8. Security Assessment and Upgrade Advice Our expert locksmiths don’t just change locks—they provide strategic advice to strengthen your security: Door frame reinforcement with metal strike plates Window and patio door upgrades with Yale or mortice locks Frame lining solutions to prevent drilling Home security risk assessments to identify weak points 9. Frequently Asked Questions Q. How much does a lock change cost? A. Usually between £100–£180 depending on the lock type. Includes all materials, labour, and zero call-out fee. Q. How long does it take? A. A typical lock change is completed within 60 minutes. Q. Are you insured? A. Yes—fully insured with DBS-backed locksmiths. Q. Do you work evenings and weekends? A. Yes—24/7 emergency availability is available. Call to schedule visits. 10. Need a Lock Change? Here’s How to Book Call us now for immediate assistance or to schedule a visit Message us via GMB or book through our website Email for a quote if you’d prefer to avoid phone calls Final Thoughts lock change locksmith isn’t just a search phrase—it’s a critical service for secure living and working environments. At SMS Locksmiths, we deliver top-tier products, expert service, and total transparency. Don’t leave your security to chance. Contact SMS Locksmiths today for fast, reliable, and guaranteed lock change services across London.
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham, help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times. Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
