Lockout Services

Lockouts happen all the time so you are not the only one if it happens to you. But, it’s time consuming and can be dangerous.
Here are some facts:

PRIOR: Make sure your plan covers you for lockout service
National Average Cost Without a Roadside Service Plan
The average lockout call charge was $110, compared to $85 in 2022, possibly as a result of uncertain fuel costs. Average hourly rates were $95 for 2023, compared to $92 a year ago. Jul 3, 2023
If your child or pet is locked in the car call 911 first
( Then Call your Roadside Service Provider – They will escalate )
Plan on a 60-90 minute response time from your provider
( This for Non- Emergency situations, we know when you have a lockout it’s always an emergency )
Be very careful of passersby that want to try and help using a coat hanger. Coat hangers can rip your door insulation and a untrained person can break your window.
Police have abandoned providing lockout service

Keys Locked in the Trunk

If your keys are locked in the trunk consider these steps:

Do you have a trunk opening latch in the interior of the car
Do the back seats have access to the trunk
If you don’t have neither of these options you will need to ask for a Locksmith
( Most Roadside Service Drivers are trained to open doors but most can not open the trunk )

Lost or Broken Keys

This is never good news because it’s time consuming and costly.
Here are some tips:

Make sure you have a spare key on the inside or outside of the car
Some people hide key boxes on the outside
( Draw backs are the will fall off and thieves check for hidden Keys )
Hide a key inside the car
( A lockout call is free and to make a key is real expensive )
On Vacation make sure you take a spare

Automotive Locksmith Charges

PER LOCKSMITHING LEDGER 2023 calculations
Automotive locksmithing can be lucrative, as long as pricing is set high enough to cover the high cost of programming equipment for late-model vehicles.
Our survey found the average price of fitting automotive keys ranges from $90 for a standard key up to $169 for a transponder key. The average fee for transponder programming is $83, far less than what most automobile dealerships would charge.
Of course, the priciest service is that all-keys-lost scenario, which averages $226 in 2022 but could run as high as $330.

Does your Service Provider offer discounts on this service?