Why Is a Locksmith So Expensive? (and Other Price-Related Questions) - Quickly Locksmith Miami
At some point or another, you're going to require the assistance of a locksmith, and finding a reliable professional is essential - if you want to avoid unnecessary additional costs, anyway.
MIAMI, March 12, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- However, it seems many people are still caught off-guard by how expensive locksmith services can be. Before you decide to go with the cheapest locksmith you can find though, you may want to understand why reputable teams such as Quickly Locksmith charge a higher rate.
Here are some of the reasons why a locksmith is so expensive:
- Turnaround Times. In most instances, people need a locksmith in a hurry, so fast turnaround times are expected. The fact that locksmiths need to be available 24/7 is what can drive up the cost of their services. You can mostly expect to pay a higher rate if you require assistance at an odd hour or over the weekend.
- Locks and Security-Related Products. The types of products you require or brands you request also make a significant difference to the final cost. As you can imagine, premium products that offer the best performance and durability are preferred. However, these also come at a higher cost. On the plus side, premium products also last longer so there's no need to repair or replace them as often.
- Time and Complexity. The complexity of a repair or replacement will alter the final cost of locksmith services. It's also important to keep in mind that your locksmith's tools cost money and that they've spent years honing their skills to assist you in a timely manner.
- Insurance. Lastly, there's the cost of insurance coverage and credentials. You may be able to save money working with an unlicensed and uninsured locksmith, but is it worth the risk?
Now that you have a better understanding of why a locksmith is so expensive, let's move onto a few other common price-related questions.
Is It Cheaper to Rekey or Replace a Lock?
Whether you're dealing with an old or damaged lock, or you've just moved into a new home, you may be wondering whether it's cheaper to rekey or simply replace a lock.
Replacing a lock is self-explanatory. You're swopping out an entire lock and key system with a new one. Rekeying a lock, on the other hand, alters the internal workings of a lock so that the old key no longer works. This is done by replacing the tumblers or key pins so that you can unlock a door with a new key.
At a glance, the rekeying process sounds complex, so you would think it is more expensive. In reality, with the right tools, rekeying is simpler and much more affordable than replacing a lock entirely. What's more, the lock will remain just a secure as it once was.
Before Quickly Locksmith rekeys any lock though, we first determine whether it's too old or damaged. If so, a replacement is a better course of action.
What are the Most Expensive Locksmith Services?
A locksmith can help you out of a number of different jams, but here are some of the lock-related services that will probably cost you the most:
- Home Lockouts. Getting locked out of your house isn't always expensive but if a locksmith needs to travel a fair distance, expect to pay up to $150.
- Household Key Copies. Traditional keys are inexpensive to copy, it's the keys with electronic components that get expensive. You can expect to pay $150 or more for electronic key replacements.
- New Door Locks. This mostly depends on the door lock you decide on. A decent, secure lock can cost up to $100, with a labor cost of between $40 and $50.
- Smart Home System Installation. Since these installations are more complex than most, bargain on paying anything from $1,800.
- Vehicle Door Lock Replacement. If you can't rekey your vehicle's lock and need to replace it, you will pay anything between $200 and $600.
- Transponder Key Creation. Need a new transponder key? Depending on your vehicle, you can pay up to $250 for a new key.
- Transponder Key Reprogramming. If you have an existing transponder key but it needs to be reprogrammed, you should budget on about $200 for the job. Again, this depends on the type of vehicle you have.
Overall, any locksmith service you request over a weekend or outside of business hours is going to cost you more than usual – something to keep in mind when phoning around.
How Do I Know If a Locksmith is Ripping Me Off?
A bit of research that compares locksmith prices in Miami will quickly tell you whether you're being ripped off. While some locksmiths can be overly expensive, others advertise really attractive prices – prices that are much lower than competitors. Unfortunately, this is often part of a scam.
It's only once you book the locksmith and they get to your home or vehicle that you find out what the work will really cost you. In fact, it's not unusual for scam locksmiths to quote a price less than $40 only to leave you with a bill that's well over $1,000.
This is generally because the locksmith claims you need high-security locks or that the locks need to be drilled or replaced completely. It's very uncommon for drilling to be required for traditional lock systems – this is mostly just a way to make more money.
Before hiring any locksmith, do a bit of research, read through any available reviews, and compare at least two professionals before you make a final decision.
Will My Insurance Pay for a Locksmith?
Since locksmith services can be expensive, home and vehicle owners often wondering whether their insurers will cover all or at least some of the costs.
Most homeowners insurance companies will only cover locksmith services if they were initially added to the policy. Even if there is coverage, it's usually quite limited. In most instances, you can expect some coverage if your keys get stolen, your door, lock or window is damaged by a covered peril, or your safe is vandalized or stolen. Over and above this, you're probably going to have a difficult time getting them to pay.
The good news is auto insurance companies are a little different and are more willing to cover lockout services and key cutting. You will need to review your Roadside Assistance coverage to find out whether this is the case for you though. Many insurers also limit the number of times you can claim for a lockout or key copy, so read through the fine print before you decide on a locksmith.
In Closing,
You can always hope to never need the assistance of a locksmith, but if you do, it helps to have a reputable locksmith on call. Taking the time to find reputable professionals such as Quickly Locksmith before you need them will help save you time, money, and frustration.
Media Contact
David Davidof, Quickly Locksmith Miami, +1 786-294-8768, [email protected]
David Davidof, Quickly Locksmith Miami, 305-984-9922, [email protected]
SOURCE Quickly Locksmith Miami

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