If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car, you know that “Oh No,” rush that comes through your body, followed by the “How much does it cost to rekey car locks” (or other services)? It’s not all about the cost when it comes to choosing the top locksmith, but, the price will obviously weigh on your decision of who you’ll hire. Maryland Locksmith Pros of Columbia not only hires licensed, bonded, and insured locksmiths, but we’re also an honest company, that won’t give you the runaround as it relates to pricing or service.
So, let’s see what factors will play a role in the cost of rekeying and other emergency roadside assistance you may require in the Howard County-Columbia, Ellicott City and surrounding areas.
Base Pricing (General Locksmith Services)
The average costs of locksmith services vary greatly in different areas. In Columbia, Maryland, and surrounding metro areas, rates may fluctuate between
- Rekeying doors $40 to $100 per cylinder ($10 to $25 per cylinder)
- Copy/replace keys $5 to $15
- Lockout services $50 to $150
Make sure you know what you’re paying up front for a mobile locksmith to rekey car locks. Maryland Locksmith Pros of Columbia will discuss all costs prior to dispatching drivers. We’ll also inform you of potential added fees, which can’t be calculated up front, so you’ll never be surprised with additional costs.
Of course, these costs aren’t fixed, so make sure you ask questions before having a mobile locksmith dispatched to you.
Where’s the Service Being Performed?
If the car is in a remote area, dangerous area, or side of the highway, you must stay safe. Some tips to ensure safety include
- Talk to someone on the phone
- Keep your car well-lit
- Keep valuable items hidden
- Don’t talk to strangers; only talk to a locksmith that presents their credentials/ID to you
It’s important to ensure your safety as well as that of the locksmith. So, make sure you provide as much information as possible about the location, when calling a locksmith.
Is it an Emergency?
Rekeying car locks typically isn’t an emergency job. But, there are some roadside emergencies which may result in additional costs. Some companies might also charge emergency fees to rekey car locks, some additional “emergency” services are
- Repair/replace broken or jammed keys
- Car/trunk unlock
- Key cutting
- Security system repair
- Lost car key
- Ignition repair/replacement
In large, metro areas, such as Columbia MD, you shouldn’t pay more than $250 to $300 for these services. However, depending on time of day, location, and other factors, including the difficulty of the work, expect to pay $100 up to $600 for some emergency mobile locksmith services.
Additional Lock and Key Fees
Some locksmiths charge “added” fees. These include
- Mileage
- Wait time
- drilling/ uninstalling/ replacing
- Day/nighttime charges
Make sure you verify and ask questions before a locksmith is dispatched to you. That $50 fee to rekey car locks, can quickly jump to $150 with some companies. Make sure you ask if there are additional fees, and if so, what they are, before you agree to any services.
Know Who’s Coming to You
When you choose Maryland Locksmith, all drivers are
- In full company uniform
- Possess/bring their license/ID so you know they are who they say they are
- Will never request a charge for showing up (before service is completed)
It’s just as important to be safe, especially in a remote location, as it is to have the right locksmith come to you when you’re in need of rekeying or other emergency services. So, take the time to verify, ask questions, and confirm the locksmith is who they say they are.
Although not an all-inclusive guide to rekey car locks and hiring locksmiths in Columbia , this is a basic guide to help you determine average costs. If something seems absurd, or is well outside the ranges provided, make sure you call around and ask questions It’ll prevent headaches, being overcharged, and hiring a locksmith that doesn’t have any idea what they’re doing. Give us a call at Maryland Locksmith Pros, Columbia MD, if you’re in a jam, emergency, and need timely emergency roadside assistance.
Call us or contact us today at 443-917-3811 for the best Columbia MD Lock and Key Service.