Quick Answer
Don't break a window — call an emergency locksmith. A reputable 24/7 locksmith can open most UPVC doors in under 30 minutes without damage. Costs: £80–£150 during the day, £120–£250 at night and weekends. Always check ID and ask for a receipt. Avoid locksmiths advertising extremely low prices — hidden charges are common.
Being locked out of your home is stressful — and unfortunately, it's also a situation where it's easy to make an expensive mistake. Whether it's 2pm on a Tuesday or 3am on a Sunday, this guide explains exactly what to do, what a legitimate locksmith should cost, how to avoid scams, and how to make sure it never happens again.
In this guide
Your Options When Locked Out
Before you call anyone, run through these options in order — some are free and may save you a call-out charge entirely. But don't waste too long on alternatives if it's dark, cold, or you have children or a vulnerable person with you. Getting a locksmith out quickly is worth every penny in those situations.
| Option | When to Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Call an emergency locksmith | Almost always — the safest, fastest option | £80–£250 |
| Check for open window or back door | First thing to try before calling anyone | Free |
| Call your landlord (if renting) | Try immediately if you rent — they should have a spare key | Free or reimbursed |
| Call your home insurer | Many policies include emergency locksmith cover — call and check | Free if covered |
| Ask a trusted neighbour | Only if they have your spare key | Free |
| Contact the police | Only if someone is trapped inside, there is an emergency, or you suspect a break-in | Free |
One important note: do not break a window unless it is a genuine emergency. Replacing a double-glazed unit typically costs £150–£300, you risk injuring yourself on the glass, and it leaves your property insecure until it can be repaired. A locksmith is almost always cheaper, faster, and safer.
How Much Does an Emergency Locksmith Cost?
Locksmith pricing in the UK is not regulated, which means costs vary considerably. Most locksmiths use one of two pricing models: an all-inclusive price that covers call-out and labour, or a separate call-out fee plus a labour charge. Always ask which model applies before you confirm the job.
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lock-out entry (daytime, Mon–Fri) | £80–£150 | Most UPVC doors opened non-destructively |
| Lock-out entry (evening, night, weekend) | £120–£250 | Out-of-hours premium applies |
| Lock-out entry (bank holiday) | £150–£300 | Highest rates — confirm price upfront |
| Call-out fee (where charged separately) | £30–£60 | On top of labour — ask before booking |
| Standard Euro cylinder replacement | £100–£180 (parts + labour) | Often recommended after entry |
| UPVC door lock mechanism replacement | £150–£300 | More complex than cylinder swap |
| Additional lock replacement | £50–£100 each | Per additional lock on same visit |
| Snapping a cylinder (destructive entry) | £80–£150 + replacement | Last resort — adds part cost |
The two pricing models work like this: an all-inclusive locksmith quotes you a single price that covers call-out, travel within their area, and labour — this is cleaner and easier to compare. A call-out plus labour model charges separately for turning up (typically £30–£60) and then charges a further hourly or per-job rate on top. The total can be similar, but it's important to clarify before confirming so there are no surprises on the doorstep.
If your locksmith needs to replace the lock cylinder (common after a snap entry or if the lock is worn), expect to pay an additional £30–£80 for a good-quality British Standard BS 3621 Euro cylinder. Avoid locksmiths who automatically replace the lock without explaining why — a skilled locksmith should be able to open most modern UPVC doors non-destructively.
How to Find a Reputable Locksmith Fast
The easiest mistake to make when locked out is grabbing the first search result at 2am. Many of those top Google results are not local locksmiths at all — they're call centres that take your job and pass it to whoever picks up, often at inflated rates. Here's how to find someone legitimate quickly:
- MLA (Master Locksmiths Association) — The MLA is the UK's main trade body for locksmiths. Members are vetted, CRB/DBS checked, and must meet competency standards. You can search verified local members at locksmiths.co.uk. If a locksmith claims MLA membership, their number should appear on the MLA website — verify it.
- Your home insurer — Call your home insurance company first if you have emergency cover (sometimes called Home Emergency Cover or Legal Cover add-on). Many policies will send an approved locksmith at no cost to you. Check your policy documents or call the main number.
- TrustATrader or Checkatrade — For non-urgent situations (e.g., you've managed to access via a back door but need a lock repaired), these platforms show verified customer reviews for local tradespeople including locksmiths.
- GetQuickHelp — Post your locksmith job on GetQuickHelp for non-emergency work such as lock upgrades, key cutting, or security assessments, and get quotes from local professionals.
- Avoid Google Maps top results at 3am — The top sponsored results for "emergency locksmith near me" at night are frequently aggregator services. You'll pay premium rates and have no control over who turns up.
Ideally, save an MLA-verified local locksmith's number in your phone now, before you ever need one. A two-minute search today could save you a panicked one at midnight.
Warning: Locksmith Scams Are Very Common in the UK
The emergency locksmith sector has a well-documented scam problem in the UK. Trading Standards, Which?, and consumer groups regularly highlight the same pattern: a locksmith advertises a "£39 call-out" or similar low price online, arrives at your property, and then inflates the bill to £250–£400 on the doorstep — often claiming the door was more complex than expected, or that the lock needs replacing (which it doesn't).
Victims who refuse to pay can find themselves in a confrontational situation. This is not a rare occurrence — it happens regularly across the UK, particularly in large cities at night. Being aware of the warning signs is your best protection.
Three clear signs of a scam locksmith:
- Unusually low advertised price — Legitimate locksmiths cannot operate a 24/7 service, pay for insurance, drive to your location, and open your door for £39. If the price seems too good to be true, it is.
- No physical address or local presence — Scam operations use local-looking phone numbers (area code diverters) but are actually based centrally. Ask for their postcode and look it up. A legitimate local locksmith will have a verifiable address.
- Cannot provide an MLA membership number — Ask directly: "Are you MLA registered and what is your membership number?" A scam operator will not be able to answer this. Verify at locksmiths.co.uk before they arrive.
For broader guidance on avoiding tradespeople scams, see our guide on home improvement scams in the UK and how to avoid them.
What a Legitimate Locksmith Will Do
Knowing what to expect from a professional locksmith helps you spot immediately when something is wrong. A reputable locksmith will:
- Show photo ID on arrival — and be happy for you to verify it. MLA members carry an ID card.
- Confirm the full price before starting any work — There should be no surprises. If the price changes, they must explain why and get your agreement before proceeding.
- Attempt non-destructive entry first — Most modern UPVC doors can be opened with specialist tools without damaging the lock or door. Snapping the cylinder (destructive entry) should be a last resort, used only when non-destructive methods have genuinely failed.
- Provide an itemised receipt — showing exactly what you were charged for: call-out, labour, any parts used.
- Offer honest advice on whether the lock needs replacing — A good locksmith will tell you honestly if your lock is damaged, worn, or no longer secure. They should not pressure you into an unnecessary replacement.
- Be able to replace the lock if needed — and carry common replacement cylinders in their van. Ask for a British Standard BS 3621 or TS 007 3-star rated cylinder if security is important to you.
How to Avoid Being Locked Out Again
Once you're back inside, it's worth taking a few simple steps so this doesn't happen again. Most of these cost little or nothing.
| Solution | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour | Free | Best and most reliable option — not under a doormat or flowerpot |
| Install a key safe (combination lock box) | £30–£80 | Supra, Master Lock, or Burg-Wächter are popular UK brands — secure, wall-mounted |
| Smart lock (keypad or app-based) | £100–£350 | Eliminates physical key dependency — Yale and August are popular UK options |
| Give a spare key to a family member | Free (cost of cutting a key: £3–£8) | Practical if a relative lives nearby |
| Always carry a spare key | £3–£8 to cut | Keep one in your wallet, bag, or car |
A key safe is particularly useful for households where multiple people need access, or where elderly or vulnerable residents might need emergency access. They are wall-mounted near the door and combination-protected. Choose a model with Sold Secure Gold or Silver rating — cheap key safes from unknown brands can be forced open in seconds.
Smart locks are increasingly popular in the UK. A Yale Conexis L1 or similar keypad-and-app lock costs £150–£300 installed and means you never need a physical key again. A local locksmith can advise on and install smart locks — it's a job worth getting right to maintain your home's security rating.
What If You're a Tenant Locked Out?
If you rent your property, being locked out involves a slightly different set of steps and responsibilities.
- Call your landlord or letting agent first — Your landlord is likely to have a spare key and may be able to help, particularly during office hours. Your tenancy agreement may specify a contact number for emergency situations.
- Check who pays — If you have lost your key or locked yourself out through your own actions, you will typically be liable for the locksmith cost. If the lock failed through no fault of your own, the landlord may be responsible. Check your tenancy agreement.
- Do not change the locks without permission — Even if you pay for a locksmith call-out, you cannot change the lock on a rented property without your landlord's consent. If you do, you may be in breach of your tenancy agreement.
- Keep the receipt — If you believe the landlord should bear the cost (e.g., the lock failed), keep a receipt and raise it formally. Small claims court is an option if the landlord refuses to reimburse a reasonable cost.
- Out-of-hours agents — Most letting agents and management companies have an emergency out-of-hours number. Find this before you ever need it — it's usually in your tenancy welcome pack.
If you need non-emergency locksmith work done on a rented property (e.g., a faulty lock), use GetQuickHelp's emergency trades to find a local professional quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally break into my own house in the UK?+
Yes — there is no law preventing you from breaking into your own property. However, it's rarely the right choice. Breaking a window typically costs £150–£300 to replace, risks injury, and leaves your home insecure. Climbing in through a window could injure you or attract a police call from concerned neighbours. A locksmith is almost always faster, cheaper, and safer.
Does home insurance cover locksmith costs?+
It depends on your policy. Standard home insurance policies do not always include emergency locksmith cover as standard, but many do as an add-on called Home Emergency Cover or Home Emergency Assistance. Check your policy documents now — don't wait until you're standing in the cold. If you have it, call your insurer first: they'll send an approved locksmith at no cost to you.
What's the cheapest way to get back into my house?+
The cheapest option is a spare key held by a neighbour or family member — free to use. Failing that, a daytime locksmith on a weekday (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm) is the cheapest professional option at £80–£150. Avoid calling at night or on weekends if you can wait — out-of-hours rates are significantly higher. Definitely do not call an emergency number listed on Google without checking reviews and pricing first.
How long does a locksmith take to open a door?+
Most experienced locksmiths can open a standard UPVC door non-destructively in 5–20 minutes. Travel time is usually 30–60 minutes depending on how busy they are and your location. In rural areas or during busy periods (e.g., post-Christmas when many people are locked out), it could be 90 minutes or more. Ask for an estimated arrival time when you call.
Should I replace my lock after a locksmith opens it?+
Not necessarily. If the locksmith opened your door without damaging the lock, and the lock is in good condition, there's no technical reason to replace it immediately. However, if your key was lost rather than left inside, you should consider replacing the cylinder (£30–£80 for parts) because someone else could now use your key. If the door was opened by snapping the cylinder, replacement is essential — the lock is no longer secure.
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