24-Hour Emergency Locksmith Services in the UK
Lock emergencies don't keep office hours. Whether you're locked out at midnight, have a broken lock after a break-in, or need urgent security repairs, 24-hour locksmith services are available across the UK.
What Services Do 24-Hour Locksmiths Provide?
Emergency locksmiths offer a full range of services around the clock:
Lockout Services:
- House lockouts
- Flat/apartment lockouts
- Car lockouts
- Safe lockouts
- Office/commercial lockouts
Emergency Repairs:
- Broken lock repair
- Lock replacement
- Post-burglary repairs
- UPVC mechanism repair
- Boarding up services
Urgent Security:
- Lock changes after break-in
- Emergency lock upgrades
- Temporary security measures
- Eviction lock changes (with proper authority)
What to Expect from a 24-Hour Call-Out
1. Initial Call
When you call a 24-hour locksmith service:
- Describe your situation clearly
- Provide your exact location
- Ask for an estimated arrival time
- Get a call-out/assessment fee quote
2. Response Time
Typical response times by area:
| Location | Expected Response |
|---|---|
| Central London | 15-30 minutes |
| Major cities | 20-40 minutes |
| Suburban areas | 30-60 minutes |
| Rural areas | 45-90 minutes |
With LockSafe, locksmiths provide their ETA when they apply for your job, so you know exactly how long you'll wait.
3. On-Site Assessment
When the locksmith arrives:
- They'll ask for ID to verify you live there
- They'll assess the lock and situation
- They'll provide a quote for the work
- You decide whether to proceed
4. Work Completion
If you approve the quote:
- Non-destructive entry where possible
- Lock repair or replacement as needed
- Testing of all work
- Advice on preventing future issues
- Receipt and documentation
How Much Do 24-Hour Locksmiths Cost?
Emergency and out-of-hours locksmith services typically cost more than daytime rates. Here are typical UK prices:
Call-Out / Assessment Fees
| Time | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Daytime (9am-6pm) | £25 - £45 |
| Evening (6pm-10pm) | £35 - £55 |
| Night (10pm-7am) | £45 - £75 |
| Weekend daytime | £35 - £55 |
| Bank holidays | £50 - £80 |
Work Charges (on top of call-out)
| Service | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Standard lockout (gain entry) | £50 - £100 |
| Euro cylinder replacement | £80 - £150 |
| Lock repair | £60 - £120 |
| Mortice lock replacement | £100 - £180 |
| UPVC mechanism repair | £120 - £250 |
Total example: Night-time lockout with cylinder replacement = £45 call-out + £120 work = £165 total
Why Are Night-Time Rates Higher?
Emergency out-of-hours rates are higher because:
- Locksmiths are on-call during unsocial hours
- Travel may take longer at night
- Specialist parts suppliers are closed
- Higher demand, limited supply
- Compensation for disrupted sleep/family time
This is standard across the UK and shouldn't be seen as a rip-off (though always verify prices before work begins).
How to Find a Reliable 24-Hour Locksmith
Do:
✓Use a verified platform like LockSafe ✓Check reviews and ratings ✓Get the assessment fee confirmed upfront ✓Ask how long they've been in business ✓Request ID when they arrive
Don't:
✗Use the first Google result without checking ✗Accept vague pricing ✗Pay everything in advance ✗Agree to work without seeing a quote first
LockSafe 24/7 Emergency Service
At LockSafe, we've built our platform to solve the problems with traditional emergency locksmith booking:
Transparent Pricing
- See the assessment fee before you book
- Receive a clear quote before work starts
- No hidden fees or surprises
Verified Locksmiths
- All DBS checked and insured
- Genuine reviews from real customers
- You choose based on rating, price, and ETA
Protection & Documentation
- GPS tracking confirms arrival
- Photos document the work
- Digital signature on completion
- Full PDF report for your records
Refund Guarantee
- If the locksmith doesn't arrive, you get your money back
- No arguing, no hassle
