UK Locksmith Price Table 2026
Prices vary by region — London is generally at the top end, and northern England (including Wigan and Ashton) tends to be more competitive. These figures are updated for 2026, reflecting modest cost increases across the industry. Here's what to expect across the board:
| Service | From | Up To |
|---|---|---|
| Standard residential lockout (daytime) | £65 | £110 |
| Emergency lockout (evenings/weekends) | £85 | £155 |
| Late-night lockout (midnight–6am) | £110 | £190 |
| Commercial lockout | £90 | £220 |
| Lock replacement (standard) | £45 | £130 |
| Broken key extraction | £55 | £95 |
| Standard key cutting | £3 | £14 |
| High-security key cutting | £18 | £45 |
| Car key replacement (basic transponder) | £90 | £165 |
| Car key replacement (smart/remote) | £135 | £275 |
| All keys lost (car) | £200 | £380 |
All prices include VAT. These are representative ranges — always get a fixed quote before agreeing to work.
What Makes Prices Go Up or Down?
Time of Day
This is the single biggest factor. A locksmith charging £70 during office hours might charge £100+ in the evening and £130+ at 3am. That's not unreasonable — it reflects the reality of working unsocial hours. What matters is that they tell you upfront, before you agree to anything.
Type of Lock
A basic Yale cylinder is a very different job to a multipoint uPVC door lock with five locking points. More complex locks take longer and need specialist tools, which should be reflected in the quote — not sprung on you once they've started.
Location
In cities with more competition, prices tend to be sharper. Rural or remote addresses may attract a travel supplement. In the Wigan area, you should expect pricing that's on the more competitive end of the UK scale.
Planned Work vs Emergency Call-Out
Being locked out at midnight costs more than booking a locksmith to change your locks on a Tuesday afternoon. That's fair enough. If you can plan ahead — new locks, spare keys, a security check — you'll always pay less than in an emergency.
Rogue Locksmith Warning Signs
Know what to watch for before you call anyone. If you're currently locked out and trying to figure out what to do, read our guide on what to do when locked out — it covers the right order of steps before you even pick up the phone. And if speed matters to you, our response time guide explains what's realistic so you don't get misled by unrealistic promises.
Specific warning signs to watch for:
- "From £25" or "from £15" advertised prices — almost always teaser rates that triple on arrival
- Won't give a fixed price over the phone — every reputable locksmith can quote before they leave
- Immediately says the lock needs drilling without trying anything else — drilling means they sell you a replacement lock
- No verifiable name, address, or genuine reviews — anonymous traders are a red flag
- Cash only, no receipt — speaks for itself
What We Charge in Ashton-in-Makerfield & Wigan
At Ashton Lock & Key, the price is confirmed over the phone before we move an inch. No call-out charge bolted on at the end, no VAT added at the door, no recommendation to drill when the lock doesn't need it.
Whether you need an emergency locksmith in Ashton-in-Makerfield, keys cut in Ashton, or car keys replaced in Wigan, call us for a straightforward quote.