How Much Is a Locksmith Call-Out?

By Michael Anderson, 27 years of experience · November 9, 2026 · 6 min read

A locksmith call-out costs $29 for the service call, and a car lockout starts at $55. Call (805) 977-6159 and tell us where the car is and whether the keys are locked inside or missing.

Our Starting Prices in San Luis Obispo

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

How Much Is a Locksmith Call-Out for a Car Lockout?

Our service call is $29, and car lockouts start at $55. Ask which service and total the quote covers before work begins.

The starting price is tied to the job you need. Getting back into a car with the key inside is a different service from replacing a key when every key is lost, or programming a key fob. Tell us which situation applies so we can identify the relevant service. You can review our prices alongside the service descriptions.

Which Car-Key Service Fits Your Situation?

A clear description of the problem helps distinguish a lockout from a key replacement or fob issue. These situations use different services and starting prices.

Three Car Problems and the Starting Price to Check

Match the problem to the service name before comparing prices. This keeps a lockout quote separate from work that involves making or programming a key.

• The key is visible inside the locked car — Ask about the car lockout starting price. Share the vehicle’s location and say that the key is inside, so the request is described as an access problem rather than a missing-key replacement.
• You have no working car key — Ask about lost car keys. We make a new car key on site when all keys are lost; give us the vehicle details and be clear that no working key is available.
• You have a fob but it does not work as expected — Ask whether the job is key fob programming or key fob replacement. The listed starting price for programming is not a replacement-fob price, so keep those requests distinct.

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

What to Do Before a Car Lockout Locksmith Arrives

These owner-level checks help you give a useful description without risking damage to the car or its lock. Stop at any point where access would require forcing a door or interfering with the vehicle.

1. Call and describe the problem — Use your phone to tell us whether the key is inside, lost, or present but not working. Check that you have described the right situation before discussing the service.
2. Give the car’s location — Share the address or a clear nearby landmark, plus the city. Check that the location is accurate and that someone can identify the vehicle there.
3. Identify the key or fob you have — Keep any car key, spare key, or key fob with you. Check whether it is the only key available or whether another working key exists.
4. Describe what happened — Say whether the key was left inside, misplaced, or stopped working. Check that your description separates a locked-out situation from an all-keys-lost job.
5. Ask which service the quote covers — Confirm whether the quoted work is a car lockout, lost-car-key replacement, or fob programming. Check that the service name matches the problem you reported.
6. Keep the car and key details handy — Have the vehicle’s year, make, and model ready, along with any key or fob you still have. Check that the details you give match the vehicle needing service.
7. Avoid forcing entry — Do not pry at the door, window, or lock. Check for a safe, authorized way to reach the car; if there isn’t one, stop and request a car lockout service.

Why a Car Lockout and a Lost-Key Job Start at Different Prices

The service type is the key difference. A car lockout is for getting access when the key is inside; a lost-key request is for making a key when none is available. If a key fob needs programming, that is another listed service again.

The starting prices on this page are not a single price for every car-key problem. A request can be described incorrectly when a lost key is called a lockout, or when a request for a replacement fob is described only as programming. Correcting the service description gives you a more useful quote before work starts.

For broader context on locksmith pricing in the state, see how much locksmiths charge in California. That comparison is separate from the starting prices for our specific car services.

When a Car-Key Problem Is Time to Call a Locksmith

Call rather than trying to force access when the keys are locked in the car, every key is missing, or a key or fob problem leaves you without a working way to use the vehicle. Forcing a door or tampering with a lock can cause damage and turn a simple access problem into a repair.

We are a mobile locksmith and come to you. We serve San Luis Obispo and Central Coast towns within 30 miles; within San Luis Obispo, our typical arrival time is within 15 minutes. Towns farther out get the next free locksmith.

• You’re locked out with the key inside — Describe the location and confirm that the key is inside. Ask for the car lockout service rather than a lost-key replacement.
• You have no keys left — Say that all keys are lost so the request is routed to the lost-car-keys service. We make a new car key on site in this situation.
• A key or fob is damaged or not working — Explain what you still have and what stopped working. This helps distinguish key repair, fob programming, or replacement from a straightforward lockout.

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

What to Confirm Before Car Lockout Work Starts

Repeat the problem in plain terms and ask which service the quote covers. Confirm whether the amount refers to a car lockout, a new key for a vehicle with all keys lost, or key fob programming; those are different services with different starting prices.

If the issue changes after the locksmith sees the car—for example, you discover that no working key is available—say so before work proceeds. The requested service may need to change from a lockout to lost-car-key work. Keep the key or fob you have with you so the locksmith can assess the actual issue.

For the car lockout starting price and related services, compare the service descriptions with our prices. A quote makes more sense when it names the job you need instead of treating every car-key issue as the same call-out.

Frequently asked questions