Locksmith pricing in Seattle is confusing on purpose. Some companies advertise "$19 service call" and bill $400 at the door. Here is what honest pricing looks like, using the starting prices Seattle Locksmith Service quotes every day.
Typical starting prices in Seattle
- Car lockout: from $65. Most cars are opened in minutes without damage.
- House or apartment lockout: from $65. Higher for high-security or smart locks.
- Commercial lockout: from $75.
- Lock rekeying: from $35 per lock, plus a service call. A whole house is usually done in under an hour.
- Car key replacement: from $85 for a basic transponder key. Remote-head keys and push-to-start fobs cost more because the part costs more.
- Key fob programming: from $85 when you supply the fob.
- Deadbolt installation: from $65 plus hardware.
- Smart lock installation: from $55 plus the lock.
- Ignition repair: from $95.
- Safe opening: from $75.
Every one of these is listed on our services page, and the technician confirms the exact price on arrival before doing anything.
What changes the price
Time of day should not. We are open 24 hours and quote the same way at 3 a.m. as at 3 p.m. Lock type does: a high-security Medeco or a smart lock takes more skill than a basic knob. Car make does: a 2022 BMW key costs more than a 2010 Honda key because the blank and the programming are more expensive. Distance rarely does inside Seattle and the Eastside.
How to avoid the bait-and-switch
- Ask for the total price range on the phone, not just the "service call" fee.
- Ask the company's name. If the person answering can't say it, hang up. Lead-generation call centers resell your call to whoever is closest.
- Get the firm price before the technician touches the lock. If it jumped from the phone quote, send them away.
- Check the Google reviews for the exact business name, not a lookalike.
Why we publish our prices
Seattle Locksmith Service has worked in Seattle since 2010. Publishing starting prices costs us a few calls from people shopping for the cheapest "$19" ad, and saves everyone else a bad surprise. If you want a firm number for your exact job, call 206-309-9023 and describe the lock or the car. The dispatcher will give you a range right away.