Being locked out at night, on a weekend, or on a public holiday is stressful, but emergency locksmiths across Australia operate 24/7 for exactly this situation. After-hours locksmiths can reach most metro suburbs within 30–45 minutes, even at 2am or on Christmas Day. You will pay an after-hours surcharge, but the cost is far less than breaking a window or sleeping in your car. Always confirm the total price before the locksmith attends.
What to do right now
- 1
Stay calm and check your options
Try all entry points around your property. Call anyone who might have a spare key — housemates, family, neighbours, or your property manager. Check your car for a spare house key. If you are at work, check if a colleague or building manager can help.
- 2
Move to a safe, well-lit location
If you are outside at night, move to a well-lit area near your property. If you feel unsafe, go to a nearby open business (petrol station, convenience store) and wait there. Let the locksmith know your exact location when you call.
- 3
Call a 24/7 emergency locksmith
Search Urgent Locksmith for a locksmith in your suburb. When calling, confirm they are genuinely available now (not just during business hours), ask for the total cost including after-hours surcharge, and get an estimated arrival time.
- 4
Confirm pricing before they attend
After-hours surcharges vary between locksmiths. Get a clear total price over the phone before the locksmith dispatches. Reputable locksmiths will not charge more than the quoted amount unless they discover additional work needed, which they will discuss with you first.
When to call an emergency locksmith
- ⚠️You are locked out of your home or car at night
- ⚠️You are locked out on a weekend or public holiday
- ⚠️Your lock has broken or jammed outside business hours
- ⚠️You need emergency lock changes at night due to a security concern
- ⚠️You have been burgled and need overnight lock replacement
- ⚠️You are locked out of your office outside business hours
How much does it cost?
After-hours locksmith callouts (typically classified as 6pm–7am weekdays, all day weekends, and public holidays) range from $120 to $280 for a standard residential lockout. This is typically $40–$120 more than the equivalent daytime callout. Lock changes after hours cost $180–$450 per lock. Car lockouts after hours range from $130 to $280. Some locksmiths charge a flat after-hours rate while others add a surcharge to their standard rate. Always confirm the total cost before the locksmith dispatches.