Locked Out at Night? 24 Hour Locksmith in Lancashire

What night rates actually are

Most locksmiths will not publish these. These are the real figures, including VAT.

Call-out, payable on arrival:

Time	Call-out
Daytime, 08:00–18:00	£39.20
Evening, 18:00–22:00	£64
Night, 22:00–00:00	£80
Overnight, 00:00–08:00	£128
Weekends, Saturday–Sunday	£96

Labour, per hour, minimum one hour then 30-minute increments:

Time	Per hour
Daytime, 08:00–18:00	£64
Evening, 18:00–22:00	£80
Night, 22:00–00:00	£104
Overnight, 00:00–08:00	£128
Weekends, Saturday–Sunday	£104

Parts are charged separately and only if something needs replacing. The full breakdown is on the pricing page.

The overnight scam to watch for

The single most common complaint about locksmiths in the UK involves a quote over the phone of "£49 call-out" at 1am, followed by an invoice of several hundred pounds once the door is open and the customer is in no position to argue. It is usually a national call centre subcontracting to whoever is nearest, not a local locksmith, and the person who quoted you is not the person who turns up.

Three things protect you, at any hour:

Ask for the total, not the call-out. "What will this cost me in total, including labour and the likely parts?" If the answer is vague, keep calling.
Ask whether they are a local locksmith or a call centre. Ask where they are driving from. A local answer is specific.
Ask whether they will try to open the lock without drilling it. Anyone who goes straight to drilling is selling you a replacement lock you may not need.

Is it cheaper to wait until morning?

Honestly, yes — daytime rates are substantially lower than overnight rates, and if you have somewhere safe and warm to stay, waiting until 08:00 will cost you less.

It is not worth it if you are outside in winter, on your own, with no phone battery, with children, or if anyone is vulnerable. It is also not worth it if the door has been left insecure, in which case it needs attending to regardless of the hour.

If you do wait, do not sleep in a car in a car park. Go to a neighbour, a family member, a 24-hour service station or a hotel. If you are genuinely stranded with nowhere to go, call 101 for non-emergency police advice — in a real welfare situation they can help.

While you wait

Stay somewhere warm, lit and public
Keep some phone battery in reserve — you will need it when the locksmith arrives
Have your postcode, door type and ID ready
Do not keep trying the lock; a key forced repeatedly in the cold is a key about to snap
If anyone is at risk inside the property, call 999 rather than waiting

Night callouts across Lancashire

Preston · Blackburn · Blackpool · Burnley · Lancaster · Chorley · Leyland · Accrington · all service areas

Common questions

Are you really available at 3am?

Yes. The line is answered 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays. The overnight rate applies between midnight and 08:00, and it is confirmed with you before anyone sets off.

Why are locksmiths more expensive at night?

Because someone is getting out of bed, driving to you, and will not be working the next morning. The honest version of this trade prices that openly and tells you in advance. The dishonest version quotes a low call-out and adds the rest once the door is open.

How long will I be waiting?

No fixed arrival time is promised — it depends on where the van is and what else is on. Call and you will be told honestly, rather than given a figure designed to stop you calling anyone else.

Can I pay in the morning?

Payment is due on completion. Card and bank transfer are accepted, so you do not need cash at 3am. If payment is a genuine problem, say so on the phone rather than at the door.

Do you charge extra on bank holidays?

Bank holidays are treated as weekend rates. As with everything else, you are told the applicable rate before anyone is dispatched.

Locked out at night?