Guide
Do locksmiths charge a call-out fee?
Usually, yes. Fixr lists a trip fee of $25 to $100 and a service call of $100 to $200; Thumbtack lists $30 to $150 just to come out. A fair quote rolls the fee into one total, so ask for the total, not the fee.
On this page
Trip fee, service call, minimum
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Trip or service-call fee | $25 to $100 trip; $100 to $200 service call | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Emergency or after-hours surcharge | $150 to $250 | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
The names vary. A trip fee covers the drive; a service call or minimum often covers the first part of the job. The FTC tells consumers to ask about late-night, mileage and minimum fees up front.
The low fee that isn't the price
A quote of $15 to $35 is usually only the trip. The BBB describes scammers quoting as little as $15 and adding fees on site. Ask: "What is the total, with labor, for this job?" How the scam works.
How long does a locksmith take to come?
There is no standard. It depends on where you are in the metro, the time of day, the weather and how many calls are ahead of you. Inside Omaha it is often under an hour, but ask for an estimate when you call. Once there, a standard lockout usually takes minutes.
If you cancel
If you get in another way before they arrive, call right away. Some locksmiths charge the trip fee if they are already on the road. Agreeing on that fee on the phone avoids an argument.
Questions people in Omaha ask
Do I pay the call-out fee if they can't open it?
Ask when you book. Many charge the trip fee regardless, and nothing more if they can't do the job.