Car Lockout vs House Lockout: Why the Price Is Different
Car Lockout vs House Lockout: Why the Price Is Different
Short answer: a car lockout usually costs less than a house lockout in Summerville, mainly because of how the two lock types are opened, not because one job is more “important” than the other.
We get asked this a lot, usually by someone comparing a quote for their car against what a neighbor paid for a house lockout. The gap is real, and it comes down to the tools and technique each job actually requires.
Why Car Lockouts Are Usually Cheaper
Most car lockouts are opened with an air wedge and a long-reach tool worked through the door seal — no picking, no drilling, just mechanical leverage on the lock button or handle. It’s fast, usually 2 to 5 minutes once we’re on-site, and the tools are simple. That efficiency is reflected in the price.
Why House Lockouts Cost a Bit More
Residential deadbolts are a different mechanism entirely. Opening one without a key means picking or bypassing the pin tumblers, which takes more time and a more specialized skill set than wedging a car door. Higher-security deadbolts add more time still. That extra time is the main reason house lockouts run higher than car lockouts.
Rule of thumb: if a quote for a house lockout is priced the same as a car lockout, that’s worth a second look — it usually means corners are being cut somewhere, either on verification or on technique.
What Actually Changes the Price Within Each Category
- Car lockouts: newer vehicles with reinforced door seals or airbag sensors near the frame can take longer and cost slightly more than an older, simpler vehicle
- House lockouts: a standard Grade 2 deadbolt opens faster than a high-security Grade 1 lock, and price reflects that difference
- Time of day: both categories carry a modest after-hours surcharge for nights and weekends, which should always be quoted upfront
Same Verification Either Way
Whether it’s a car or a house, we ask for the same thing: proof you have a right to be there. A photo ID matching the address for a house, or your registration and a matching ID for a car. This step doesn’t change the price, it’s just part of doing the job responsibly.
Need a Car or House Lockout in Summerville?
We quote the full price on the phone before we dispatch, for either type of job.
Call (843) 604-6054Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car lockout always cheaper than a house lockout?
In most cases, yes, because the mechanical process is simpler and faster. Exceptions exist for unusually complex vehicles or unusually simple locks.
Does the price change if I’m locked out of an apartment vs a house?
Not typically. Pricing is based on the lock type and time of day, not the type of building.
Why do some locksmiths charge the same for both?
That can be a sign of a flat bait-price model rather than pricing based on the actual work involved. Ask for the reasoning behind the quote.