Are you locked out of your home or car? You may be wondering, ‘How long do locksmiths take to arrive?’ On average, locksmiths arrive in 20-30 minutes. However, there are other factors that can affect time.
Learn more about average arrival times, emergency service, on-site vs remote support, and what you can do to prepare for a locksmith.

Average Arrival Times
On average, a locksmith takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to arrive. Generally, the arrival time depends on the locksmith’s availability and the distance between the locksmith and the job site. If the locksmith is close by, they may arrive sooner than expected. However, if they’re farther away, it could take a bit longer for them to arrive.
The best way to reduce wait time is to install keyless entry systems and to practice lockout prevention. By investing in such a system, you can minimize the chances of needing a locksmith in the first place. This will help reduce the amount of time you have to wait for a locksmith to arrive.
Factors Affecting Time
Generally, factors such as the locksmith’s availability and the distance between the locksmith and the job site affect how quickly they can arrive. Some of these factors include:
- The complexity of the lock or keyless entry system.
- The availability of mobile locksmiths.
- The amount of time it takes to find a replacement part or key.
- The amount of traffic between the locksmith and the job site.
These factors can cause the arrival time of a locksmith to vary greatly. Keyless entry systems, in particular, often require specialized knowledge and skills that can take additional time to complete.
Mobile locksmiths can often arrive quicker, as they’re equipped with the necessary tools to get the job done on the spot. However, if a part needs to be replaced or a key needs to be duplicated, it can add time to the process.
Emergency Service
Getting a locksmith to your doorstep quickly in an emergency lockout situation is essential. With online estimates, you can find a reliable locksmith in no time. However, it’s important to consider safety standards when selecting a locksmith. Make sure they’re licensed and insured to ensure you get the highest quality service.
Additionally, it’s beneficial to find a locksmith who offers 24-hour emergency services. This way, you can rest assured you’ll get help when you need it most. It’s also important to look into the locksmith’s response time and customer reviews to ensure they’re reliable. Knowing the estimated time of arrival can help you plan ahead and resolve the emergency faster.
Also read: Does Locksmiths Require Verifying Ownership of the House
On-Site Vs Remote Support
When choosing a locksmith for emergency service, one should consider if they offer on-site or remote support. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh the options before making a decision. Here are four elements to consider:
- Professional Training: On-site locksmiths have the benefit of having undergone extensive professional training and certification. This ensures they’ve the skills and expertise to handle any emergency situation.
- Customer Relations: With remote support, the locksmith may not have the same level of customer interaction as on-site. However, the convenience of remote support may make up for this.
- Cost: On-site locksmiths will likely cost more than remote support. This is because they need to cover their costs for travel and other expenses.
- Time: Remote support may offer a quicker response time than on-site service. The locksmith can provide assistance over the phone or online, so you don’t need to wait for them to arrive.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which locksmith service best meets your needs.
Preparing for a Locksmith
To ensure a smooth locksmith experience, it’s important to do some preparation beforehand.
Arranging keyless entry and hiring reputable locksmiths can go a long way in making sure the job is done quickly and accurately. Research locksmiths in your area and read reviews to get an idea of their services and trustworthiness.
Make sure to have the correct address and contact information available to provide to the locksmith when they arrive. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a photo ID ready to show the locksmith upon their arrival.
Furthermore, be sure to have all necessary documents and paperwork ready before the locksmith arrives.
Conclusion
On average, locksmiths take between 15-30 minutes to arrive, depending on the factors mentioned. An emergency service may arrive sooner.
It’s important to note that a locksmith may be able to help you without even coming to your location, saving you time and money.
In some cases, a locksmith can help you in as little as 5 minutes!