Melbourne & VictoriaLast checked: 2026-10-11

Car-key call-out fees: what to ask before a locksmith travels

Short answer

Before booking a mobile automotive locksmith, ask what the call-out fee pays for: travel, an initial assessment, some labour or part of the completed key replacement. Ask whether you still pay if no work goes ahead and if the rate changes after hours. A ‘no call-out’ offer doesn't mean the replacement itself is free.

What does the call-out cover?

Opening a locked car is different from replacing every lost key. An access-only fee should not be compared with a quote to supply and program a replacement. See Lost all your car keys? What to do next if you have no working key.

Fee arrangement	What to confirm before dispatch
Separate visit fee	Is attendance payable even if no replacement is completed? Does it include diagnosis or initial labour?
Attendance included in job price	Is travel already included in the completed-job quote? What, if anything, would still be owed if the job cannot proceed?
Visit fee credited if you proceed	Is the attendance charge deducted from the final price only if you authorise the work? What would you owe if you decline?

What if the job cannot go ahead?

Before dispatch, ask whether a minimum or cancellation fee applies if the technician cannot work on your key system, the correct part isn't available or you choose not to proceed. If extra programming or a workshop visit becomes necessary, request the changed scope and price before authorising it.

Ordinary hours versus after-hours

Ask whether the quoted fee applies at the day and time you need, including weekends and public holidays. Opening hours on a website do not confirm that a technician is available. The business needs to confirm the appointment and travel area directly.

If the car is somewhere unsafe, seek appropriate roadside or emergency assistance rather than using an unconfirmed booking as a safety plan.

A booking message you can copy

Replace bracketed placeholders before sending.

Can you confirm attendance in [suburb] on [day] within [time window]? What is the total fee for attending, including GST and any travel or after-hours charge, if I don't proceed or the replacement cannot be completed? Please confirm what's included and ask before doing any additional work.

For the full quote checklist, use What a car-key quote should include. If an invoice later differs from what you agreed, see When a locksmith's final bill is higher than the quote.

Your next step

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