If you have been putting off a smart lock upgrade because of the upfront cost, you are not alone. Many homeowners assume that swapping out a traditional deadbolt for a smart lock is an expensive luxury with no real payoff. The reality is different. A smart lock upgrade can save you money in the long run by cutting lockout costs, reducing the need for physical key copies, and even lowering your home insurance premium. This guide breaks down exactly where the savings come from and what to look for when making the switch. When you are ready to move forward, 1-800-Unlocks can connect you with a verified local locksmith who handles smart lock installation and setup the right way.
The Real Cost of Sticking With Traditional Locks
Traditional locks come with ongoing costs that are easy to overlook. Every time a family member loses a key, you face a choice: replace the lock entirely or rekey it. Rekeying a home lock typically costs between $50 and $150 per lock depending on the lock type and your location. If you have multiple entry points, those costs add up fast. You also pay for key duplication every time you need to hand out a copy to a house cleaner, a contractor, or a family member. Repeated over several years, this becomes a real expense. Smart locks eliminate most of these recurring costs by replacing physical keys with codes, apps, or fingerprint access that you can manage without calling a locksmith every time something changes.
How Smart Locks Reduce Lockout Expenses
A home lockout can cost anywhere from $75 to $250 or more depending on the time of day, your location, and the complexity of the job. Late-night or holiday weekend calls push that number even higher. Smart locks with keypad or app access mean you are far less likely to find yourself stranded outside your own front door. You can store backup codes for emergencies and unlock the door remotely if a family member needs to get in while you are away. For homeowners who have experienced even one or two lockouts, avoiding those service calls alone can offset a significant portion of the smart lock’s purchase price. If you ever do need emergency help, a 24-hour locksmith is available through 1-800-Unlocks any time of day or night.
Smart Locks and Home Insurance Savings
Some home insurance providers offer discounts for homes with upgraded security features, and smart locks often qualify. The discount amount varies by insurer and policy, but even a 5 to 10 percent reduction in your annual premium adds up over time. Smart locks with built-in alarm features, tamper alerts, or integration with a full home security system tend to carry more weight with insurers than a basic keypad model. Before you buy, call your insurance provider and ask specifically about smart lock discounts. A residential locksmith can also advise you on which lock grades and brands are most likely to qualify for these types of discounts.
Eliminating the Cost of Lost or Copied Keys
Think about how many physical keys exist for your home right now. You may have given copies to relatives, neighbors, past house sitters, or contractors you no longer use. Every one of those keys is a potential security risk, and the only way to address it with a traditional lock is to rekey or replace the hardware. With a smart lock, you can simply delete a code or revoke app access without touching the lock itself. This kind of access control is especially valuable for:
- Rental property owners who need to update access between tenants
- Airbnb hosts managing frequent guest turnover
- Homeowners with regular service workers coming and going
- Families who have shared keys with people no longer needing access
It also means you do not have to pay for a locksmith visit every time your access list changes. For a broader look at what professional lock changes involve and when they make sense, the lock changing service page at 1-800-Unlocks covers the details.
Choosing the Right Smart Lock and Getting It Installed Correctly
Not every smart lock is built the same way, and choosing the wrong one can cost you more down the road. Here are the key factors to evaluate before buying:
- Look for ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 ratings for durability and forced-entry resistance
- Choose Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave connectivity based on your existing smart home setup
- Check battery life, since some locks drain within months while others last a year or more
- Confirm the lock fits your door size and hardware before purchasing
A verified locksmith can help you compare options, make sure the lock fits your door properly, and program it correctly from the start. Skipping professional installation is one of the most common ways homeowners end up spending more money fixing problems later. You can review typical locksmith prices to get a realistic sense of what installation should cost in your area before you call.
Conclusion
A smart lock upgrade is a practical investment that reduces lockout calls, eliminates recurring key costs, and can lower your insurance premium over time. The savings compound year after year. The key is choosing the right hardware and having it installed correctly by someone who knows what they are doing. 1-800-Unlocks connects homeowners nationwide with verified local locksmiths who handle smart lock installation, rekeying, and security upgrades with honest pricing and no pressure. Search by ZIP or call 1-800-UNLOCKS to find a verified locksmith near you and get a fast quote today.
Author: Sam Wilson
I am a licensed locksmith and the owner of 1-800-Unlocks. The goal of our locksmith directory is to provide a safe place for customers to find a local legitimate locksmith and avoid the pitfalls of being a victim of scamming locksmiths.
