Most people wait until they're locked out at 2 AM to start thinking about who to call. That's exactly how you end up paying triple and getting a hack job. A little homework before you're desperate saves money and headaches.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for their license number right away. Every legit tradesperson carries one, and most states require it. If they hem and haw, hang up. Same with insurance — they need liability and workers' comp. You don't want to be on the hook if someone gets hurt drilling your door. Call your state licensing board to verify. Takes five minutes.
Experience & References Questions
A shop that's been around five years or more usually knows its stuff. Ask how long they've been in business and if they've worked on your specific lock brand or car model. Then ask for two recent references — real names and numbers. Call them. Ask if the job was clean, if they showed up on time, and if the final bill matched the quote. One bad reference is enough to move on.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get a flat rate over the phone, not an estimate. Estimates can balloon. Ask if there's a service call fee and what it covers. Also ask how long the job usually takes. If they say "depends" without giving a range, that's a red flag. A simple lockout should be under an hour. Anything more complex, they should give you a worst-case window.
Contract Questions
Read the contract before they start. Look for vague language about "additional parts" or "unforeseen issues" that let them add charges. Make sure the total price is written in. Get a guarantee in writing — at least 90 days on parts and labor. If they refuse to put anything in writing, walk. A handshake doesn't hold up when the lock jams again next week.
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