By Unlock Charleston · Charleston, SC

Start with your location

Before you call, look for an address, a business name, a parking lot entrance, or a nearby intersection. “I’m downtown” leaves a lot to work out. An exact location and a recognizable landmark help explain where you need service. If the car is in a garage, mention the level and any access restrictions.

Check the situation without forcing the door

Think through where the keys are, whether a spare is available, and whether the vehicle has an official app or roadside assistance option you already use. Avoid improvising with tools or forcing the door; it can create a second problem that still needs attention. If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services first.

Have the vehicle details ready

Your car’s year, make, and model help identify the situation. Let the locksmith know whether the keys are visible inside, locked in the trunk, or missing entirely. Mention if the engine is running. Opening a locked car and replacing lost keys are different jobs, so this distinction matters.

Ask about the total and arrival availability

Before arranging a visit, ask for the estimated total and whether it includes the service call, labor, and any after-hours charge. Also ask what could change that estimate after the vehicle is assessed. Arrival times depend on location and current work; ask for the current estimate rather than assuming a promised response time.

Be ready to show authorization

Ask what identification and proof of ownership or authorization are required. If the relevant documents are inside the vehicle, explain that during the call. The goal is to establish the right process before the visit, not to discover an avoidable issue at the curb.

Make your next lockout less likely

After the immediate problem is handled, consider a spare key and a routine for checking that your keys are with you before you shut the door. If you have only one working key, ask about duplication while that key is still available. The right option depends on the vehicle and key system.

Your quick checklist

• Exact location or nearby landmark
• Vehicle year, make, and model
• Whether keys are inside or missing
• Questions about total price, arrival availability, and authorization

Locked out in Charleston? Call or text Unlock Charleston with your location and vehicle details. We’ll discuss current availability and the next step.