How Can You Find the Right Ignition Interlock Provider Nearby?

Most people would say that the closest provider is the best choice for interlock services. They are wrong. The interlock program for an interlock device can last for months or even years. As part of the interlock program, there are a number of service visits for the interlock device. In the end, there is a huge amount of information that is generated for the monitoring authority in the form of a compliance record for the interlock program. The choice of the first week’s provider for the interlock services will have a huge impact on the end compliance record for the interlock services.

A More Practical Framework for Evaluating Interlock Service Providers Follows.

Start with state approval, not marketing claims

In the US, for example, each state that has an interlock program for the offenses of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) lists on the web the models of approved interlock devices. In addition, each state lists the approved providers of interlock devices who are authorized to install and maintain specific models of approved interlock devices. Therefore, a technically competent provider of interlock devices would not be able to produce reports for the monitoring authority in a timely manner if he or she were not an approved provider of interlock devices for the specific model(s) of approved interlock devices for which the provider has been approved by the relevant state.

Verify at two levels

First, confirm that the approved device model you are looking for is listed on the state list of approved models. Next, confirm that the service center (where work will be performed) is listed as an Authorized Agent for the specific approved device model listed. Note that just because a repair shop advertises that they can do interlock work does not mean that they have done the certified work to become an Authorized Agent. Ask who at the repair shop holds the certification to perform interlock work and then ask who signs off on the reporting forms for interlock work at the repair shop.

Assess the service network before the first appointment

The ability to handle unexpected schedule conflicts by the surrounding network of service centers at other locations is far more important than the distance to the nearest interlock service center (5 miles in this case).

Most manufacturers have a locator on their website for interlock devices that allows participants to search for approved service centers for interlock devices. A better starting point is to use one of those official tools to find an ignition interlock location by postal or zip code, rather than relying on a general search for shops near a participant’s home.

Coverage questions worth asking

• How many authorized centers operate within a 30-minute drive, and do they share appointment systems?
• Are Saturday or early morning slots available, and what is the typical lead time for a calibration booking.
• Does the provider offer mobile service for participants who cannot bring a vehicle in.
• What is the after-hours procedure for a lockout or a device malfunction?
• Can a participant who relocates transfer service without removing and reinstalling the unit.

Understand what actually drives the total cost

The cost for the installation of the interlock is typically advertised for very little reason. In fact, the majority of the participant’s money will be spent on the monthly lease rate and any pre-defined future events (i.e. Refits, etc.) that will occur within the 12-month period of required interlock installation.

Judge installation quality by what it prevents

Most problems with interlock devices occur because of a bad install. This results in the interlock reporting false tamper events, the battery dying, or it shutting down on you randomly. These types of problems will be reflected in the interlock’s data log as events. Many problems are with new cars, especially those with start/stop systems, high voltage, and CAN bus enabled.

Signals of a competent shop

Before a technician can give a quote for an interlock to be installed in a vehicle, they need to be given full details of the interlock that is required for that vehicle. The approach that will be used for wiring of the interlock to the vehicle, a full test of the interlock with a full start-up of the vehicle with the participant present, and all handover details to the participant, such as the positioning of the cameras, retest procedure, etc. To avoid mouth alcohol, it needs to be documented and explained to the participant. This training time at the installation of the interlock is one of the few variables that a participant can control.

Treat reporting and support as compliance infrastructure

Keep in mind that the person or company that services your interlock for the monitoring authority will be maintaining records. Thus, the reporting schedule, the amount of time that the data is kept on the interlock, and the speed with which a corrected report can be generated are very important factors to evaluate.

Practical checks on the reporting side

1. Ask how violations are transmitted and how fast the participant is notified of the same event.
2. Confirm whether the participant can access and download their own log.
3. Establish who handles a request for a service history letter and what the turnaround is.
4. Clarify the removal process, including who notifies the state and how completion is documented.

While being closest to your location may seem like the best option, being twenty minutes away can actually be a better option for you.