Key Car Repair - What to Do If Your Keys Get Lost, Damaged, Or Stolen
It's easy to take the humble car key for granted until it is lost, damaged or even stolen. It's essential to know the process of fixing your keys and what to do in the event that you're left without.
Minor scratches can be mended with a touch-up of paint, but more serious ones may require mobile detailing by a professional. They have the equipment and expertise to repair the damage.
Key Marks or Scratches
It can be a frustrating experience to have your car's keyed. It not only affects the appearance of your vehicle and its appearance, but it could also affect the value of resales. There are steps you can take to reduce the impact. This involves assessing the damage, choosing the correct repair method, and finding a reputable professional to complete the work.
The first step in repairing the scratch on a key is to thoroughly clean it. This will remove any dirt or wax residue and permit you to determine the extent of the damage more accurately. Scratches vary from very superficial to more extensive, impacting the paint as well as the clear coat. The deeper scratches may expose the metal body of your car. More severe scratches can be fixed with rubbing compound, car polish, and sandpaper.
It's best to seek the help of an expert in mobile auto detailing in order to repair the most significant scratch. They'll have the expertise, knowledge, and specialized tools necessary to repair damage quickly and efficiently. They will not just ensure that the scratches are fixed correctly, but also apply clear protective coatings on the damaged areas.
Before you hire a professional to detail your car, ask for references and do some research online to find out what other customers are saying about them. If a professional is reluctant to provide references, it's a red flag. You should also check if your insurance company has a preferred list of professional to select from.
Keyed Car Repair
If it's because of reckless driving or even an accidental collision, having your car keyed can be a devastating experience. It's not just a threat to the appearance of your vehicle however, it could also lead to corrosion and other damage to the surface. In certain instances damage to your vehicle could make it unsafe for you to drive.
If you have comprehensive insurance, this type of damage will be covered though you will still be accountable for the deductible. To maximize remote car key repair near me of your comprehensive policy, ensure that you record any damage you experience by taking photographs before attempting any repairs. Contact your insurance company and arrange an inspection with a claims adjuster in order to have the damage assessed and repaired.
Locked in the Trunk
One of the most common issues that car owners face is having their keys locked in their trunk. It's not uncommon for people to forget their keys in their trunk when they close their car, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. This can occur to anyone and is a stressful situation to be in.
It is important to remain calm and consider what you can do to avoid damaging your vehicle to fix the problem. Get help from a professional if are unsure of your ability to open the trunk. They can assist you to determine whether the trunk lock is been damaged or worn out due to regular use.
It can be scary for people to be locked in their trunks. Some people become stuck in their trunks by accident, while others have been targeted by criminals and forced into the trunk as part of a robbery, or a different crime. This is the reason why keeping an extra key in the house or with a friend is a good idea.
If you have a spare car key try using it to open the trunk before calling professional assistance. Keep an extra car key in your pocket, or in a bag that you can easily access when you are trapped in the trunk.
A few modern cars come with a trunk release button inside the cabin that can be used to open the trunk without having the keys. This is a great feature however, only if it is possible to access it while the car is not in motion.
You can also open the trunk by folding the rear seats down. You can usually find the latch for these in the middle console or somewhere under the carpet. If you can open the trunk of your car in this manner you'll be able access your keys and exit the trunk without causing any damage to your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key and you do not want your car to be broken into, you can use a wire hanger. Bend the hanger, and twist one end into a small hook. Then, put the hook between the trunk of your car and the back seat. If there's a lever or a button that opens the trunk and you want to use the hook to push or pull it. You may have repeat this process multiple times before you are able to open your trunk.
Ignition Locked In
A key could become locked in the ignition for many reasons, such as problems with the ignition cylinder of your car or its teeth and pins or the ignition switch. The issue might not be as severe as you think. You can usually fix it yourself without the help of a professional auto service or locksmith.
Before you panic, make sure that your vehicle is in neutral or park (many modern automatic cars won't allow you to remove the key even if they're in a parking position). Try jiggling the gear shift from side to side. This will loosen pins and springs within the cylinder, making it easier for you to remove the key.
The ignition may become blocked and even gunky over time especially if it's not frequently used. If this happens, try pouring a silicon lock lubricant into the ignition and door lock. This will remove any dirt particles that could be blocking the keyhole and will prevent future issues.
If this fails, you could need spray WD40 into the ignition and then wiggle the key. This will loosen any dirt particles that may be preventing the ignition switch from turning. It can also allow you to insert and turn the key. If you're still not seeing any results, it is possible that the key is worn-out to work with the pins within the cylinder. If this is the case, you'll need to replace your key as soon as possible in order to avoid this issue in the future.
You should also contact an locksmith for your vehicle if your key is stuck in the ignition or snaps off. They are equipped with the tools required to remove a broken car key. They can also make keys for replacement on-site. They can also identify if the ignition cylinder of your vehicle is affected by recalls or technical service bulletins as well as other issues.
Making a Claim
If it is a good idea to make an insurance claim for a key car repair depends on a number of factors. It all depends on what kind of coverage the car owner has. If the vehicle has comprehensive coverage, which covers damages caused by events that are not under the driver's control, then it will likely be covered by the policy. It will also depend on how much you have to pay for the deductible and also the cost of fixing the vehicle.
The owner of the vehicle will have to contact their insurance company and have the claims department look at the damage to ensure it will be covered. The owner of the car should take photos and get a police report.
After the insurance company has inspected the vehicle, it will likely cover repairs. In some instances, insurance companies may send the repair bill to the mechanic directly however in other cases the owner of the vehicle must pay for the damage out of the pocket and then file a claim.
If the car has been damaged or vandalized while it was being parked on a street, there could be witnesses or video footage. If this is the case, it is easier to identify the culprit and make them pay for the damage.
If the key struck the primer, but did not penetrate the metal or the primer, the vehicle owner may be able recover the cost of the repair in a small claims court. A claim for keying does not affect the rates of insurance as much as compared to a major accident claim however it can have an impact.