Key Car Repair - What to Do If Your Keys Get Lost, Damaged, Or Stolen
The humble car key is often overlooked until it is lost, damaged or stolen. It's essential to know the process of getting your keys repaired and what to do if you're stuck.
Minor scratches can be mended by applying touch-ups, while more severe ones might require mobile detailing. They have the equipment and skills necessary to repair scratches.
Key Marks or Scratches
It can be a traumatic experience to have your car's keys locked. It can not only affect the appearance of your vehicle as well as the resale price. There are steps you can take to minimize the impact. This includes assessing the damage and deciding on the best repair method, and finding a professional to complete the job.
The first step in repairing the scratch on a key is to thoroughly clean it. This will remove any wax and dirt, allowing you to better determine the extent of the damage. Scratches range from superficial to deep, with the latter affects the paint as well as the clear coat. The deeper scratches may even expose the metal body of your vehicle. More severe scratches can be fixed with rubbing compound, car polish and sandpaper.
To fix a key scratch it is best to speak with an auto detailing professional on the move. They'll have the experience of expertise, experience, and equipment to repair the damage quickly and effectively. Besides ensuring that the scratches are repaired properly, they will also apply a clear protective coating to the damaged areas.
Before hiring a professional for car detailing make sure you ask for references and conduct some research online to find out what other customers have to say about them. A professional who refuses to provide references is a red-flag. Make sure that your insurance provider has a list of preferred specialists.
Keyed Car Repair
It could be due to reckless driving or an accident collision, having your car keyed can be a devastating experience. It's not just damaging the appearance of your vehicle however, it could cause corrosion and other damage to the surface. In some cases the damage can make it unsafe to drive your car.
If you have insurance that is comprehensive, this type of damage will be covered but you'll still be accountable for the deductible. Take photos of any damage before you attempt any repairs in order to get the most value from your insurance coverage. Contact your insurance agency and schedule an inspection with a claims adjuster to have the damage assessed and repaired.
Locked in the Trunk
Locking your trunk is one of the most frequent problems that car owners face. When closing the car, it's not uncommon to leave the keys in the trunk. This can happen when someone is busy or distracted. Anyone can find themselves in this situation, and it can be very frustrating.
It is important to remain calm and consider what you can do without damaging your vehicle to correct the issue. If you're uncomfortable trying to unlock the trunk on your own, contact an expert. They'll be able to help you determine whether the lock on your trunk is damaged or just worn out from regular use.
It can be frightening to see people trapped in their trunks. Some people are locked in their trunks accidentally or are forced into it by criminals as part of an armed burglary. It is a good thing to keep an extra key in your home or with a trusted friend.
If you do have an extra car key, try using it to open the trunk before calling professional assistance. You should also consider keeping a spare key in your bag or pocket that you can easily access if you get locked inside the trunk of your car.
Certain cars of the present have a trunk release button that can be operated from the cabin to open the trunk without the keys. This is a great feature to have however, it only works when the car is stopped and you can reach the lever.
You can also open the trunk by folding the rear seats down. You can usually find the latch in the middle console or somewhere under the carpet. If you can open the trunk of your car this way, you'll be able to access your keys and exit the trunk with no damage to your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key and don't want to risk breaking into your car, you can try using a wire hanger. Bend the hanger and twist one end to make it into tiny hook. Then, place the hook between the backseat and trunk of your car. If there's a lever, or button that opens the trunk and you want to use the hook to push or pull it. You may need repeat this process multiple times before you are able to open your trunk.
Ignition Locked In
A key can be locked in the ignition for a variety of reasons, including problems with the ignition cylinder of your car, its teeth and pins or the ignition switch. The majority of the time, the issue isn't as severe as it might appear at first and you can resolve it without the need for professional locksmith or auto repair.
Before you panic, ensure that your car is in neutral or in park (many modern automatic cars will not let you take the key off when they're not in a parked position). You can also try jiggling the gear shift from side to side. This can loosen pins and springs within the cylinder making it easier for you to remove your key.
Over time, the ignition can get a bit shaky and sluggish, especially in the event that you don't use it often. Try spraying a silicon lock-lubricant into the door lock and ignition if this happens. This will help loosen up any dirt particles blocking the keyhole, and can help prevent future problems as well.
If this isn't working, you might need to spray WD40 into the ignition and then wiggle the key. This will remove any dirt particles that could hinder the ignition key from turning. It can also allow you to re-insert and turn on the key. If you don't get any results, there is possibility that the key itself is worn out and unable to be able to connect the pins inside the cylinder. If this is the case, you will have to replace the key as soon as you can to avoid this problem in the future.
It is also advisable to call an automotive locksmith if your key is stuck in the ignition or breaks off. These professionals have the necessary tools to remove a damaged key and often create keys for new cars right on the spot as well. They can also help you determine if your particular year or make and model vehicle is subject to recalls or technical service bulletins related to the ignition the cylinder.
Making mobile car key repair to file an insurance claim for an important car repair is contingent on a number of factors. It will first depend on what kind of coverage the owner of the vehicle has. If the vehicle has comprehensive coverage, which covers damages caused by events beyond the driver's control, then it is likely to be covered by the policy. It also depends on how much you pay for the deductible and the cost of fixing the vehicle.
The owner of the car must contact their insurance company to have their claims department review the damage. This will ensure that the damages will be covered. In addition, the vehicle owner must also obtain an insurance claim form and take photographs of the damage.
Once the insurance company has inspected the vehicle, they'll most likely be able to pay for the repairs. In some instances the insurance company will send the repair bill directly to the mechanic, but in other instances, the car owner will be required to pay for the damage out of pocket and then make a claim with the insurance company.
If the car was tampered with while parking in a public area it is likely that there could be witnesses or video footage of the vandalism. If this is the case, then it is much easier to identify the culprit and make them pay for the damage.
If the key was only scratched and did not get all the way through the primer or even the metal, the car owner might be able to recover the cost of the repair in small claims court. Generally speaking, a claim involving keying won't increase the cost of insurance as much as a larger accident-related claim would, but it will nevertheless affect the premium.