Key Car Repair - What to Do If Your Keys Get Lost, Damaged, Or Stolen
The humble car key is often taken for granted until it is lost, damaged or stolen. It's essential to know the procedure of getting your keys repaired and what to do in the event that you're left without.
Minor scratches can be fixed with a touch-up of paint, but more serious ones may require a professional mobile detailing service. They have the specialized materials and skills to repair them efficiently.
Scratches and Key Marks
The process of having your car keyed could be a stressful experience. It could not only affect the appearance of the car and its price of resales. There are steps you can take to reduce the impact. This includes assessing damage, selecting the right repair method, and hiring a professional to do the task.
The first step in repairing the most significant scratch is to thoroughly clean the area. key fob repair near me will get rid of any wax or dirt and allow you to assess the extent of the damage with greater precision. Scratches range from very superficial to deep and may affect both the paint as well as the clear coat of the car. More severe scratches may expose the bare metal of your vehicle. Deeper scratches are repaired with rubbing compound, car polish, and sandpaper.
It is recommended to consult a mobile auto detailing expert to fix the most significant scratch. They will have the knowledge of expertise, experience, and equipment to repair the damage quickly and efficiently. They will not only ensure that the scratches are repaired correctly, but they will also apply clear protective coatings to the damaged areas.
Get references before hiring a professional car detailing service. You can also conduct some online research to find out what other customers have to say about them. Professionals who do not give references is a red flag. It is also important to determine whether your insurance provider has a preferred list of professional to select from.
Keyed Car Repair
It could be due to reckless driving or even an accidental collision, having your car keyed can be a devastating experience. Not only can it damage the appearance of your car, but also cause rust and other damage to the surface. In some instances the damage can make it unsafe to drive your car.
This type of damage is covered by comprehensive insurance. However, you are still responsible for the deductible. To make the most of your comprehensive insurance policy, be sure to document any damage with photos before you attempt any repairs. Contact your insurance provider and arrange for an inspection by a claims adjuster. The damage will be assessed and repaired.
Locked in the Trunk
One of the most common issues that car owners face is locking their trunk. It's not uncommon for someone to forget their keys in the trunk after they shut the car, particularly if they're distracted or in a rush. Anyone can be in this situation, and it's a hassle.
It's essential to be calm and think about what you can do without damaging your vehicle to correct the problem. If you're uncomfortable trying to unlock the trunk by yourself, you should call an expert. They can help you determine if the trunk lock has broken or is simply worn out due to regular use.
It can be scary for people to be locked in their trunks. Some people get locked in their trunks accidentally, while others are forced into it by criminals as part of a burglary. This is why having an extra key in the home or with a family member is an excellent idea.
If you have a spare key, use it to open the trunk first before calling for assistance. You should also keep a spare key in your pocket or bag that you can easily access if you get trapped in the trunk of your car.
Certain modern cars have an option to release the trunk that can be pressed from the cabin to open the trunk even without the keys. This is a very useful feature however, only if you are able to reach it and the car is not in motion.
You can also open the trunk by folding the seats in the rear. You'll usually find the latch in the middle console or under the carpet. You can take your keys from the trunk and then leave the car without causing any damage to it if you open the trunk this way.
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 the other end to form tiny hook. Then, put the hook between the trunk of your vehicle and back seat. The hook can be used to pull and push the lever or button on the trunk. You may need to repeat this procedure many times in order to open your trunk.
Ignition Locked In
The key may become locked in the ignition due to various reasons, such as problems with the ignition cylinder of your car or its teeth and pins, or the ignition switch. The problem may not be as severe as you initially think. You can often solve it yourself without the help of a professional auto repair service or locksmith.
Before you panic, ensure that your vehicle is set in neutral or in park (many modern automatic cars will not let you take the key off even if they're in a parked position). You could also try play around with your gear shift by shifting it from one side to the other. This can loosen pins and springs inside the cylinder, making it easier to remove the key.
The ignition can become clogged and gunky over time, particularly if it isn't used often. Try spraying a silicon lock-lubricant in the ignition and door locks if this happens. This will remove any dirt particles that could be blocking the keyhole and will prevent future issues.
If this doesn't help then you can spray WD40 in the ignition and then wiggle your key. This will loosen any dirt particles that could be preventing the ignition switch from turning. It can also allow you to re-insert and turn on the key. If you're still not seeing any results, it is possible that the key is too worn-out to work with the pins inside the cylinder. You will need to replace the key as soon you can to avoid a 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 retrieve a damaged key and can often produce a new car key immediately also. They can also identify whether the ignition cylinder of your vehicle is affected by any recalls or technical service bulletins as well as other issues.
Making a Claim
The decision to make an insurance claim for a major car repair is based upon a number of factors. It all depends on the type of insurance that the car owner is covered by. If the vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance, which covers damages caused by events that are beyond the driver's reach, then it is likely to be covered. However, it will depend on the deductible amount and how much the car will ultimately cost to repair.
The owner of the vehicle will have to contact their insurance company, and have the claims department take a look at the damage to ensure it will be covered. The car owner should also take pictures and obtain an official police report.
Once the insurance company has inspected the vehicle, they will likely cover the repairs. In some instances, insurance companies may send the repair bill to the mechanic directly while in other instances, the car owner must pay the repair out of the pocket, and then file an insurance claim.
If the vehicle was damaged while parked on a public street, there may be witnesses or video footage. If this is the case, then it will be easier to identify the person responsible and demand that they pay for the damage.
If the key scuffed the primer, but did not penetrate the metal or the primer, the vehicle owner could be able to get the cost of the repair in a small claims court. A claim for keying does not affect the cost of insurance as much as it does to a large accident claim however, it does have an impact.