Key Car Repair - What to Do If Your Keys Get Lost, Damaged, Or Stolen
The simple car key is often ignored until it is lost, damaged or 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 touch-ups, but deeper ones might require mobile detailing services. They have the specialized materials and skills to repair them efficiently.
Scratches or Key Marks
Having your car keyed can be a stressful experience. It's not just affecting the appearance of your vehicle and its cost of reselling. There are steps you can take to minimize the impact. This includes assessing the damage and deciding on the best repair method, and locating a professional to finish the job.
The first step in repairing scratches on keys is to thoroughly clean it. This will eliminate any dirt or wax residue and permit you to determine the extent of the damage more precisely. Scratches vary from very superficial to deep, with the latter impacting the paint as well as the clear coat. The deeper scratches may even expose the bare metal body of your vehicle. More extensive scratch repairs usually involve the use of rubbing compound, sandpaper, and car polish.
It's best to consult an expert in mobile auto detailing in order to repair any key scratch. They'll have the expertise in the field, as well as the knowledge and tools to repair damage efficiently and effectively. They will not just ensure that the scratches are repaired properly, but they will also apply clear protective coatings to the affected areas.
Before you hire a car detailing professional request references and do some research online to see what other customers are saying about them. A professional who refuses to provide references is a red flag. Find out if your insurance company has a list of preferred specialists.
Keyed Car Repair
It can be a traumatic experience to have your car keys locked, whether it is because of reckless driving or an accident. It's not just a matter of damaging the appearance of your vehicle however, it can also cause rust and other damage to the surface. In some instances the damage to your car can cause it to be unsafe to drive.
This kind of damage is covered by comprehensive insurance. However you are still accountable for the deductible. To get the most out of your comprehensive policy, ensure that you record any damage by taking photos before you attempt any repairs. Contact your insurance company and request an inspection by a claims adjuster. The damage will be assessed and then repaired.
Locked in the Trunk
Locking your trunk is one of the most frequent issues that car owners face. It's not uncommon for a person to leave their keys in their trunk when they shut the car, especially if they're distracted or in a rush. It can be a problem for anyone and can be a frustrating situation to be in.
It's essential to remain calm and consider what you can do without damaging your vehicle to fix the issue. If you're uncomfortable trying to open the trunk on your own, contact a professional. They will be able to help you determine if 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 get locked in their trunks by accident, while others are forced into it by criminals as part of a burglary. It is a good idea to keep an extra key at home or with a trusted friend.
If you have a spare key, use it to unlock the trunk before calling for help. You should also consider keeping an extra key in your pocket or bag that you can easily access in the event of being locked in the trunk of your vehicle.
A few modern cars come with a trunk release button inside the cabin that can be used to unlock the trunk without the keys. This is a very useful feature however only if you are able to reach it and the car is stopped.
You may also be able open the trunk of your car by folding the rear seats. The latch is usually found in the middle console or beneath the carpet. You can remove your keys from the trunk and leave the car without damaging it if you open the trunk this way.
If you don't have a spare key and don't want to break into your car, you can try using a wire hanger. Bend the hanger and twist one end to create an incredibly small hook. Then, put broken key repair between the trunk and backseat of your vehicle. You can use the hook to pull and push the button or lever on the trunk. You may have to repeat this process multiple times, but you should be able to release yourself from your trunk.
Ignition Locked In
A key can be locked in the ignition due to many causes, such as issues with the ignition cylinder, its teeth and pins or the ignition switch. The majority of the time, the issue isn't as severe as it might appear initially and you can fix it without the need to call a professional locksmith or auto repair.
Before you panic, make sure that your vehicle is set in neutral or park (many modern automatic cars will not let you take the key off when they're not in a parking position). You can also try moving the gear shift from side to side. This can loosen pins and springs inside the cylinder making it easier for you to remove your key.
The ignition could become blocked and even gunky over time especially if it is not used often. Try spraying a silicon lock-lubricant in the door lock and ignition when this happens. This will help remove any dirt particles that may be blocking the keyhole and will prevent future issues.
If this doesn't work, you may have spray WD40 into the ignition and wiggle the key. This will remove any dirt particles that could be preventing the ignition key from turning. It can also allow you re-insert and turn the key once more. If you don't get any results, there's an opportunity that the key is worn out and unable to be able to connect the pins inside 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.
It is also important to note that if you're unable to remove your key, or if it breaks off from the ignition, you should call an emergency locksmith immediately. They are equipped with the tools required to remove the broken car key. They can also produce a replacement key on-site. They can also tell whether the ignition cylinder in your vehicle is affected by any recalls or technical service bulletins as well as other issues.
Making a Claim
The decision to file an insurance claim for a major car repair is based on several factors. First, it will depend on what kind of coverage the car owner has. If the car has comprehensive coverage, which covers damages caused by events that are not under the driver's control, then it is likely to be covered by the policy. However, it will also depend on the deductible amount and how much the car will eventually cost to fix.
The owner of the vehicle must contact the insurance company to have their claims department review the damage. This will ensure that the damages will be covered. The car owner should also take pictures and obtain an official police report.
After the insurance company inspects the vehicle, it's likely that they will cover repairs. In some cases, insurance companies may send the repair bill to the mechanic directly while in other instances the owner of the vehicle must pay for the damage out of pockets, and then make a claim.
If the car was locked when it was parking in a public area it is likely that there were witnesses or video footage of the vandalism. If this is the case, it will be much easier to find and punish the culprit.
If the key struck the primer but did not penetrate the metal or the primer, the car owner may be able recover the cost of the repair at a small claims court. Keying claims do not impact the rates of insurance as much as compared to a claim for a major accident however it can have an impact.