Key Car Repair - What to Do If Your Keys Get Lost, Damaged, Or Stolen
The car key is often taken for granted until it gets lost, damaged or stolen. It's crucial to be aware of how to fix your keys and what you should do in the event you are stranded.
Minor scratches can be repaired with touch-up paint, but deeper ones may require professional mobile detailing services. They have the materials and expertise to fix scratches.
Key Marks and Scratches
Car keys can be a stressful experience. It's not just affecting the appearance of your vehicle, but also the price of resales. There are steps you can take to minimize the impact. This involves taking a look at the damage, selecting the correct repair method, and locating a reputable professional to complete the work.
The first step to repair a key scratch is to thoroughly clean the area. This will get rid of any dirt and wax residue which will allow you to more accurately evaluate the damage. Scratches vary from very superficial to more extensive, affecting the paint as well as the clear coat. The deeper scratches may expose the bare metal body of your car. Deeper scratches are repaired with rub compound, car polish and sandpaper.
To repair a key scratch it is best to speak with an auto detailing expert on the go. They'll have the experience, knowledge, and specialized tools necessary to repair damage quickly and effectively. They will not just ensure that the scratches are repaired correctly, but they will also apply clear protective coatings on the damaged areas.
Ask for key car repair before hiring a professional car detailing service. You can also conduct some online research to see what other customers have to say about them. Professionals who do not provide references is a red-flag. Find out if your insurance company has an approved list of professionals.
Keyed Car Repair
It could be due to reckless driving or an accident collision, having your car keyed could be a terrifying experience. It's not just a threat to the appearance of your vehicle, but it can also lead to corrosion and other damage to the surface. In some instances the damage to your car could make it unsafe for you to drive.
This kind of damage is covered by comprehensive insurance. However you are still accountable for the deductible. Photograph any damage prior to making repairs to make the most from your comprehensive insurance policy. Then, contact your insurance company and set up an inspection with a claims adjuster to have the damage assessed and repaired.
Locked in the Trunk
One of the most common issues that car owners face is being locked in their trunk. It's not uncommon for someone to leave their keys in their trunk when they shut the car, particularly if they're distracted or in a hurry. This could be a problem for anyone and can be a stressful situation to be in.
It's essential to be calm and think about what you can do to avoid damaging your vehicle in order to fix the issue. If you're not comfortable with trying to open the trunk by yourself, you should call an expert. They can help you determine if the trunk lock has been damaged or worn out from regular use.
Getting locked in the trunk can be a scary experience for those. Some people are trapped in their trunks by accident, while others have been targeted by criminals and forced into the trunk as part of a robbery or another crime. It's a good idea to keep an extra key at home or with a trusted friend.
If you have an extra car key, use it to open the trunk prior to calling for professional help. You should keep the spare car key in your pocket, or in a bag that you can easily reach if you are locked in the trunk.
Some modern cars have a trunk release button inside the cabin that can be used to open the trunk without keys. This is a great feature to have however, it only works when the car is stopped and can reach the lever.
You may also be able to open the trunk of your vehicle using the fold-down rear seats. The latch is usually located in the middle console, or underneath the carpet. If you are able to open the trunk of your car this way you'll be able access your keys and exit the trunk with no damage to your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key and do not want to break into your car, consider using a wire hanger. Bend the hanger and twist one end to make it into a small hook. Then, place the hook between the backseat and trunk of your car. You can use the hook to pull and push the button or lever on the trunk. You may need repeat this process many times in order to open your trunk.
Locked in the Ignition
A key can become locked in the ignition for various reasons, including problems with the car's ignition cylinder as well as its pins and teeth, or the ignition switch. The issue might not be as serious as you think. You can usually fix it on your own without the assistance of a professional auto service or locksmith.
Before you panic, make sure that your car is in neutral or park (many modern cars with automatics won't let you take the keys off if they aren't in a parked position). You could also try play around with your gear shift by shifting it from one side to the next. This will loosen pins and springs in the cylinder to make it easier for you to remove the key.
The ignition can become clogged and gunky over time, especially if it's not frequently used. If this happens, try spraying a silicon lock lubricant into the ignition and the door lock. This will allow you to remove any dirt particles blocking the keyhole, and could stop future problems from occurring.
If this doesn't work, you may need to spray WD40 into the ignition and then wiggle the key. This will loosen any dirt particles that could hinder the ignition key from turning. It could also let you to insert and turn the key once more. If you don't see any results, there's an opportunity that the key itself is just too worn to be able to connect the pins inside the cylinder. If this is the case, you will need to replace your key as soon as you can to avoid this issue in the future.
It is also important to remember that if you can't remove your key, or if it breaks off from the ignition, call an emergency locksmith immediately. They have the tools to retrieve a damaged key and can often produce an entirely new car key immediately, too. They can also tell if the ignition cylinder of your car is affected by 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 on several factors. It is primarily dependent on the type of insurance that the car owner is covered by. If the car has comprehensive coverage, which covers damages caused by events beyond the driver's control, it will probably be covered by the policy. It will also depend on the amount you pay for the deductible and the cost of fixing the car.
The owner of the car will need to contact their insurance company, and have the claims department look at the damage to ensure it will be covered. In addition, the car owner should also get a police report and take photos of the damage.
After the insurance company has inspected the vehicle, they'll likely cover the repairs. In some instances insurance companies might send the repair bill directly to the mechanic while in other instances the owner of the vehicle must pay for the damage out of the pocket and then file an insurance claim.
If the vehicle has been damaged or vandalized while it was 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 was scratched and didn't go all the way through the primer or even the metal, the car owner may be able to recover costs of the repair in small claims court. Generally, a claim for keying won't raise the cost of insurance as much as a larger accident-related claim will, however it will nonetheless affect the cost of insurance.