Key Car Repair - What to Do If Your Keys Get Lost, Damaged, Or Stolen

It's easy to take the humble car keys for granted, until it gets damaged, lost or stolen. It's essential to know the procedure of fixing your keys and what to do if you're stuck.

Minor scratches can be mended with touch-up paint, but more severe ones might require mobile key repair near me detailing by a professional. They have the right tools and techniques to repair them effectively.

Scratches or Key Marks

It can be a frustrating experience to have your car's keyed. Not only does it affect the appearance of your vehicle and its appearance, but it could cause damage to the resale value. There are ways to reduce the impact. This includes assessing damage, selecting the right repair method, as well as finding a professional to complete the task.

The first step to repairing the scratch on a key is to thoroughly clean it. This will get rid of any wax and dirt, allowing you to better determine the extent of the damage. Scratches can range from minor to deep, with the latter affecting both the paint as well as the clear coat of the vehicle. The deeper scratches may expose the metal body of your vehicle. More extensive scratch repairs usually involve the use of the rubbing compound, sandpaper and car polish.

To repair a key scratch it is best to speak with an auto detailing expert on the go. They will have the expertise, knowledge, and specialized tools necessary to repair the damage efficiently and effectively. In addition to ensuring that the scratches are repaired properly, they will also apply a clear protective coating on the affected areas.

Ask for references before hiring a professional car detailing service. You can also conduct some online research to see 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 an approved list of professionals.

Keyed Car Repair

If it's because of reckless driving or even an accidental collision, having your vehicle keyed could be a terrifying experience. It's not just damaging the appearance of your car however, it could also cause corrosion and other damage to the surface. In some cases the damage could make it unsafe to drive your vehicle.

The type of damage you suffer is covered by comprehensive insurance. However, you are still responsible for the deductible. Take photos of any damage prior to making any repairs to get the most value from your insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company and arrange an inspection with a claims adjuster to assess the damage and have it repaired.

Locked in the Trunk

One of the most common issues that car owners face is locking their trunk. It's not uncommon for a person to leave their keys in the trunk when they close their car, especially if they're distracted or in a hurry. This could occur to anyone and is a frustrating situation to be in.

It's essential to be calm and think about what you can do without damaging your vehicle to fix the issue. Contact a professional if are not confident in your ability to open the trunk. 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 get locked in their trunks. Some people are stuck in their trunks by accident or have been targeted by criminals and forced into the trunk in the course of a robbery or other crime. This is why keeping a spare key at home in the home or with a friend is a good idea.

If you have an extra key, use it to open the trunk before calling for assistance. It is also advisable to keep an extra key in your pocket or bag that you can access should you be locked inside the trunk of your car.

A few modern cars come with a trunk release button inside the cabin that can be used to open the trunk without having keys. This is a great feature however only if it is possible to reach it while the car is stopped.

You can also open the trunk by folding the rear seats down. The latch is usually located in the middle console or under the carpet. If you are able to open the trunk of your car in this manner, you'll be able to access your keys and exit the trunk without causing any damage to your vehicle.

If you don't have a spare key, and you don't want your car to be smashed into, use an electric hanger. Bend the hanger and twist the other end to make it into a small hook. Then, put the hook between the backseat and trunk of your vehicle. You can use the hook to pull and push the lever or button on the trunk. It may be necessary to repeat this process many times, but eventually you will eventually be able to remove yourself from your trunk.

Ignition Locked In

A key can become locked in the ignition due to various causes, such as issues with the ignition cylinder of your car as well as its pins and teeth, or the ignition switch. The problem may not be as severe as you think. It is possible to fix it on your own without the assistance of a professional auto repair service or locksmith.

Before you panic, make sure that your car is in neutral or in park (many modern cars with automatics won't allow you to remove the key when they're not in a parking position). You can also try jiggling the gear shift from side to side. This could loosen pins as well as springs inside the cylinder making it easier to remove the key.

The ignition could become blocked and even gunky over time especially if it is not frequently used. If this happens, try squirting a silicon lock lubricant into the ignition and door lock. This will help remove any dirt particles that may be blocking the keyhole and prevent future problems.

If this doesn't work, you may need spray WD40 into the ignition and then move the key. This will loosen up any dirt particles that are hindering the key from turning and allow you to re-insert the key and turn it over. If you aren't getting any results, there's possibility that the key itself is worn out and unable to properly engage the pins within the cylinder. If this is the case, you will have to replace the key as soon as you can 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 falls off inside the ignition, you must contact an emergency locksmith immediately. These professionals have the tools required to remove the damaged car key. They can also make an alternative key on the spot. They can also help you determine if your specific year, make and model of vehicle is subject to recalls or technical service bulletins relating to the ignition cylinder.

Making a Claim

Whether it makes sense to file an insurance claim for a crucial car repair depends on a few aspects. It will first depend on the type of coverage that the car owner is covered by. If the vehicle is covered by comprehensive coverage which covers damage caused by events that are beyond the driver's reach, then it is likely to be covered. It will also depend on how much you pay for the deductible as well as the cost of fixing the vehicle.

The car owner 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 request an official police report and take pictures of the damage.

After the insurance company inspects the vehicle, it will likely cover repairs. In some cases the insurance company will forward the repair bill directly to the mechanic, but in other cases, the owner will be required to pay for the damage out of pocket and then file a claim with the insurance company.

If the car was keyed while parked in a public place it is likely that there were witnesses or video footage of the vandalism. If this is the case, then it is much easier to identify the person responsible and force them to pay for the damage.

If the key scuffed the primer, but did not penetrate the metal or the primer, the vehicle owner may be able recuperate the cost of repair in a small claims court. A claim for keying does not affect insurance rates as much compared to a claim for a major accident however it can have an impact.