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

It's easy to overlook the basic car keys for granted, until it gets damaged, lost, or stolen. It is essential to be aware of how to fix your keys and what to do in the event that you're stranded.

Minor scratches can be repaired with a touch-up of paint, but deeper ones may require a professional mobile detailing service. They are equipped with the right materials and the expertise to repair them efficiently.

Key Marks and Scratches

It can be a frustrating experience to have your car's keys locked. Not only does it affect the appearance of your vehicle, but it can also damage the resale value. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the impact of this type of vandalism. This includes an assessment of the damage, choosing the correct repair method, and locating a reputable professional to finish the task.

The first step to repairing a scratch on a key is to thoroughly clean it. This will eliminate any wax and dirt which will allow you to more accurately assess the damage. Scratches can range from minor to deep and may affect both the paint and clear coat of the car. The more severe scratches could expose the bare metal of your vehicle. More severe scratches can be fixed with the use of rubbing compound, car polish, and sandpaper.

It is recommended to seek the help of an expert in mobile auto detailing in order to repair a key scratch. They will have the knowledge, expertise, and specialized equipment necessary to repair the damage efficiently and effectively. They will not only ensure that the scratches are repaired correctly, but also apply clear protective coatings on the damaged areas.

Ask for references before hiring a professional for car detailing. You can also do some online research to find out what other customers have said about them. If a professional is hesitant to provide references it's an indicator of danger. Also, you should determine if your insurance company has an approved list of professionals to select from.

Keyed Car Repair

It could be due to reckless driving or even an accidental collision, getting your car keyed could be a terrifying experience. Not only can it damage the appearance of your car and cause rust, but it can also cause and other damage to the surface. In certain instances damage to your vehicle can cause it to be unsafe to drive.

If you have comprehensive insurance the type of damage will be covered but you'll still be responsible for paying the deductible. Photograph any damage before you attempt repairs to make the most from your insurance coverage. Contact your insurance provider and schedule an inspection with an adjuster for claims. The damage will be evaluated and repaired.

Locked in the Trunk

One of the most common problems that car owners have to face is locking their trunk. When closing the car, it's not uncommon to leave the keys in the trunk. This can happen when someone is distracted or is in a hurry. This could occur to anyone and is a stressful situation to be in.

It's important to be calm and think about what you can do without damaging your vehicle to fix the problem. If you're uncomfortable trying to unlock the trunk on your own, contact a professional. They can help you determine whether the trunk lock is broken or is simply worn out from regular use.

Getting locked in the trunk is a terrifying experience for those. Some people are locked in their trunks by accident or are forced into it by criminals as part of an armed theft. This is why having a spare key in the home or with a trusted friend is a good idea.

If you have an extra car key, use it to open the trunk before calling for professional help. Keep an extra car key in your pocket or in a bag that is easily accessible when you are locked in the trunk.

Certain cars of the present have an option to release the trunk that can be pressed from the cabin to open the trunk even without keys. This is a great feature however only if you can reach it while the car is not in motion.

You may also be able to open the trunk of your vehicle folding the rear seats. The latch is usually found in the middle console, or underneath the carpet. If you can open the trunk of your car in this manner, you'll be able to take your keys and get out of the trunk without causing any damage to your vehicle.

If you have no spare key and don't want to break into your car, try using a wire hanger. Bend the hanger and twist the other end to form tiny hook. Then, put the hook between the backseat and trunk of your vehicle. 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 have repeat this process several times to be able to open your trunk.

Ignition Locked In

A key could become locked in the ignition due to a variety of reasons, such as problems with the ignition cylinder, Key Car Repair its teeth and pins, or the ignition switch. The issue may not be as severe as you think. You can often solve it yourself without the help of a professional auto repair service or locksmith.

Before you panic, make sure that your vehicle is set in neutral or park (many modern vehicles with automatics won't allow you to take the keys off when they're not in a parking position). You can also try to move your gear shift from one side to the next. This will loosen the springs and pins within the cylinder, making it easier to remove your key.

The ignition could become blocked and even gunky over time especially if it's not used often. Try spraying a silicon lock-lubricant into the door lock and ignition in the event of this happening. This will allow you to remove any dirt particles that are blocking the keyhole and can help stop future problems from occurring.

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 may be preventing the ignition key from turning. It could also let you to insert and turn the key again. If you don't see any results, there is an opportunity 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'll need to replace your key as soon as is possible to avoid this issue in the future.

It is also important to note that if you are unable to remove your key or if it falls off from the ignition, you must contact an emergency locksmith immediately. They have the tools necessary to extract a broken car key. They can also produce keys for replacement on-site. They can also tell 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 submit a claim for an important car repair is based on several factors. It will first depend on the type of insurance the car owner has. If the car is covered by comprehensive insurance that covers damage caused by events beyond the driver's reach, then it will likely be covered. It will also depend on the amount you pay for the deductible and also the repair cost.

The car owner will need to contact their insurance company and request that the claims department look at the damage to ensure it will be covered. The car owner must take photos and get an insurance claim form.

When the insurance company inspects the vehicle, it will likely make repairs. In certain cases, the insurance company may forward the repair bill directly to the mechanic, however in other cases, the owner will have to pay for the damages out of pocket and make a claim with the insurance company.

If the car was locked while parked in a public place it is likely that there are witnesses or video footage of the vandalism. If this is true, it will be a lot easier to find and punish the culprit.

If the key was just scratched and did not get all the way through the primer or even the metal, then the car owner may be able to recover cost of the repair in small claims court. A claim for keying does not impact insurance rates as much compared to a large accident claim, but it still has an impact.