Mobile Locksmith Mishap with My Car
I lost my key fob while working and called a mobile locksmith for help. Unfortunately, they not only deleted my spare key, but now even the dealership is unable to program a new one. They replaced the malfunctioning part that was generating error codes, but that didn’t resolve the issue. The dealership is puzzled as to why it’s not working. Unless they have a sudden breakthrough, my car is now completely unusable—it won’t even start.
My car is worth around $22,000, so I’m thinking it might be best to file a claim with my car insurance. I do have comprehensive coverage since I still owe some money on the vehicle. However, I’m concerned—will this affect my insurance rates? Also, is there a chance I can get reimbursed for my Uber expenses through the locksmith’s insurance? Given that my car is already at the dealership and they can confirm it’s non-operational, how long can I expect the insurance process to take before I receive any payout?
I’m really sorry to hear about the trouble you’re having with your car. It sounds incredibly frustrating. Here are some steps you can take:
Contact Your Insurance: Since you have comprehensive coverage, you should definitely report the incident to your insurance company. They can guide you on the claims process and whether it will affect your rates. Generally, filing a claim could impact your premiums, but it often depends on your insurance provider and your history with them.
Document Everything: Make sure to keep thorough documentation of your interactions with the locksmith, the dealership, and any costs incurred (like Ubers). This will be helpful for your insurance claim.
Reimbursed by the Locksmith’s Insurance: As for reimbursement for Uber rides, you should ask your insurance agent if the locksmith’s insurance can cover those costs. Many locksmiths carry liability insurance for situations like this, but you’ll need to show proof of damages and related expenses.
Timeline for Insurance Payment: The time it takes to get paid can vary. After you file your claim, your insurance company will typically send an adjuster to assess the situation. If everything is in order, you may receive payment within a few weeks, but it can take longer depending on the complexity of your claim.
Communication with the Dealership: Since your car is at the dealership, maintain communication with them. They may have insights on whether they can fix the issue that the locksmith caused or if they can provide any documentation to support your claim.
Consider Legal Action: If the locksmith’s actions are to blame for the complete failure of your vehicle, and they refuse to take responsibility, it might be worth consulting with a legal professional about your options.
Make sure to stay proactive in all your communications, and hopefully, you’ll get this resolved soon!