Mobile Locksmith Disaster with My Car
I misplaced my key fob while at work and decided to call a mobile locksmith for help. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse. Not only did they erase my spare key, but now even the dealership is unable to program a new one. They attempted to replace a faulty part that was causing error codes, but that solution didn’t work either. The dealership is stumped and can’t figure out what the issue is. Unless they have a sudden breakthrough, my car is completely inoperable—it won’t start at all.
Given that my car is valued at around $22,000, I think my best option is to file a claim with my car insurance. I do have comprehensive coverage since I still owe money on the vehicle. Is there a chance my rates will increase because of this? Also, will I be able to get reimbursement from the locksmith’s insurance for the cost of my Ubers? Since the car is already at the dealership and they can confirm that it’s entirely non-functional, how long should I expect it to take before I receive payment from my insurance?
I’m really sorry to hear about the trouble you’re facing with your car. It sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with such a situation. Here are some things you might consider:
Insurance Claim: Since you have comprehensive coverage, you should definitely contact your insurance company to discuss filing a claim. They’ll guide you on how to proceed and what information they need. As for whether your rates will increase, it can depend on your insurer’s policies and your claims history. Sometimes, first-time claims don’t impact your rates significantly, but it’s best to clarify that with your agent.
Reimbursement for Ubers: Regarding reimbursement for Ubers or other transportation costs, some insurance policies may cover these expenses if your car is unusable due to a covered claim. Check your policy details or ask your insurance company if this type of compensation is available.
Timeframe for Payment: The timeframe for receiving payment after filing a claim can vary. Typically, the insurance company will carry out an assessment first, which could take a few days to a couple of weeks. Once they finalize and approve your claim, payments can usually be processed fairly quickly, but it will ultimately depend on their procedures.
Locksmith’s Insurance: Make sure to keep records and any documentation you have regarding the locksmith’s actions. If you decide to pursue a claim against their insurance, you might need to provide that information as proof of liability for the damages that occurred.
In the meantime, keep detailed records of all your communications with the insurance company, the dealership, and the locksmith. Best of luck, and I hope you’re able to get your situation resolved soon!