Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local resident began researching online. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal cars without touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less if they are working in pairs.
What happens if you lose your keys?
Losing your keys is among of the most stressful things you can do. It can be a challenge to find them and could put your office or home in danger. If you accidentally drop them into the sink or slip them on a subway train, it's essential to be aware of what to do if this happens to ensure that your property isn't in the dangerous hands of.
The first thing to do if you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are amazed that their insurance will cover the cost of a lockout should their keys are stolen or lost. It's essential to have this done as soon as possible because if you don't, somebody else could be using your keys to gain access to your home or vehicle.
After contacting the police and your insurance company The next step is to contact locksmith. A locksmith who is experienced will be able to open your lock quickly and efficiently without causing any damage to your property. This can help you save time and money, especially when you're in a hurry. The locksmith must make use of their tools to open the locks and then make an impression on the internal components. The lock is then transferred to a different shop where a duplicate can be made. This is a quick process that will cost you less than $30 for a set of locks.
If you own a smart key, you may have to contact your dealer or an automotive locksmith to have it reset. This is because you will need to show proof of the ownership of the vehicle for the replacement of the key. In this case you might need to have your license and vehicle identification number with you.
Give your spare key to someone in your family or a friend to let you in if you lose it. You can also have your locksmith cut you new keys which you can store in a safe place such as your garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future and protect them from thieves who tend to search for keys in obvious spots, like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do?
It's important to take action quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have keys. Contact the police as soon as possible, and get an official copy of the police report to keep. Inform your local department of motor vehicles if you haven't done so already done so. They'll add your vehicle to the database of stolen vehicles, making it more difficult for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.
If you can, have a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags from Apple send a signal to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). You can view the position of your car in real-time using your smartphone's app. There are cheaper tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth considering.
Another thing to think about is getting new keys. Based on the model of your vehicle, you may have to have the barrels or chips replaced with keys. This will prevent previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be costly and may require you to buy a second set keys to backup your needs. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically covers more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid an incident like this is to make sure you don't leave valuables in your car, and to keep your spare key away from your home. Also, etching the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your headlights, windows, and mirrors can deter thieves from attempting to alter the identity of your vehicle. If you live in a high-crime location, ask nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that could read more have captured the theft. If you recover the vehicle you lost then you should contact your local locksmith to learn how to secure your vehicle and to store spare keys.
How do you report a car that was taken?
The first thing to do when you find that your car was taken is to contact the local police station and report it. They'll be able tell you what forms you'll need to fill out and the procedures you'll need to follow, based on the laws that apply to your area. You'll receive an incident number, which you can provide to your insurance company in order to file claims.
If you contact the police, be sure to have all your vehicle's information available including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the car, and any receipts from service or upgrades. You might be asked to present your copyright or auto insurance card as proof that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. If you don't have these documents, many companies allow you to access your policy details online and can provide this information for you.
You should ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, because it increases the chances of it being found. Additionally, reporting it right away allows the police to collect any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft right away is that it stops the thief from fraudulently transferring ownership or registration of your vehicle in their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state, and provide proof of your residence and identity.
If your car is recovered and damaged, the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should be able to cover the damages minus the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
If you have leased or financed your vehicle, be sure to inform the lender of the theft too. They are considered lienholders and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they need to be notified about any losses. Legal action or financial penalties may be taken in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do you get your car back?
The police should be notified as soon as possible if a car has been stolen without a working key. This will help them track down the vehicle, and also catch the culprits. The information about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it more difficult for thieves to sell the vehicle.
If you've filed a report, it's recommended to inform your insurance company be aware of the incident as well. If you have insurance that is comprehensive you can have them open an insurance claim to pay for any damages, or compensation for losses that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
It is also necessary to inform your lender or leasing company that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to connect with your insurance company and determine the correct information if needed including whether they'll be able to revoke any payments on the car or take steps to repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or a smart key that is a more recent model, you should take your vehicle to the dealer of the particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It could cost a few hundred dollars, but will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks with a standard key.
You'll have to take older models that have standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and have both the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. This can be quite expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who receives keys that are old won't be in a position to steal your car.
It's important to keep the inside of your car clean and free of any valuable items that could be a target for thieves. If you have a sat navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the trunk or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables in the glove box as it is easier for thieves to open.