Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident was able to have his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just twice, but three times last year, he started investigating the incident on the internet. He found a method for thieves to replicate the signal from key fobs to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They operate in pairs and are able to steal a car in as little as 60 minutes.
What happens if you lose your keys?
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can make it difficult to get around and can also put the security of your office or home at risk. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your items down the sink or get them lost in a subway car. You must be aware of the best ways to take care of them so that they don't end up in the wrong hands.
The first thing you should do when you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to find that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they are stolen or lost. It's crucial to get this done as soon as you can because if you don't, someone else could be using your keys to gain access to your house or car.
After calling the police and your insurance agent The next step is to call locksmith. A locksmith professional can unlock your lock quickly, easily and without causing damage to your property. This can save you lots of time and money, particularly if you're in a rush. The locksmith may have to make use of his tools to open the lock and make an impression of the internal components. The lock is then taken to a second shop, where a duplicate will be made. This process is usually quick and will not cost you more than $30 if you own more than one lock.
If you have a Smart key, you might need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to have it changed. You need proof of ownership to replace the car keys. In this case you might require a license and the number of your vehicle identification along with you.
If you have a spare key, give it to a family member to allow you access if they lose yours. You can also have your locksmith cut you a new set of keys and keep them in a place that is safe, such as the office or garage. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely to seek keys in obvious spots such as under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do?
If your car is taken without the key, it's crucial to act quickly. Notify the police immediately and obtain a copy of their report to record the incident. If you haven't done so already inform your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll add your vehicle to the database of stolen cars which makes it harder for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
If you're able, put a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags made by Apple, transmit an alert to your iPhone when they're close to an Apple product (like your car). This lets you see the location of your car in real time via the app on your phone. There are also more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that might be worth a look.
Another option is purchasing a new set of keys. Based on the make of your car it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed. This will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be expensive and you may need to purchase a backup set of keys. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually will cover more than collisions and liability.
The best method to avoid a situation like this is to be vigilant about not storing valuables in your vehicle, and to keep the spare key away from your home. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN on your windows, headlights and mirrors can stop thieves from trying to alter the identity of your car. If you live in a high-crime location, ask nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that might have caught the theft. If you locate your stolen vehicle it is recommended that you consult your local locksmith to learn how to secure your vehicle and store spare keys.
How do you report a stolen car?
If you discover that your vehicle is missing first step is call check here your local police department to inform them of the theft. They'll be able tell you what forms you'll need to fill out and processes you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your region. They'll also provide you with an incident number that you can pass to your insurance company in order to submit a claim.
Have all of your vehicle information on hand when you contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate number and a description of your vehicle and any receipts from service or upgrades. You may also be required to prove that you're the registered owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright or insurance card. Many companies will permit you to view the policy's details online even if you don't have these documents handy.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, since it increases the chances of it being found. Additionally notifying it immediately allows the police to collect any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Another benefit of reporting the theft immediately is that it stops the thief from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle in their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting proof of your identity and residency.
If your car is discovered and it's damaged during the recovery process, the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should cover the damages and the deductible. It's vital to notify your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
It is also important to notify the lender if you've financed or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have an interest in the financial condition of the vehicle, which is the reason they should be informed of any losses. In the event of not being notified, it could result in legal action or financial penalties.
How do you get your car back?
If a car is taken without keys the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as you can. This will allow them to find the vehicle and also catch the culprits. Your vehicle's information being on the national and state databases will also make it more difficult for the thieves to sell it.
If you've filed a report, it's also recommended to inform your insurance company know as well. If you have insurance that is comprehensive, they can open an insurance claim to pay for any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred while the vehicle was in the criminal's possession.
Additionally, you should not forget to inform your lender or lease company be aware that the vehicle has been stolen. This will enable them to connect with your insurance provider and get the correct information if needed and include whether or not they'll be able to cancel any payments on the car or even take it back if it's not returned.
If you have a smart key or a newer model with an electronic key fob then your best bet is to go to the dealership that sells the specific model of your car and request that it be replaced electronically. It could cost a few hundred dollars but will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks with an ordinary key.
For older models that use keys that are standard, you'll need to visit an automotive locksmith and have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It can be expensive, but you'll be sure that anyone who discovers your old keys will not be able use them to steal the vehicle.
It's also a good idea to keep the interior of your vehicle clean and free of valuable items that could be a target for thieves. If you have a sat navigation system or mobile phone in your car, you should consider keeping them in your trunk or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables into the glove compartment as it is easier for thieves to get access to it.