Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice last year, he started investigating the incident on the internet. He found that thieves could duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to record the signal. They operate in pairs and can steal cars in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if i lose my keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you can do. It can be difficult to get around and can put your office or home in danger. It doesn't matter if accidentally drop your items down the sink, or if you lose them in a subway vehicle. You need to know what to take care of them to ensure they don't end up in the wrong hands.
The first step to take if you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they are lost or stolen. It's crucial to make this happen in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, someone else may use your keys to gain entry to your car or home.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after making contact with your insurance company and the police. A professional locksmith can unlock your lock quickly, effortlessly and without causing damage to your property. This will save you a lot of time and money, especially if you're in a rush. The locksmith may need to use his tools to open the lock and take impressions of the internal components. This impression is then taken to a different shop where a duplicate key will be made. This process is usually simple and won't cost you much more than $30 if you own more than one lock.
If you have a smart key, you may need to call your dealer or an automotive locksmith to have it reset. This is because you will need to have proof of ownership of the car in order to replace the key. In this situation, you may require a license and the number of your vehicle identification along with you.
Give your spare key to a family member or friend to allow you in should you lose it. You can also have your locksmith cut you new keys which you can keep in a safe place such as the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future, and protect them from thieves who tend to search for keys in obvious places, like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is taken without a key, it's important to act quickly. Contact the police as soon as you can, and request a copy of the police report for your records. Also, if you haven't yet inform your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it harder for anyone else to register your vehicle as their own.
Install a tracking device in your vehicle if you can. These devices, similar to AirTags manufactured by Apple transmit signals to your iPhone when they're close to an Apple product (like your car). You can see the position of your car in real-time via the app on your smartphone. You might also want to look into tracking systems that are less expensive from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is a different option to think about. Depending on the brand of your vehicle, you may have to get the chips or barrels re-keyed. This will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive, and could require you to purchase a second set of keys to backup your needs. You should also look over your car insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which typically includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid a situation like this is to ensure that you are not leaving valuables in your vehicle and keep the spare key out of your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits of your number on your windows, headlights, and mirrors. Finally, if you live in an area that has a high rate of crime it is worth contacting businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to find out whether they have security cameras that may have captured the theft on camera. If you locate your vehicle that was stolen, you should consult your local locksmith to find out how to lock your car and keep spare keys.
How do you report a car that has been stolen?
The first thing you need to do when you discover that your car was taken is to call the local police station and report it. You'll learn about the forms and procedures you have to follow, based on the local laws. You'll receive an incident number which you can present to your insurance company for an insurance claim.
Keep all of your vehicle's information available when you contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate as well as a description of the vehicle, and any receipts for service or upgrades. You might be asked to provide your copyright or insurance card to prove that you are the registered owner. If you don't have these handy businesses, many allow you to access your policy information online and provide this information for you.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, as it will increase the chances of it being found. Reporting it immediately allows police to gather potential evidence (such a security footage or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft immediately is that it prevents the thief from fraudulently transferring ownership or registration of your vehicle in their name. You can contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing evidence of your identity and where you live.
If your vehicle is stolen and it's damaged during the process of recovery, the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should cover the damages - minus the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft as well. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why 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 vehicle is stolen without a key the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as it is possible. This will help them locate the vehicle and also catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on state and national databases will also make it more difficult for the thieves to sell it.
It's a good idea, after you've filed the police report, to let your insurance company know. If you have comprehensive insurance, they can open a claim for you to cover any damages or website compensation for losses that occurred while the vehicle was in the criminal's possession.
It is also important to inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to connect with your insurance provider and get the appropriate details if necessary including whether they'll be able cancel any payments on the car or take steps to take possession of it if it's not returned.
If you own an electronic key fob, or a smart key that is a more recent model, it's best to take your car to the dealership of the brand you're using and have your key replaced electronically. It will cost a few hundred dollars, but will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks for an ordinary key.
You'll need to take older models with regular keys to an automotive locksmith, and have both the keys and the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. It can be expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who gets your old keys won't be in a position to steal your car.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free of valuable items that thieves might want to target. If you own a sat nav or mobile phone in your car, you should consider keeping them in the boot or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Also, not put any valuables into your glove box because this could be attractive for thieves to take it out.