Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice last year, he began investigating the incident on the internet. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal cars without touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they are working in pairs.
What happens if I misplace my keys?
It is frustrating to lose your keys. It can be difficult to get around and can put your office or home in danger. Whether you accidentally drop them into the sink or drop them on a subway train, it's crucial to know what to do in the event of an accident so that your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
The first step to take in the event that you lose your keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised to discover that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith in the event that they are stolen or lost. It is important to take action as soon as you can as someone else could have your keys to gain entry to your home or car in the event that you don't do it.
After calling the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your lock quickly and easily without causing damage to your property. This will save your time and money when you are in need of help in. The locksmith may need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and take impressions of the internal components. The lock will then be taken to a second shop, where a duplicate will be made. This is a quick procedure that will cost less than $30 for a set of locks.
If you have a Smart key, you may need to contact your dealer or an automotive locksmith to have it reset. This is because you will need to show proof of ownership of the vehicle to be able to replace the key. You might need your copyright and vehicle identification numbers in this instance.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend to let you in If you lose it. You can also have your locksmith cut you some fresh keys and keep them in a place that is safe, such as in the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves, who are more likely than not to search for keys in a planter, under an empty mailbox, or in a mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is stolen without keys, it is important to act fast. Inform the police as quickly as you can, and request a copy of the police report to keep. 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 difficult for anyone else to register your vehicle as theirs.
If you are able, install a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags made by Apple send signals to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (like your car). This lets you view the location of your vehicle 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.
A new set of keys is an additional option to think about. Depending on your car make you may have to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed to stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly and may require you to purchase a second set of keys to be used as backup. It is also advisable to check your car insurance policy to see whether you have comprehensive coverage, which usually covers more than just collision and liability.
The best way to avoid a situation such as this is to make sure you don't leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare keys away from your house. Also engraving the last seven digits of your VIN on your headlights, windows and mirrors can deter thieves from attempting to change the identity website of your car. Finally, if you live in an area that has a high rate of crime It is worth asking businesses near where your car was stolen to find out if they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on camera. If you find the vehicle you lost then you should contact your local locksmith to determine how to secure your vehicle and keep spare keys.
How do you report an automobile that was taken?
If you find that your car has been stolen first thing you need to do is call your local police department to report it. You'll be taught the forms and procedures you have to follow, depending on local laws. You'll be given an incident number that you can present to your insurance company in order to file claims.
Make sure you have all your vehicle information on hand when you contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate number, a description of the vehicle and any receipts from service or upgrades. You might be asked to provide your driver's licence or auto insurance card to prove you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many insurance companies will let you look up the details of your policy online if you don't have them handy.
It is essential to report your car as stolen. This increases the chance of it being found. Additionally, reporting it right away permits the police to gather any evidence they can (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft right away is that it stops the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registration of your vehicle in their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state, and provide proof of your identity and residence.
If your vehicle is stolen and damaged in the process of recovering, the comprehensive portion of your insurance should cover the damages and the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to report the theft to your insurance company as soon as possible.
You should also notify the lender if you've purchased or leased your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they need to 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?
The police should be notified immediately if a car has been taken without a functioning key. This will help them locate the vehicle and identify the perpetrators. The information about your car in national and state databases makes it more difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle.
It's a good idea, after you've filed your police report, to also notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive insurance they'll be able file a claim on your behalf to get compensated for the loss of your vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred when it was in a thief's possession.
It is also necessary to inform your leasing or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company to find out the details including whether they are able to cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle in case it's not returned.
If you own a smart key or a model with an electronic key fob, then your best bet is to go to the auto dealership for the specific model of your car and have it replaced electronically. It could cost a few hundred dollars, but will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks with the standard key.
For older models that have keys that are standard you'll need to visit an auto locksmith and get both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It can be expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who gets the keys you have had previously will not be capable of using them to steal your car.
It's important to keep the inside of your car clean and free of any valuable items that might be a target for thieves. If you own a sat navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about keeping them in the trunk or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. You should also avoid putting valuables in your glove box because this could be tempting for thieves to open.