Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice during the past year, a local began looking up on the internet. He found that thieves could copy the signal of key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less when they are working in pairs.
What happens if I lose my keys?
Losing your keys is among of the most stressful things you can do. It can be difficult to find them, and it can also put your home or office in danger. Whether you accidentally drop them into the sink or drop them on a subway train, it's important to be aware of what you should do in the event of an accident to ensure your property isn't in the dangerous hands of.
If you lose your keys the first thing to do is call your insurance company and the police. Many people are surprised that their insurance will cover the cost of a lockout in the event that their keys are stolen or lost. It is important to take action as soon as possible because someone else could use your keys to gain entry to your car or home If you don't take care.
After calling the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to get in touch with a locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly and efficiently, without damaging your property. This will save you money and time if you are in need of help in. The locksmith will have to make use of their tools to open the locks and leave an impression on the internal components. The impression will be sent to another shop where a duplicate key will be made. This process is usually quick 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 contact your dealer or an automotive locksmith to get it changed. You need proof of ownership to replace the car keys. In this instance you may need to have your license and your vehicle identification number on hand.
If you have a spare key, offer it to a family member to allow you to enter if you lose yours. You can also have your locksmith cut you a new set of keys and keep them secure, like the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the near future and keep them safe from thieves who tend to look for keys in obvious places, like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is stolen without keys, it is important to act fast. Notify the police as soon as you can, and request the police report to keep. Notify your department of motor vehicles if you haven’t already done so. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it more difficult for anyone else to register your vehicle as their own.
Install a tracker in your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple send signals to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you view the location of your car in real-time via your phone's app. You might also want to consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to consider is getting a new set of keys. Depending on the make of your car, you may have to have the chips or barrels re-keyed. This will block previous owners accessing the vehicle. This can be costly, and could require you to get a second set of keys to be used as backup. It is also advisable to check your car insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which typically covers more than just collision and liability.
The best method to avoid this type of situation is to be vigilant about not storing valuables in your vehicle, and to keep the spare key from your home. You can also deter thieves by engraving the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. Finally, if you live in an area that has a high rate of crime, it's worth asking businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to see if they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on camera. If you find your vehicle that was stolen then you should contact your local locksmith to find out how to lock your car and to store spare keys.
How do you report a car that has been stolen?
When you realize your car was stolen the first thing you need to do is call the police department in your area to inform them of the theft. You'll be taught the forms and procedures you have to follow, depending on the local laws. They'll also provide you with an incident number you can pass on to your insurance company to submit a claim.
When you call the police, be sure to have all the information about your vehicle on hand including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the car and any receipts for click here upgrades or service. You may also have to prove that you are the registered owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright, or an auto insurance card. Many companies will allow you to access the details of your policy online in the event that you don't have them in your possession.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported your car stolen, as it will increase the chances of it being found. Additionally making the report immediately permits the police to gather any evidence they can (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Another benefit of reporting the theft right away is that it helps prevent the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registration of your vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and provide proof of your identity and residence.
If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should be able to cover the damages minus the deductible. This is why it's important to inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
You must also inform the lender if you have purchased or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an investment in the vehicle. This is why they must be notified about any losses. Failure to do so can result in legal action or financial penalties.
How do I get my car back?
If a car is taken without a key, the most important thing is to report it to police as soon as you can. This will enable them to track down the vehicle, and identify the perpetrators. Your vehicle's information being on the national and state databases will also make it more difficult for the thieves to sell it.
Once you've filed a police report, it's also a good idea to let your insurance company also know. If you have a comprehensive policy, they'll be able to open an insurance claim on behalf of you to receive compensation for the loss of your vehicle or cover any damages that might have occurred when it was in a criminal's possession.
You should also inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance provider and get the appropriate details if necessary including whether they'll be able to cancel any car payments or take steps to repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you own a smart key or a newer model with an electronic key fob, then the best option is to visit the dealership that sells the specific model of your car and have it replaced electronically. It will cost you around a few hundred dollars however it is cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks for an ordinary turn-key.
For older models that have keys that are standard you'll have to visit an automotive locksmith and have both the keys and the barrels (the part that is inserted into the lock) changed. This can be quite expensive however it will guarantee that anyone who gets your old keys won't be capable of using them to steal your car.
It's also a good idea to keep the inside of your car clean and free of any valuable objects that could be a target for thieves. If you own a sat navigator or mobile phone in your car, consider placing them in the boot or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables into the glove compartment as it is more difficult for thieves to gain access.