Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice in the past year, he began researching the crime online. He found that thieves could copy the signal of key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to record the signal. They work in pairs and are able to steal the car in as short as 60 seconds.
What happens if your keys?
It is frustrating to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to find them, and it can also put your office or home in danger. If you accidentally drop them down the sink or lose them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what you should do in the event of an accident so that your property doesn't fall into the dangerous hands of.
If you lose your keys, the first thing you need to do is call your insurance company and the police. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith in the event that they are stolen or lost. This should be done as soon as possible since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain access to your home or car if it's not done.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after contacting your insurance agent and the police. A locksmith professional can unlock your lock quickly, efficiently and without damaging your property. This could help you save time and money, especially when you're in a hurry. The locksmith may need to use his tools to open the lock and make an impression of the internal components. This will be taken to another shop where a new key will be made. The process is usually fast and won't cost you more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
If you own a smart key, you might need to contact your dealer or an automotive locksmith to get it reset. You'll need proof of ownership to get a replacement for the car key. In this instance you may require your license and your vehicle identification number along with you.
Give your spare key to a family member or friend so they can let you into the house if you lose it. You can also ask your local locksmith to cut you some fresh keys and store them somewhere safe, such as in the office or garage. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future and protect them from thieves who are more likely to search for keys in obvious spots such as under a planter or in the mailbox.
What do you have to do?
If your car is stolen without keys, it is important to act quickly. Contact the police as soon as possible, and get the police report for your records. If you haven't already notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). 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 an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags manufactured by Apple, transmit an alert 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 your phone's app. There are also more affordable tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth considering.
Another thing to think about is purchasing new keys. Depending on the make of your car, you may have to have the chips or barrels replaced with keys. This will stop previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be costly and you may have to buy a second set of keys. Check your auto insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage usually will cover more than collisions and liability.
The best way to avoid this type of situation is to be diligent in not leaving valuables in your vehicle, and to keep the spare key from your home. Also, etching the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your headlights, windows, and mirrors can deter thieves from trying to alter the identity of your car. If you live in an area with a high rate of crime location, ask nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that may have captured the theft. If you recover the vehicle you lost it is recommended that you consult your local locksmith to determine how to lock your car and store spare keys.
How do you report a car that was taken?
The first thing to do when you find that your vehicle was taken is to call the local police station and make a report. They'll inform you which forms you'll have to fill out and processes check here you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your region. You'll be given an incident number, which you can present to your insurance company in order to file claims.
If you contact the police, have all your vehicle information ready, including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also have to prove that you're the owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright or insurance card. Many companies will allow you to look up the details of your policy online if you don't have them in your possession.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported your car stolen, as it will increase the chances of it being reclaimed. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather potential evidence (such security video or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft immediately is that it prevents the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and provide proof of your residence and identity.
If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should cover the damages, less the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
If you leased or financed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft too. 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 I return my car?
Police should be informed as soon as possible when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will allow them to track down the vehicle and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on the national and state databases will also make it much harder for thieves to steal it.
It's a good idea once you've filed the police report, to inform your insurance company. If you have insurance that is comprehensive you can have them open a claim for you to pay for any damages, or compensation for losses that occurred while the vehicle was in the criminal's possession.
It is also necessary to inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to connect with your insurance company and work out the appropriate details if necessary and include whether or not they'll be able to cancel any car payments or even repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or a smart key that is a more recent model, it's best to take your vehicle to the dealer of the brand you're using and have your key replaced electronically. It could cost a couple hundred dollars, but it will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for the standard key.
For older models that use a standard key, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith and get both the keys and barrels (the part that is inserted into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however you'll be certain that anyone who finds the keys that were previously used will not be able use them to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free of valuable items that thieves might take advantage of. If you own a sat nav or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in the boot or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables in the glove box since it is more difficult for thieves to open.