Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice in the past year, he began investigating the incident on the internet. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to record the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they are working in pairs.
What happens if you lose your keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most stressful things you could do. It can be a challenge to find them and could put your home or office in danger. Whether you accidentally drop them in the sink or slip them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what you should do in the event of this happening so that your property isn't in the wrong hands.
The first thing to do when you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised to find that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith in the event that they're lost or stolen. It's important to make this happen as soon as possible because if you don't, someone else may use your keys to gain entry to your house or car.
After contacting the police and your insurance company the next step is to call locksmith. A locksmith professional can unlock your lock quickly, effortlessly and without damaging your property. This will save you a lot of time and money, particularly 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 another shop where a new key will be made. This is a simple process that will cost you less than $30 for several locks.
If you have a smart key, you may have to call your dealer or an automotive locksmith to get it reset. You'll need proof of ownership to replace the car keys. You may need your license and vehicle identification numbers in this instance.
If you have a spare key, offer it to a family or friend member so that they can allow you access if they lose yours. You can also have your local locksmith cut you new keys that can be stored in a safe place such as your 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 locations, like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your vehicle is stolen without the key, it's crucial to act quickly. Contact the police immediately and request the report to keep for your records. Also, if you haven't already notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it more difficult for anyone to claim your vehicle as theirs.
If you are able, install an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple, send an alert to your iPhone whenever they're close to an Apple product (such as your car). You can see the position of your car in real-time via the app on your smartphone. There are cheaper tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth a look.
Another thing to consider is purchasing a new set of keys. Depending on your car make you may have to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed. This will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive, and may require that you buy a second set keys for backup purposes. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually will cover more than collisions and liability.
The get more info best way to avoid an event like this is to make sure you don't leave valuables in your car and to keep your spare keys away from your home. You can also deter thieves by writing the last seven digits on your windows, headlights, and mirrors. If you live in a crime-prone location, ask nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that might have caught the theft. If you're able recover your stolen car then you should call your local locksmith to get advice on the best way to store your spare keys and lock up your vehicle.
How do you report a car that was stolen?
If you find that your car was stolen first step is contact your local police department to report it. You'll learn about the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, depending on the local laws. They'll also provide an incident number that you can pass on to your insurance company to make a claim.
When you call the police, have all the information about your vehicle on hand including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the vehicle, and any receipts for upgrades or service. You might be asked to provide your copyright or auto insurance card as proof that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many insurance companies will let you look up the policy's details online even if you don't have these documents in your possession.
You should ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, because it increases the chances of it being reclaimed. Also making the report immediately allows the police to collect any evidence they can (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Reporting the theft immediately will also prevent the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registering it under their name. You can do this by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing documents proving your identity and residency.
If your car is recovered and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto policy should cover the damages minus the deductible. This is why it's crucial to inform your insurance company as quickly as possible.
If you have 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 notified about any losses. Legal penalties or financial penalties can be imposed if you fail to notify them.
How do you return your car?
Police should be informed immediately when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will assist them in tracking down the vehicle and catch the perpetrators. The information you provide about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it harder for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.
Once you've filed a police report, it's also recommended to inform your insurance company be aware of the incident as well. 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 pay for any damages that might have occurred when it was in the criminal's possession.
It is also necessary to inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company and work out the appropriate details if necessary, including whether or not they'll be able to revoke any of the payments due on the vehicle or even take possession of it if it's not returned.
If you own a smart key or a model that has an electronic key fob, the best option is to visit the dealership that sells the model you have and have it replaced electronically. It could cost a few hundred dollars, but is less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for a standard key.
You'll have to take older models that have regular keys to an automotive locksmith, and get both the keys and the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. It's expensive however, you can be sure that anyone who comes across your old keys will not be able to use them to rob your vehicle.
It's also a good idea to keep the interior of your car clean and free of valuable items that might be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite navigator or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in the boot or in a hidden compartment beneath the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it is easier for thieves to gain access.