Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident was able to have his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice last year, he started researching the crime online. He found a method for thieves to copy the key fob's signal to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks employ a relay amplifier to capture the signal. They operate in pairs and are able to steal a car in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if you lose your keys?
Losing your keys is among of the most annoying things you can do. It can make it difficult to move around and could also put the safety of your office or home at risk. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your belongings into the sink, or if you lose them in a subway car. You need to be aware of the best ways to take care of them so that they don't end up in the wrong hands.
The first thing to do when you lose your keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are amazed that their insurance will cover the cost of a lockout in the event that keys are stolen or lost. This should be taken care of as soon as you can because someone else could use your keys to gain access to your home or car If you don't take care.
After calling the police and your insurance company, the next step is to call a locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly and efficiently without causing damage to your property. This could save you a lot of time and money, especially when you're in a hurry. The locksmith may have to make use of his tools to open the lock and take an impression of the internal components. This impression is then taken to another shop where a new key will be made. This process is usually simple and shouldn't cost more than $30 if you own more than one lock.
You might need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to re-program a smart key. This is because you need to show proof of the ownership of the vehicle in order to replace the key. In this situation, you may need to have your license and vehicle identification number along with you.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a friend or family member so that they will allow you access if they lose yours. You can also request that your local locksmith cut you new keys that you can keep in a secure location, 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 inside the mailbox.
What do you have to do?
If your vehicle is stolen without keys, it is important to act quickly. Notify the police immediately and get a copy of their report to keep for your records. Also, if you haven't already 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 their own.
If you are able, install a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, similar to AirTags manufactured by Apple transmit a signal to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (like your car). This lets you view the location of your car in real-time via your phone's app. You might also consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to consider is purchasing new keys. Based on the model of your car you might need to have the chips or barrels re-keyed. This will block previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive and you may need to purchase a backup set of keys. Check your auto insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid an event like this is to ensure that you do not leave valuables in your car and to keep your spare key far away from your house. You can also deter thieves by engraving the last seven digits of your number on your windows, headlights, and mirrors. In addition, if you live in an area with high crime rates it is worth contacting businesses located near the spot where your car was stolen to determine whether they have security cameras that could have caught the theft on camera. If you locate the vehicle you lost then you should contact your local locksmith to determine how to lock your car and to store spare keys.
How do you report a stolen car?
The first thing to do when you realize that your vehicle was taken is to call the local police station and report it. You'll be taught the forms and procedures you need to follow, depending on the local laws. You'll be given an incident number, which you can provide to your insurance company when you want to make an insurance claim.
When you call the police, make sure you have all the information about your vehicle on hand including the VIN, license plate, description of the vehicle, and any receipts for upgrades or service. You may also have to prove that you are the registered owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright or insurance card. Many insurance companies will let you view the policy's details online even if you don't have these documents available.
It is essential to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chance of it being found. Additionally making the report immediately allows the police to collect any evidence they can (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft right away is that it prevents the thief from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state, and provide proof of your address and identity.
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 website is the reason it's so important to inform your insurance company as soon 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 investment in the vehicle. This is why they should be informed of any losses. In the event of not being notified, it could result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do you return your car?
The police should be notified immediately when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will assist them in tracking down the vehicle and identify the culprits. The information about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it harder for thieves to sell the vehicle.
After you've filed a police report, it's an excellent idea to notify your insurance provider also know. If you have comprehensive insurance they'll be able open a claim on your behalf to be compensated for the loss of the vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred while it was in the theft victim's possession.
It is also necessary to inform your lender or leasing company 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 stop any payments or repossess the vehicle in case it's not returned.
If you own a smart key or a newer model that has an electronic key fob, the best option is to go to the dealership for your particular make of car and have it replaced electronically. It is going to cost you a couple of hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than replacing the locks and ignition for the standard turn-key.
For older models that use the standard key you'll have to visit an automotive locksmith to have both the keys and the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. This can be quite expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who gets keys that are old 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 have 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 compartment as it will be easier for thieves to gain access.