Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local resident began researching on the internet. He found that thieves could duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks utilize a relay amplifier to capture the signal. They operate in pairs and can rob cars in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if you misplace your keys?
It's a pain to lose your keys. It can make it difficult to get around, and could also put the security of your home or office at risk. If you accidentally drop them down the sink or slip them on the subway train, it's crucial to be aware of what to do in the event of an accident to ensure that your property isn't in the dangerous hands of.
The first thing you should do when you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are amazed that their insurance company will cover the cost of a lockout should their keys are stolen or lost. It's important to have this done as soon as possible because if you don't, someone else may be using your keys to gain entry to your house or car.
After contacting the police and your insurance company The next step is to contact locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your lock quickly and easily without causing any damage to your property. This will save you money and time if you're in the midst of a rush. The locksmith must make use of their tools to open the locks and then make impressions on the internal components. This impression is then taken to another shop where a duplicate key will be made. The process is usually fast and shouldn't cost more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
If you own a smart key, you may need to contact your dealer or an automotive locksmith to have it reset. This is because you'll need to have proof of the ownership of the vehicle for the replacement of the key. In this instance, you may need to have your license and the number of your vehicle identification on hand.
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 a local locksmith cut you new keys which you can keep in a secure location such as your garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future and keep them safer from thieves who tend to seek keys in obvious locations such as under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is stolen without a key, it's important to act swiftly. Contact the police as soon as possible, and get an official copy of the police report to keep. Inform your department of motor vehicles if you haven't done so yet. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it harder for anyone else to register your vehicle as theirs.
Install a tracker in your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple, send signals to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). You can track the location of your car in real-time using the app on your smartphone. You might also look into tracking systems that are more affordable from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is a different aspect to consider. Based on the make of your car, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed. This will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive, and could require you to get a second set of keys to backup your needs. You should also check your car insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which usually covers more than just collision and liability.
The best way to prevent 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. You can also deter thieves by engraving the last seven digits of your number on your windows, headlights, and mirrors. If you live in a high-crime location, ask nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that might have captured the theft. If you are able to recover your stolen car, you should contact your local locksmith to get assistance on how to store your spare keys and lock up your vehicle.
How do you report an automobile that has been stolen?
If you find that your car is missing the first thing you need to do is call your local police department to report it. They'll inform you any forms you'll need to fill out and the procedures you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your area. They'll also provide you with an incident number that you can pass to your insurance company to submit a claim.
If you are called by 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 upgrades or service. You may also have to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright or auto insurance card. If you don't have these handy businesses, many allow you to access your policy details online and will provide this information for you.
You should ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, because it increases the chance of it being recovered. Also, reporting it right away permits the police to read more gather any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft right away is that it prevents the criminal from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and provide proof of your address and identity.
If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy should cover the damages minus the deductible. This is why it's crucial to report the theft to your insurance company as soon as you can.
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 financial condition of the vehicle, which is the reason they should be informed of any losses. Legal penalties or financial penalties can be imposed if you fail to notify them.
How do I return my car?
Police should be informed as soon as possible when a vehicle is taken without a functioning key. This will help them track down the vehicle and identify the perpetrators. Your vehicle's information being on the national and state databases will make it harder for thieves to steal it.
It's a good idea, once you've filed the police report, to also let your insurance company know. If you have comprehensive insurance, they can open a claim for you to cover any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
It is also important to inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company to work out the details including whether they are able to make any payments void or take possession of the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you own a smart key or a model with an electronic key fob, then the best option is to visit the dealership for the model you have and have it replaced electronically. This will cost you a couple hundred dollars, but it will be less expensive than changing the locks and ignition for a standard turn-key.
You'll have to take older models with standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and get both the keys and the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. This can be quite expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who has the keys you have had previously will not be able to use them to steal your car.
Keep your car's interior clean and free of valuable items that thieves might want to take advantage of. If you have a sat nav or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in your boot or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it will be easier for thieves to open.