Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice last year, he began researching the crime online. He discovered a method for thieves to steal the signal from key fobs to steal cars without even touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They operate in pairs and can steal a car in as little as 60 minutes.
What happens if I lose my keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. It can be difficult to get around, and it can also put your home or office in danger. If you accidentally drop them into the sink or lose them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what you should do in the event of this happening to ensure your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys first thing you need to do is contact your insurance company and police. Many people are surprised that their insurance will cover the cost of a lockout in the event that keys are stolen or lost. It's important to get this done as soon as possible because if you don't, someone else could use your keys to gain entry to your car or home.
After calling the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly, efficiently and without causing damage to your property. This can save your time and money when you are in a hurry. The locksmith may need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and make an impression of the internal components. This impression is then taken to a different shop where a duplicate key will be made. This is a simple procedure that will cost less than $30 for several locks.
You may need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to re-program an electronic key. This is because you will need to have proof of the ownership of the vehicle in order to replace the key. You may need your license and identification number for your vehicle in this instance.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a family or friend member to allow you access if they lose yours. You could also have your locksmith cut you a new set of keys and keep them secure, like the office or garage. This will help you avoid losing your keys and will keep them safe from thieves who are more likely than not to look for keys in a planter, under an empty mailbox, or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
It's crucial to act quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have keys. Inform the police as quickly as you can, and obtain a copy of the police report to keep. 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 harder for anyone to register your vehicle as theirs.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle if you can. These devices, like AirTags from Apple will send a signal to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you view the location of your vehicle in real-time through the app on your phone. There are other, more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth a look.
A new set of keys is an additional option to think about. Depending on your car make you may have to have the chips re-sequenced or the barrels re-keyed. This will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be costly, and could require you to get a second set of keys to be used as backup. Review your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically covers more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid a situation like this is to be diligent in not storing valuables in your vehicle, and to keep the spare key out of your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. In addition, if you live in an area that has a high rate of crime, it's worth asking businesses located near the spot where your car was stolen to determine whether they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on video. If you recover the vehicle you lost, you should consult your local locksmith to learn how to lock your car and to store spare keys.
How do you report a stolen vehicle?
When you realize your car has been stolen first thing you should do is call the police department in your area to make a report. They'll be able to tell you any forms you'll need to fill out and processes you'll need to follow, based on the laws that apply to your region. They'll also provide an incident number that you can pass on to your insurance company in order to submit a claim.
Keep all of your vehicle information on hand when you call the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate, a description of the vehicle and any receipts for upgrade or service. You may also be required to prove you're the owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright or insurance card. If you don't have these documents businesses, many allow you to access your policy information online and provide this information for you.
You should ensure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, as it will increase the likelihood of it being recovered. Also, reporting it right away permits the police to gather any evidence they can (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft as soon as possible is that it prevents the criminal from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle in their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting documents proving your identity and residence.
If your car is discovered and damaged during the recovery process, the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should be able to cover the damage and the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
If you have leased or financed your vehicle, be sure to inform the lender of the theft, too. They are considered lienholders, and have an interest 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?
The police should be notified as soon as possible in the event that a vehicle has been taken without a functioning key. This will allow them to locate the vehicle and catch the culprits. Your vehicle's information being on national and state databases will also make it more difficult for thieves to steal it.
It's a good idea after you've filed the police report, to notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage they'll be able open a claim on your behalf to be compensated for the loss of your vehicle or to cover any damage that might have occurred while it was in the hands of a criminal's possession.
Additionally, you should also let your lease or lender be aware that the vehicle has been stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance provider and get the necessary details and include whether or not they'll be able cancel any of the payments due on the vehicle or take steps to take possession of it if read more it's not returned.
If you own an electronic key fob or a smart key that is a more recent model, you'll need to take your vehicle to the dealer of your particular brand and have your key replaced electronically. It is going to cost you around a few hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than changing the ignition and locks to a standard turn-key.
For older models with the standard key, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith to have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however, you can be sure that anyone who discovers the keys that were previously used will not be able to use them to steal the vehicle.
It's important to keep the inside of your car free of valuable objects that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite navigation system or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in your boot or in a hidden compartment beneath the floor mats. It is also recommended to not put any valuables into your glove box, as this will be more appealing to thieves to break into.