Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice last 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 capture the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they are working in pairs.
What happens if I lose my keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most frustrating things you could do. It can make it difficult to get around, and could also put the security of your home or office at risk. Whether you accidentally drop them into the sink or slip them on a subway train, it's essential to be aware of what to do if this happens so that your property isn't in the dangerous hands of.
The first thing to do in the event that you lose your keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are amazed that their insurance company will cover the cost of a lockout if their keys are stolen or lost. It's essential to get this done as soon as you can because if you don't, somebody else could be using your keys to gain entry to your home or vehicle.
After calling the police and your insurance agent The next step is to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly and easily without causing damage to your property. This can save you money and time if you're in the midst of a rush. The locksmith must utilize their tools to unlock the locks and leave an impression on the internal components. The lock will then be transported to a second store and a duplicate will be made. This is a simple process that costs less than $30 for a set of locks.
You might need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to re-program an electronic key. This is because you will need to show proof of ownership of the car in order to replace the key. You may need your license and vehicle identification numbers in this case.
If you have a spare key, give it to a friend or family member so that they can allow you access if they lose yours. You can also request that your local locksmith cut you new keys which you can keep in a secure location 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 are more likely to search for keys in obvious locations, like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is taken without keys, it is important to act fast. Contact the police as soon as you can, and obtain an official copy of the police report for your records. Inform your local department of motor vehicles if you haven’t yet. They'll include your vehicle in the database of stolen vehicles making it more difficult for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.
If you're able, put an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as 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 via your phone's app. You might also want to consider tracking systems that are less expensive from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to think about is getting a new set of keys. Based on the model of your vehicle you might need to have the chips or barrels re-keyed. This will stop previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be costly and may require you to buy a second set keys for backup purposes. It is also advisable to look over 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 get more info a situation such as this is to make sure you don't leave valuables in your car, and to keep your spare keys away from your house. You can also deter thieves by writing the last seven digits on your headlights, windows and mirrors. In addition, if you live in a region that has a high rate of crime, it's worth asking businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to determine if they have security cameras that may have caught the theft on camera. If you locate your vehicle that was stolen it is recommended that you consult your local locksmith to learn how to secure your vehicle and to store spare keys.
How do you report a stolen car?
The first thing you need to do when you discover that your car has been taken is to call the local police station and report it. They'll be able tell you any forms you'll need to fill out and processes you must follow, depending on the laws in your area. You'll receive an incident number, which you can give to your insurance company when you want to make claims.
If you are called by the police, be sure to have all the information about your vehicle on hand including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also be required to prove you're the owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright, or an auto insurance card. Many companies will allow you to access the details of your policy online even if you don't have these documents handy.
It's important to report your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chances of it being recovered. Also, reporting it right away permits the police to gather any evidence that could be relevant (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft right away is that it helps prevent the thief 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 car is recovered and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should be able to cover the damage - less the deductible. This is why it's important to notify your insurance company as quickly 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 a financial interest in the vehicle, which 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 get your car back?
If a car is taken without a key, the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as possible. This will help them track down the vehicle and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on national and state databases will make it more difficult for thieves to steal it.
It's a good idea, after you've filed your police report, to inform your insurance company. If you have a comprehensive policy you can file a claim on your behalf to be compensated for the loss of your vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred when it was in a thief's possession.
In addition, you must not forget to inform your lender or lease company be aware that the vehicle has been stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance provider and get the correct information if needed including whether they'll be able to revoke any payments on the car or even repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you have a smart key or a newer model that has an electronic key fob then your best bet is to go to the dealership for the model you have and request that it be replaced electronically. This is going to cost you a couple of hundred dollars but it's cheaper than changing the ignition and locks to an ordinary turn-key.
You'll need to take the older models that have standard keys to an auto locksmith, and get both the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. It can be expensive however you'll be certain that anyone who finds your old keys won't be able use them to rob your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free of valuable objects that thieves could target. If you have a satellite navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the boot or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box as it is more difficult for thieves to gain access.