Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice last year, he began researching the crime online. He found a method for thieves to replicate the key fob's signal to steal cars without even touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.
What happens if i lose my keys?
It's a pain to lose your keys. It can be difficult to get around and can put your home or office in danger. If you accidentally drop them down the sink or lose them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what you should do if this happens to ensure 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 will cover the cost of a lockout if their keys are stolen or lost. This should be taken care of immediately because someone else could use your keys to gain entry to your home or car if it's not done.
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 and efficiently without causing any damage to your property. This can save you time and money if you're in need of help in. The locksmith will need to use their tools to open the locks and leave an impression on the internal components. The lock will then be transported to a second store where a duplicate can be made. This is a simple process that will cost you less than $30 for several locks.
You may have to call your dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram an electronic key. This is because you'll need to have proof of ownership of the vehicle to be able to replace the key. In this situation you might require a license and the number of your vehicle identification along with you.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a family member to allow you to enter if you lose yours. You can also have your locksmith cut you some fresh keys and keep them in a place that is secure, like the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future and protect them from thieves who are more likely to seek keys in obvious locations such as under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
It's important to take action immediately if your vehicle is stolen and you don't have keys. Inform the police as quickly as you can, and request a copy of the police report for your records. Also, if you haven't done so 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 else to register your vehicle as their own.
Install a tracker in your vehicle if you can. These devices, like AirTags made by Apple send an alert to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (like your car). This allows you to view the location of your car in real time via your phone app. There are other, more affordable tracking systems from companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth considering.
Another thing to consider is buying new keys. Based on the model of your vehicle, you may have to have the chips or barrels replaced with keys. This will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly and could require you to get a second set of keys to be used as backup. Also, you should 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 avoid a situation like this is to be diligent in not storing valuables in your vehicle and to keep the spare key from your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in an area with a high rate of crime location, ask nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that could have captured the theft. If you are able to locate your vehicle that was stolen and you are able to do so, 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 a stolen car?
If you discover that your vehicle was stolen the first step is call your local police department to inform them of the theft. They'll be able tell you any forms you'll need to fill out as well as the processes you'll need to follow, based on the laws that apply to your area. You'll receive an incident number that you can provide to your insurance company when you want to make a claim.
Have all of your vehicle's information available in case you need to contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate number as well as a description of the vehicle, and any receipts for upgrade or service. You may also have to prove that you are the registered owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright or auto insurance card. Many companies will allow you to access the policy's details online even if you don't have these documents available.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported your car stolen, because it increases the chances of it being found. Reporting it immediately allows police to gather evidence (such a security camera or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft immediately is that it prevents the thief from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your vehicle in their name. You can contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting documents proving your identity and where you live.
If your car is recovered and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto insurance policy should cover the damages, less the deductible. It's vital to check here notify your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
You must also inform the lender if you have purchased or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and hold an investment in the vehicle, which is why they must be informed of any losses. Failure to do so can result in legal action or financial penalties.
How do I return my car?
If a vehicle is stolen without a key the most important thing to do is to report it to police as soon as possible. This will help them track 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 steal the vehicle.
It's a good idea, after you've filed the police report, to also notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive insurance you can have them open an insurance claim to pay for any damages, or compensation for the loss that occurred when the vehicle was in the criminal'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 find out the details and whether they have the right to cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle in case it's not returned.
If you have a smart-key, or a newer model that has an electronic key fob the best option is to go to the auto dealership for your particular make of car and have it replaced electronically. This is going to cost you around a few hundred dollars but it's cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks to the standard turn-key.
You'll need to take older models that have regular keys to an automotive locksmith, and get both the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. It can be expensive, but you'll be sure that anyone who finds your old keys will not be able to rob your vehicle.
It's important to keep the inside of your car clean and free of valuable items that could be targeted by thieves. Consider storing your sat-nav or mobile in the trunk of your car or in a hidden compartment under the floormats. It is also recommended to not put any valuables into your glove box, as this will be more attractive for thieves to take it out.