Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident was able to have his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just twice, but three times in the past year, he began looking into the crime on the internet. He stumbled upon a way 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 steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.
What happens if I misplace my keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most frustrating things you can do. It can be difficult to get around and can put your office or home in danger. Whether you accidentally drop them in the sink or slip them on a subway train, it's important to be aware of what you should do in the event of this happening to ensure that your property doesn't fall into the dangerous hands of.
The first thing to do when you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith in the event that they are stolen or lost. This should be done as soon as you can as someone else could have your keys to gain access into your car or home in the event that you don't do it.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after contacting your insurance agent and the police. A locksmith who is experienced will be able to unlock your lock quickly and easily without causing damage to your property. This can save you lots of time and money, particularly when you're in a hurry. The locksmith may need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and make impressions of the internal components. This will be taken to a different shop where a new key will be made. The process is usually fast and will not cost you much more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
If you have a Smart key, you may need to call your dealer or an automotive locksmith to get it changed. This is because you will need to show proof of the ownership of the vehicle for the replacement of the key. In this situation you may require a license and your vehicle identification number along with you.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend to allow you into the house If you lose it. You can also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you new keys and keep them secure, like the office or garage. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future and protect them from thieves who tend to seek keys in obvious spots such as under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do?
It is crucial to act quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have the key. Contact the police as soon as possible, and get an official copy of the police report for your records. Also, if you haven't done so 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 to register your vehicle as theirs.
If you are able, install an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple will send an alert to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (such as your car). You can track the position of your car in real-time using your smartphone app. There are also more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth considering.
A new set of keys is a different option to think about. Based on the model of your car it is possible to have the barrels or chips changed. This will block previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be costly and could require you to buy a second set keys to be used as backup. Also, you should look over your car insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which typically includes more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid a situation like this is to ensure that you are not leaving valuables in your vehicle and to keep the spare key from your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits of your number on your windows, headlights, and mirrors. Finally, if you live in a region with high crime rates It is worth asking businesses located near the spot where your car was stolen to find out whether they have security cameras that could have caught the theft on video. If you find the vehicle you lost then you should contact your local locksmith to find out how to lock your car and keep spare keys.
How do you report an automobile that has been taken?
If you discover that your vehicle was stolen, the first thing you need to do is contact the police department in your area to make a report. They'll be able tell you which forms get more info you'll have to fill out as well as the processes you'll need to follow, based on the laws that apply to your region. They'll also provide an incident number you can pass to your insurance company to file a claim.
When you call the police, 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 from upgrades or service. You may also be required to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright or insurance card. Many companies will allow you to access the policy's details online in the event that you don't have them handy.
It's important to report your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chances of it being found. Reporting it immediately allows police to gather potential evidence (such a security camera or witness statement) sooner than later.
Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it can also help prevent the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registration of the vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and provide proof of your identity and residence.
If your vehicle is found and damaged, the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should cover the damage - less the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to report the theft to your insurance company as quickly as possible.
If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft too. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they must be notified about any losses. Financial penalties or legal action can be imposed when you fail to notify them.
How do you return your car?
When a car is stolen without a key the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as possible. This will help them locate the vehicle and catch the culprits. The information you provide on your vehicle's state and national databases will make it harder for thieves to steal it.
If you've filed a report, it's also recommended to inform your insurance provider also know. If you have comprehensive insurance you can have them open a claim for you to pay for any damages or compensation for losses that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief’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 can make any payments void or take possession of the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you have a smart-key or a newer model with an electronic key fob then the best option is to visit the dealership for your particular make of car and get it replaced electronically. It could cost a few hundred dollars but will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks with an ordinary key.
For older models that use the standard key you'll need to visit an auto locksmith and have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) changed. This can be quite expensive however it will ensure that anyone who receives keys that are old won't be capable of using them to steal your car.
It's also a good idea to keep the interior of your vehicle free of valuable objects that could be a target for thieves. You could consider storing your sat-nav and mobile in the trunk of your car or in a compartment hidden under the floormats. Do not put valuables in the glove compartment as it is easier for thieves to gain access.