Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just twice, but three times last year, he started researching the crime online. He found that thieves could copy the signal of key fobs and steal cars without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less if they are working in pairs.
What happens if your keys?
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can make it difficult to move around and could also put the security of your office or home at risk. It doesn't matter whether you accidentally drop your belongings into the sink, or if you lose them in a subway vehicle. You need to know how to do about them to ensure that they don't fall into the wrong hands.
The first step to take if you lose your keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to discover that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they are stolen or lost. It is important to take action as soon as you can since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain entry into your car or home If you don't take care.
After calling the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to call an locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your lock quickly, effortlessly and without causing damage to your property. This can save you lots of time and money, especially if you're in a rush. The locksmith will have to make use of their tools to open the locks and then make an impression on the internal components. The lock is then transported to a second store where a duplicate can be made. This process is usually simple and will not cost you more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
You might need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram a smart key. You need proof of ownership to replace the car keys. In this instance you might need to have your license and vehicle identification number along with you.
If you have a spare key, give it to a family or friend member so that they can let you in if you lose yours. You can also have a locksmith cut you new keys that you can keep in a secure location such as the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future and keep them safer from thieves who tend to search for keys in obvious places such as under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
It's important to take action quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have the key. Notify the police immediately and request a copy of their report to keep 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 harder for anyone else to register your vehicle as theirs.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle if you can. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple, send an alert to your iPhone whenever they're close to an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you see the location of your car in real-time through the app on your phone. There are cheaper tracking systems from companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth considering.
Another thing to think about is buying new keys. Based on the make of your car, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed, which will stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly and may require that you buy a second set keys to be used as backup. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically will cover more than collisions and liability.
The best way to avoid this type of situation is to be diligent in not storing valuables in your vehicle and 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. Finally, if you live in an area with high crime rates It is worth asking businesses located near the spot where your car was stolen to see if they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on video. If you're able locate your vehicle that was stolen then you should call your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store your spare keys and secure your vehicle.
How do you report a stolen car?
The first thing to do when you discover that your vehicle was taken is to contact the local police station and notify them of the incident. They'll be able to tell you which forms you'll have to fill out and the procedures you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your region. You'll receive an incident number, which you can give to your insurance company for a claim.
Have all of the information about your vehicle on hand when you contact the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate as well as a description of the vehicle and any receipts from upgrade or service. You may also be required to prove that you're the owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright, or an auto insurance card. If you don't have these documents, many companies allow you to access your policy information online and will provide this information to you.
You should ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, because it increases the likelihood of it being recovered. Also notifying it immediately allows the police to collect any evidence that could be relevant (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it will also stop the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or registration of the vehicle under their name. You can do this by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing documents proving your identity and residency.
If your vehicle is found and damaged, the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should cover the damages minus 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, make sure to inform the lender of the theft as well. They are considered lienholders and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they need to be notified about any losses. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do I get my car back?
If a vehicle is stolen without a key the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as you can. This will allow them to track down the vehicle, and catch the culprits. The information you provide about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it harder for thieves to steal the vehicle.
If you've filed a report, it's also recommended to inform your insurance company know as well. If you have insurance that is comprehensive you can file an insurance claim to pay for any damages, or compensation for the loss that occurred while the vehicle was in the criminal's possession.
It is also important 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 are able to stop any payments or repossess the vehicle if it isn't returned.
If you own a smart key or a model that has an electronic key fob, then your best bet is to go to the dealership that sells your particular make of car and have it replaced electronically. This will cost you around a few hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than changing the ignition and locks for an ordinary turn-key.
You'll need to take the older models that have regular keys to an automotive locksmith, and get both the barrels and the keys (the website part that is inside the lock) replaced. It can be expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who gets your old keys won't be able to use them to steal your vehicle.
It's important to keep the interior of your vehicle free of valuable items that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite navigation system or mobile phone in your car, you should consider placing them in the trunk or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. You should also not put any valuables into your glove box, because this could be tempting for thieves to open.