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 copy the signal of key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.
What happens if i lose my keys?
The loss of keys is one of the most frustrating things you could do. It can be a challenge to move around and could also put the security of your home or office at risk. Whether you accidentally drop them in the sink or drop them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what to do in the event of an accident to ensure your property doesn't fall into the dangerous hands of.
The first thing you should do in the event that you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised that their insurance will cover the cost of a lockout in the event that keys are stolen or lost. This should be taken care of as soon as you can as someone else could have your keys to gain access to your car or home in the event that you don't do it.
After calling the police and your insurance agent The next step is to get in touch with a locksmith. A professional locksmith can unlock your lock quickly and efficiently without causing damage to your property. This can save you lots of time and money, particularly if you're in a rush. The locksmith will have to make use of their tools to open the locks and then make impressions on the internal components. The lock is then taken to a second shop where a duplicate can be made. This is a fast procedure that will cost less than $30 for several locks.
If you have a Smart key, you might need to call your dealer or an automotive locksmith to get it changed. This is because you'll need to have proof of ownership of the car for the replacement of the key. In this case you might require your license and your vehicle identification number with you.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a family or friend member to let you in if you lose yours. You could also have your locksmith cut you some fresh keys and keep them safe, such as the office or garage. This will prevent you from losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely than not to look for keys under a planter, inside the mailbox or inside a mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is taken without the key, it's crucial to act swiftly. Contact the police immediately and request a copy of their report to record the incident. Inform your local department of motor vehicles in the event that you haven't yet. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it more difficult for anyone to register your vehicle as theirs.
Install a tracking device in your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, like AirTags created by Apple send an alert to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (like your car). This lets you view the location of your car in real-time through your phone app. There are other, more affordable tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest that might be worth a look.
A new set of keys is an additional thing to consider. Depending on the brand of your car you might need to have the chips or barrels changed. This will prevent previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be expensive and you may have to buy a second set of keys. It is also advisable to look over your car insurance policy to see whether you have comprehensive coverage, which usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to prevent an event like this is to not leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare key away from your house. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your headlights, windows and mirrors can stop thieves from attempting to alter the identity of your vehicle. If you live in a crime-prone area, ask businesses nearby whether they have surveillance cameras that might have caught the theft. If you're able to locate your vehicle that was stolen and you are able to do so, you should contact your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store the spare keys and lock your vehicle.
How do you report an auto that has been stolen?
The first thing you need to do when you find that your vehicle was taken is to contact the local police station and make a report. You'll be taught the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, based on local laws. They'll also give you an incident number that you can pass to your insurance company to file claims.
Have all of your vehicle information on hand in case you need to contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate and a description of your vehicle and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also have to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright or insurance card. Many companies will allow you to look up the policy's details online if you don't have them handy.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, since it increases the chances of it being reclaimed. Reporting it immediately allows police to gather potential evidence (such a security camera or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
The act of reporting the theft right away will also stop the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transferring your vehicle ownership or registering it under their name. You can contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting evidence of your identity and where you live.
If your car is recovered and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should cover the damages minus the deductible. This is why it's important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you have leased or financed your vehicle, be 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 informed of any losses. Legal penalties or financial penalties may be taken in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do I return my car?
If a vehicle is stolen without a key the most important thing is to report it to police as soon as possible. This will help them locate the vehicle and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on state and national databases will make it harder for the thieves to sell it.
Once you've filed a police report, it's recommended to inform your insurance company also know. If you have insurance that is comprehensive, they can open claims on your behalf to cover any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred when the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
In addition, you must inform your lender or lease company know that the car has been stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and determine the correct information if needed, including whether or not they'll be car stolen after losing keys able to cancel any car payments or take steps to repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you have a smart key or a model that has an electronic key fob then your best bet is to visit the dealership that sells the model you have and request that it be replaced electronically. It will cost a few hundred dollars, but will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks with an ordinary key.
For older models that have the standard key, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith and get both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) changed. This can be costly however it will ensure that anyone who has your old keys won't be capable of using them to steal your vehicle.
It's important to keep the inside of your vehicle clean and free of any valuable items that could be targeted by thieves. You could consider storing your sat-nav and mobile in the boot of your car, or in a compartment hidden under the floormats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it is easier for thieves to gain access.