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 investigating the incident on the internet. He found a method for thieves to copy the signal from key fobs to steal cars without even 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 be difficult to get around and can put your home or office in danger. Whether you accidentally drop them in the sink or slip them on the subway train, it's crucial to be aware of what to do in the event of an accident to ensure that your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys, the first thing to do is contact your insurance company as well as the police. Many people are surprised that their insurance will cover the cost of a lockout in the event that keys are stolen or lost. It's essential to get this done in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, someone else may be using your keys to gain access to your home or vehicle.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following contacting your insurance agent and the police. A locksmith professional can open your lock quickly, effortlessly and without causing damage to your property. This could help you save time and money, especially if you're in a rush. The locksmith might need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and make an impression of the internal components. The lock will then be transferred to a different shop and a duplicate will be made. The process is usually fast and shouldn't cost much more than $30 if you own more than one lock.
If you own a smart key, you might need to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to have it reset. This is because you will need to have proof of the ownership of the vehicle for the replacement of the key. In this instance you may require your license and vehicle identification number on hand.
If you have a spare key, give it to a family or friend member to allow you access if they lose yours. You could also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you a new set of keys and keep them in a place that is safe, such as the garage or office. This will stop you from losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely not to search for keys in a planter, under an empty mailbox, or in the mailbox.
What can you do?
If your car is stolen without keys, it is important to act swiftly. Contact the police as soon as you can, and request a copy of the police report for your records. If you haven't yet 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 to claim your vehicle as theirs.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, like AirTags created by Apple, transmit an alert to your iPhone when they're within range of an Apple product (like your car). This allows you to view the location of your vehicle in real-time through the app on your phone. You might also want to look into tracking systems that are less expensive from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to think about is purchasing new keys. Depending on your car make it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed, which will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be expensive and you may have to purchase a backup set of keys. Also, you should check your car insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage, which usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid this type of situation is to be diligent in not storing valuables in your vehicle, and to keep the spare key away from your home. Also engraving the last seven digits of your VIN on your headlights, windows and mirrors can keep thieves from attempting to alter the identity of your vehicle. In addition, if you live in an area with high crime rates it is worth contacting businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to find out whether they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on video. If you're able locate your vehicle that was stolen, you should contact your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store the spare keys and lock up your vehicle.
How do you report an auto that has been taken?
If you discover that your vehicle has been stolen, the first step is contact your local police department to inform them of the theft. They'll be able to tell you what forms you'll need to fill out and processes you have to follow, based on the laws in your region. They'll also provide an incident number that you can pass on to your insurance company to file an insurance claim.
Make sure you have all your vehicle's information available when you call the police, including your car's VIN and license plate number as well as a description of the vehicle and any receipts for service or upgrades. You may also be required to prove you're the registered owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright, or an auto insurance card. If you don't have these handy businesses, many allow you to access your policy information online and can provide this information for you.
It is essential to report your car as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being found. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather evidence (such security camera website or witness statement) earlier rather than later.
Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it can also help prevent the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or registration of the vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state, and provide proof of your identity and residence.
If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto policy should cover the damage - less the deductible. It's vital to notify your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
It is also important to notify the lender if you have borrowed or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and hold a financial interest in the vehicle, which is the reason they must be informed of any losses. Legal action or financial penalties can be imposed if you fail to notify them.
How do I return my car?
The police should be notified as soon as possible in the event that a vehicle has been taken without a functioning key. This will enable them to track down the vehicle, and also catch the culprits. The information about your vehicle in national and state databases makes it harder for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.
Once you've filed a police report, it's a good idea to let your insurance provider also know. If you have comprehensive insurance they'll be able open an insurance claim on your behalf to get compensated for the loss of the vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred when it was in a thief's possession.
In addition, you must inform your lender or lease company be aware that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to connect with your insurance company and determine the necessary details, including whether or not they'll be able to revoke any of the payments due on the vehicle or even take it back if it's not returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or smart key that is a more recent model, you'll need to take your vehicle to the dealer of the brand you're using and have your key replaced electronically. It will cost you a couple hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks for a standard key.
You'll have to take older models with standard keys to an auto locksmith, and then have the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. This can be quite expensive however it will guarantee that anyone who receives the keys you have had previously will not be capable of using them to steal your car.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free from valuable items that thieves could target. If you have a sat navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about keeping them in the boot or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables in the glove box as it will be easier for thieves to open.