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 started investigating the incident on the internet. He found that thieves could copy the signal of key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to record the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.
What happens if you lose your keys?
Losing your keys is among of the most annoying things you could do. It can be a challenge to get around and can also put the safety of your home or office at risk. It doesn't matter if accidentally drop your belongings into the sink or get them lost in a subway car. It is important to be aware of the best ways to do about them to ensure that they don't end up in the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys, the first thing you need to do is call your insurance company and police. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they're lost or stolen. It is important to take action as soon as possible as someone else could have your keys to gain entry into your car or home If you don't take care.
After contacting the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to contact locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly and easily without causing damage to your property. This can save you time and money if you're in the midst of a rush. The locksmith will have to utilize their tools to unlock the locks and then make an impression on the internal components. This will be taken to another shop where a duplicate key can be made. This process is usually quick and shouldn't cost more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
If you own a smart key, you may have to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it reset. You need proof of ownership to replace the car keys. In this instance you may require your license and the number of your vehicle identification along with you.
If you have a spare key, give it to a family or friend member so that they will allow you access if they lose yours. You can also have a locksmith cut new keys, which you can keep in a secure location, like the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the near future and protect them from thieves who tend to seek keys in obvious locations like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
It is crucial to act quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have keys. Inform the police immediately and obtain a copy of their report to keep for your records. Inform your department of motor vehicles if you haven't done so already done so. They'll add your vehicle to the database of stolen vehicles which makes it harder for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.
If you're able, put an instrument for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple will send a signal to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (such as your car). You can see the position of your car in real-time using your smartphone app. You might also look into tracking systems that are less expensive from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to consider is purchasing a new set of keys. Depending on the make of your vehicle it is possible to get the chips or barrels re-keyed. This will block previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly, and may require you to buy a second set keys to backup your needs. Check your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually covers more than collision and liability.
The best way to prevent a situation such as this is to ensure that you do not leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare keys away from your home. Also, etching the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your headlights, windows, and mirrors will deter thieves from attempting to change your car's identity. If you live in a crime-prone location, ask nearby businesses if 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 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 you need to do when you realize that your car was taken is to call the local police station and make a report. You'll learn about the forms and procedures you have to follow, based on local laws. You'll receive an incident number, which you can present to your insurance company for a claim.
Keep all of your vehicle information on hand when you call the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate number, a description of the vehicle and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also be required to prove that you are the registered owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright, or an auto insurance card. If you don't have these documents numerous companies permit you to access your policy details online and can provide this information for you.
It is essential to report your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chances of it being recovered. Also making the report immediately permits the police to gather any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft immediately is that it helps prevent the thief from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. You can do this by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting documents proving your identity and residence.
If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto policy should be able to cover the damages minus the deductible. It's vital to notify your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
You should also notify the lender in case you borrowed or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they need to be notified about any losses. Legal action or financial penalties may be taken in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do I get my car back?
If a vehicle is stolen without keys the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as you can. This will check here assist them in tracking down the vehicle and catch the culprits. The information you provide about your vehicle in national and state databases makes it harder for thieves to steal the vehicle.
If you've filed a report, it's also a good idea to let your insurance company also know. If you have a comprehensive policy you can open an insurance claim on behalf of you to get compensated for the loss of your vehicle or cover any damages that might have occurred while it was in the thief'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 and work out the details, including whether they can cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle if it isn't returned.
If you own an electronic key fob or smart key that is a newer model, you should take your car to the dealership of the brand you're using and get your key replaced electronically. It is going to cost you a couple of hundred dollars but it's cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks for the standard turn-key.
You'll need to take the older models that have regular keys to an automotive locksmith, and have both the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. This can be costly, but it will ensure that anyone who has keys that are old won't be capable of using them to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free of valuable objects that thieves could take advantage of. If you have a satellite navigation system or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the boot or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Also, avoid putting valuables in your glove box since this can be tempting for thieves to open.