Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice last year, he started looking into the crime on the internet. He found a method for thieves to steal the key fob's signal to steal cars without even touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less when they are working in pairs.
What happens if your keys?
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to get around and can put your home or office in danger. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your items down the sink, or if you lose them in a subway car. It is important to be aware of the best ways to do with them to ensure that they don't end up in the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys, the first thing you should do is call your insurance company and the police. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith in the event that they're lost or stolen. This should be taken care of immediately because someone else could use your keys to gain entry into your car or home If you don't take care.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following contacting your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your lock quickly, effortlessly and without damaging your property. This can save you time and money if you are in a hurry. The locksmith will need to utilize their tools to unlock the locks and make an impression on the internal components. The lock is then transferred to a different shop where a duplicate can be made. This process is usually quick and shouldn't cost more than $30 if you own more than one lock.
You may have to call your dealer or auto locksmith to re-program the smart key. This is because you will need to prove ownership of the vehicle in order to replace the key. In this case you might need to have your license and vehicle identification number with you.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a friend or family member so that they can let you in if you lose yours. You could also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you some fresh keys and keep them secure, like the office or garage. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future, and keep them safe from thieves who tend to seek keys in obvious locations like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do?
It is crucial to act quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have a key. Contact the police immediately and get the report to record the incident. Also, if you haven't 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 harder for anyone to register your vehicle as theirs.
If you are able, install an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags manufactured by Apple send 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 via your phone app. There are also more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth a look.
A new set of keys is a different aspect to consider. Depending on the brand of your car you more info might need to get the chips or barrels replaced with keys. This will block previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be expensive, and may require you to get a second set of keys for backup purposes. Also, you should check your car insurance policy to see whether you have comprehensive coverage, which usually covers more than just collision and liability.
The best way to avoid an incident like this is to not leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare key away from your house. Also making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on your headlights, windows, and mirrors will stop thieves from trying to alter your car's identity. In addition, if you live in a region with a high rate of crime It is worth asking businesses located near the spot where your car was stolen to determine whether they have security cameras that could have caught the theft on camera. If you are able to recover your stolen car and you are able to do so, you should contact your local locksmith for guidance on the best method to store your spare keys and lock up your vehicle.
How do you report an automobile that has been stolen?
The first thing you need to do when you find that your vehicle has been seized is to contact your local police station and report it. You'll learn about 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 make an insurance claim.
If you are called by the police, be sure to have all the information about your vehicle on hand including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car, and any receipts from service or upgrades. You might be asked to provide your copyright or insurance card to prove that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many insurance companies will let you access the policy's details online in the event that you don't have them handy.
It is essential to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chance of it being located. By reporting it right away, you allow police to gather potential evidence (such security camera or witness statement) sooner than later.
The act of reporting the theft right away will also prevent the thief from fraudulently transferring your vehicle ownership or registering it under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state, and provide proof of your address and identity.
If your car is discovered and damaged during the recovery process, the comprehensive portion of your insurance should cover the damages less the deductible. This is why it's crucial to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can.
If you have leased or financed your vehicle, be sure to inform the lender of the theft too. They are considered lienholders and hold a financial interest in the vehicle, which is why they should be informed of any losses. Legal penalties or financial penalties can be imposed in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do I get my car back?
Police should be informed immediately when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will allow them to track down the vehicle and identify the culprits. The information you provide about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it more difficult for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.
It's a good idea, after you've filed the police report, to also let your insurance company know. If you have insurance that is comprehensive, they can open a claim for you to cover any damages or compensation for losses that occurred when the vehicle was in the thief's possession.
In addition, you must also let your leasing company or lender know that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to connect with your insurance provider and get the correct information if needed including whether they'll be able to revoke any of the payments due on the vehicle or take steps to take possession of it if it's not returned.
If you have a smart-key or a newer model that has an electronic key fob, then your best bet is to visit the dealership that sells the specific model of your car and get it replaced electronically. It could cost you a couple hundred dollars, but it will be less expensive than changing the ignition and locks for an ordinary turn-key.
You'll need to take older models that have regular keys to an automotive locksmith, and then have the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. It's costly, but you'll be sure that anyone who discovers the keys that were previously used will not be able use them to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free from valuable items that thieves might want to target. If you have a sat navigation system or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the boot or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. It is also recommended to not put any valuables into your glove box as this will be more appealing to thieves to break into.