Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
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 use relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They work in pairs and can steal cars in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if you lose your keys?
Losing your keys is among of the most frustrating things you could do. It can be difficult to find them, and it can also put your home or office in danger. Whether you accidentally drop them in the sink or lose them on the subway train, it's crucial to be aware of what to do in the event of this happening to ensure that your property isn't in the dangerous hands of.
If you lose your keys first thing you should do is contact your insurance company and police. Many people are surprised to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they are lost or stolen. This should be done as soon as you can since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain entry to your car or home in the event that you don't do it.
After contacting the police and your insurance company, the next step is to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your lock quickly and easily without causing damage to your property. This will save your time and money when you are in the midst of a rush. The locksmith must make use of their tools to open the locks and make impressions on the internal components. This will be taken to a different location where a duplicate key will be made. This is a simple procedure that will cost less than $30 for several locks.
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 key. You might need your copyright or vehicle identification numbers in this instance.
Give your spare key to someone in your family or a friend to allow you in should you lose it. You can also have your locksmith cut you new keys and keep them in a place that is safe, such as the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the near future and keep them safer from thieves who are more likely to seek keys in obvious spots, like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
It is crucial to act promptly if your car has been stolen and you don't have a key. Inform the police as quickly as you can, and request an official copy of the police report for your records. If you haven't yet inform your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll include your vehicle in the database of stolen cars, making it more difficult for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
Install a tracking device in your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple, send a signal to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). You can view the position of your car in real-time using the app on your smartphone. There are cheaper tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth considering.
A new set of keys is an additional thing to consider. Depending on the car model, 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 could require you to buy a second set keys to be used as backup. It is also advisable to examine your insurance policy to see whether you have comprehensive coverage, which typically covers more than just collision and liability.
The best way to avoid a situation like this is to be diligent in not leaving valuables in your vehicle and to keep the spare key away from your home. Also making a mark of the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your windows, headlights and mirrors can stop thieves from trying to alter the identity of your car. If you live in an area with a high rate of crime location, ask nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that could have caught the theft. If you recover your stolen vehicle it is recommended that you consult your local locksmith to determine how to lock your car and to store spare keys.
How do you report a car that has been stolen?
If you find that your car was stolen first thing you need to do is call the police department in your area to inform them of the theft. You'll be taught the forms and procedures you have to follow, based on local laws. They'll also give you an incident number that you can forward on to your insurance company to file claims.
Keep all of your vehicle information on hand when you contact the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate and a description of your vehicle and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also have to prove you're the registered owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright or auto insurance card. If you don't have these documents numerous companies permit you to access your policy details online and provide this information for you.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, since it increases the chance of it being found. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather evidence (such security footage or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Reporting the theft immediately can also help prevent the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registration of the vehicle under their name. You can contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting evidence of your identity and residency.
If your vehicle is stolen and damaged during the recovery process the comprehensive portion of your insurance should cover the damages and the deductible. This is why it's crucial to inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
It is also important to notify the lender if you've borrowed or lease your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an investment in the vehicle. This is why they must be notified about any losses. In the event of not being notified, it could result in legal action or financial penalties.
How do I get my car back?
If a car is taken without a key, the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as it is possible. This will help them locate the vehicle and also catch the culprits. The information you provide about your vehicle in national and state databases makes it difficult for thieves to sell the vehicle.
It's a good idea, after you've filed your police report, to notify your insurance company. If you have insurance that is comprehensive you can have them open a claim for you to cover any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
In addition, you should also let your lease or lender know that the car was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and work out the necessary details including whether they'll be able to revoke any of the payments due on the vehicle or take steps to take it back if it's not returned.
If you own an electronic key fob, or a smart key that is a newer model, you'll need to drive your vehicle to the dealer of your particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It will cost you a few hundred dollars but is less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for the standard key.
For older models that have the standard key you'll website have to visit an auto locksmith and have both the keys and barrels (the part that is inserted into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however it will ensure that anyone who receives keys that are old won't be able to use them to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free from valuable items that thieves could be looking to steal. Consider storing your sat-nav or mobile in the boot of your vehicle or in a compartment hidden under the floormats. Also, avoid putting valuables in the glove compartment, because this could be tempting for thieves to open.