Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When 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 stumbled upon a way for thieves to copy the key fob's signal to steal cars without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to record the signal. They work in pairs and can rob cars in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if your keys?
The loss of keys is one of the most frustrating things you can do. It can be a challenge to get around and can also put the safety of your office or home at risk. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your items down the sink, or if you lose them in a subway car. You must be aware of the best ways to take care of them so that they don't fall into the wrong hands.
The first thing you should do if you lose your keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith in the event that they are stolen or lost. It's crucial to have this done in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, someone else could use your keys to gain entry to your house or car.
After contacting the police and your insurance company, the next step is to call a locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly, easily and without damaging your property. This will save your time and money when you are in a hurry. The locksmith must make use of their tools to open the locks and make impressions on the internal components. This impression is then taken to a different shop where a duplicate key will be made. This is a quick procedure that will cost less than $30 for a set of locks.
You might need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram an electronic key. You need proof of ownership to replace the car keys. You might need your copyright and vehicle identification numbers in this case.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a friend or family member to allow you to enter if you lose yours. You can also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you a new set of keys and keep them safe, such as in the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves, who are more likely not to search for keys under a planter, in an empty mailbox, or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is taken without keys, it is important to act quickly. Contact the police as soon as you can, and request a copy of the police report to keep. Inform your department of motor vehicles in the event that you haven't already. 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 a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, similar to AirTags created by Apple send a signal to your iPhone when they're within range of an Apple product (like your car). You can track the location of your car in real-time using the app on your smartphone. You might also consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to think about is purchasing a new set of keys. Depending on your car make, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced or the barrels re-keyed to prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive and you may need to get a backup set of keys. Review your auto insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid a situation like this is to be diligent in not storing valuables in your vehicle and to keep the spare key out of your home. Also, etching the last seven numbers of your VIN on your headlights, windows and mirrors will stop thieves from attempting to alter your car's identity. If you live in a region with high crime rates, it's worth asking businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to see whether they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on camera. If you're able retrieve your car 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 a stolen car?
The first thing to do when you realize that your vehicle has been taken is to contact the local police station and report it. They'll be able to tell you what forms you'll need to fill out as well as the processes you must follow, depending on the laws in your region. They'll also provide an incident number that you can pass on to your insurance company to submit a claim.
If you are called by the police, be sure to have all your vehicle's information available, including the VIN the license plate, the description of the vehicle, and any receipts from service or upgrades. You might be asked to present your copyright or auto insurance card to prove you are the registered owner. Many insurance companies will let you look up the policy's details online if you don't have them handy.
It is crucial to report your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chance of it being located. Also making the report immediately permits the police to gather any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Another benefit of reporting the theft as soon as possible is that it prevents get more info the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registration of your vehicle in their name. You can do this by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing documents proving your identity and residence.
If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto insurance policy should cover the damages minus the deductible. It's vital to notify your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
You must also inform the lender if you've purchased or lease your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and hold a financial interest in the vehicle, which is the reason they must be notified of any losses. Legal action or financial penalties could be imposed when you fail to notify them.
How do I return my car?
Police should be informed immediately if a car has been taken without a functioning key. This will help them track down the vehicle and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on the national and state databases will make it more difficult for thieves to steal it.
It's a good idea after you've filed the police report, to inform your insurance company. If you have comprehensive insurance, they can open a claim for you to pay for any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred while the vehicle was in the criminal's possession.
Additionally, you should inform your lender or lease company know that the car was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company and work out the details including whether they are able to stop any payments or repossess the vehicle in case it's not returned.
If you have a smart-key or a model with an electronic key fob, the best option is to go to the auto dealership for the model you have and request that it be replaced electronically. It will cost you a couple of hundred dollars however it is cheaper than changing the ignition and locks for an ordinary turn-key.
You'll need to take older models with regular keys to an automotive locksmith, and have both the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. It can be expensive however it will guarantee that anyone who gets your old keys won't be in a position to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free of valuable items that thieves could take advantage of. Consider storing your sat-nav or mobile in the boot of your vehicle or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables into the glove box since it is more difficult for thieves to get access to it.