Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just twice, but three times in the past year, he began looking into the crime on the internet. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to steal the signal from key fobs to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to record the signal. They operate in pairs and are able to steal a car in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if you misplace your keys?
It's a pain to lose your keys. It can be difficult to get around, and it can also put your office or home in danger. If you accidentally drop them into the sink or slip them on the subway train, it's essential to know what to do if this happens to ensure your property doesn't fall into the dangerous hands of.
The first step to take if you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to discover that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith if they are stolen or lost. This should be done as soon as you can because someone else could use your keys to gain entry to your car or home If you don't take care.
After contacting the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to contact an locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly, efficiently and without damaging your property. This can help you save time and money, especially if you're in a rush. The locksmith will have to make use of their tools to open the locks and then make an impression on the internal components. The lock will then be transported to a second store and a duplicate will be made. This is a fast 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. This is because you will need to prove the ownership of the vehicle to be able to replace the key. In this case, you may require a license and your vehicle identification number along with you.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend to let you in the house if you lose it. You can also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you a new set of keys and store them somewhere secure, like the garage or office. This will stop you from losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves, who are more likely than not to search for keys under a planter, in a mailbox or in a mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is stolen without a key, it's important to act quickly. Inform the police immediately and request a copy of their report to keep for your records. Also, if you haven't done so already notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it more difficult for anyone to claim your vehicle as theirs.
If you are able, install a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple send signals to your iPhone whenever they're close to an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you see the location of your vehicle in real-time through your phone app. There are other, more affordable tracking systems from companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth a look.
A new set of keys is a different option to think about. Depending on your car make it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed to prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive, and could require you to get a second set of keys to be used as backup. You should also examine your insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which usually will cover more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid this type of situation is to ensure that you are keeping valuables out of your vehicle and to keep the spare key out of your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits of your number on your headlights, windows and mirrors. If you live in a crime-prone area, ask businesses nearby whether they have surveillance cameras that could have captured the theft. If you are able to recover your stolen car then you should call your local locksmith to get assistance on how to store your spare keys and lock up your vehicle.
How do you report an automobile that has been taken?
When you realize your car has been stolen, the first step is call your local police department to make a report. They'll be get more info able to tell you which forms you'll have to fill out and the procedures you have to follow, based on the laws in your area. They'll also provide an incident number that you can pass on to your insurance company in order to submit claims.
When you call the police, have all your vehicle information ready including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the car, and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also have to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright or insurance card. If you don't have these documents, many companies allow you to access your policy details online and provide this information for you.
You should ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, because it increases the likelihood of it being found. Additionally, reporting it right away allows the police to collect any evidence that could be relevant (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft right away is that it prevents the thief from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering 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 where you live.
If your car is found and it's damaged during the process of recovery, the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should cover the damages - minus the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to report the theft to your insurance company as quickly as possible.
You must also inform the lender if you have purchased or lease your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have an investment in the vehicle. This is why they should be notified about any losses. Failure to notify them could result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do I get my car back?
Police should be informed immediately when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will enable them to find the vehicle and identify the perpetrators. Your vehicle's information being on national and state databases will also make it more difficult for thieves to steal it.
After you've filed a police report, it's also recommended to inform your insurance provider also know. If you have comprehensive coverage, they'll be able to file an insurance claim on behalf of you to get compensated for the loss of the vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred while it was in the hands of a criminal's possession.
It is also important to inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to connect with your insurance provider and get the necessary details, including whether or not they'll be able cancel any payments on the car or even take possession of it if it's not returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or a smart key that is a newer model, it's best to drive your vehicle to a dealership of the particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. This could cost you a couple hundred dollars but it's cheaper than replacing the locks and ignition for the standard turn-key.
For older models that have the standard key you'll have to visit an auto locksmith and have both the keys and barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. This can be costly, but it will ensure that anyone who has the keys you have had previously will not be capable of using them to steal your vehicle.
It's important to keep the interior of your vehicle clean and free of any valuable items that might be targeted by thieves. If you have a sat navigation system or mobile phone in your car, you should consider keeping them in the trunk or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables into the glove compartment as it will be easier for thieves to get access to it.