Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident was able to have his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just twice, but three times in the past year, he began researching the crime online. He found that thieves could duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks use 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 I lose my keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most stressful things you could do. It can make it difficult to get around and can also put the security of your office or home at risk. If you accidentally drop them in the sink or slip them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what to do if this happens to ensure your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
The first thing to do in the event that you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to find that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they are lost or stolen. It is important to take action as soon as you can because someone else could use your keys to gain entry to your home or car if it's not done.
After contacting the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to contact an locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly, efficiently and without damaging your property. This can save you time and money if you are in a hurry. The locksmith will need to make use of their tools to open the locks and make an impression on the internal components. This will be taken to another shop where a duplicate key can be made. This is a fast process that will cost you less than $30 for several locks.
If you own a smart key, you might need to call your dealer or an automotive locksmith to have it changed. You will require proof of ownership to replace the car keys. You may require your license and vehicle identification numbers in this instance.
Give your spare key to someone in your family or a friend to allow you in the house should you lose it. You can also have a locksmith cut you new keys, which you can keep in a safe place such as your garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely not to look for keys under a planter, inside a mailbox or in the mailbox.
What do you have to do?
If your car is stolen without keys, it is important to act fast. Notify the police as soon as possible, and get a copy of the police report for your records. Also, if you haven't already, notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll add your car to the state's database of stolen cars making it more difficult for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.
Install a tracker in your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, like AirTags made by Apple transmit a signal to your iPhone when they're close to an Apple product (like your car). You can track the location of your car in real-time via your smartphone's app. There are also more affordable tracking systems from companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that might be worth a look.
A new set of keys is an additional thing to consider. Depending on the brand of your vehicle, you may have to get the chips or barrels changed. This will prevent previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be costly and may require you to buy a second set keys to be used as backup. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid a situation such as this is to ensure that you do not leave valuables in your car, and to keep your spare key far away from your house. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits on your windows, headlights, and mirrors. If you live in an area with a high rate of crime area, inquire with nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that could have captured the theft. If you find your stolen vehicle, you should consult your local locksmith to determine how to lock your car and store spare keys.
How do you report a car that has been taken?
The first thing you need to do when you discover that your car has been seized is to contact the local police station and make a report. You'll learn what forms and procedures you need to follow, depending on local laws. You'll be given an incident number, which you can present to your insurance company for a claim.
If you are called by the police, have all your vehicle's information available, including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car, and any receipts from upgrades or service. You might be asked to present your copyright or auto insurance card as proof that you are the registered owner. If you don't have these documents, many companies allow you to access your policy details online and provide this information to you.
It is crucial to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chance of it being found. In addition notifying it immediately permits the police to gather any evidence that could be relevant (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it will also prevent the thief from fraudulently transferring your vehicle ownership or registration of the vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state, and provide proof of your address and identity.
If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy should cover the damage - less the deductible. It's vital to notify your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
If you have leased or financed your vehicle, be sure to inform the lender of the theft as well. They are considered lienholders and hold a financial interest in the vehicle, which is the reason they must be notified of any losses. Financial penalties or legal action may be taken when you fail to notify them.
How do you get your car back?
When a car is stolen without a key, the most important thing is to report it to the police as soon as you can. This will help them track down the vehicle, and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on the national and state databases will also make it much harder for the thieves to sell it.
It's a good idea, after you've filed your police report, to also notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage they'll be able open an insurance claim on your behalf to be compensated for the loss of the vehicle or cover any damages that might have occurred while it was in the hands of a criminal's possession.
In addition, you must not forget to inform your lease or lender know that the car was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company to find out the details, including whether they can stop any payments or repossess the vehicle if it isn't returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or smart key that is a newer model, it's best to drive your vehicle to a dealership of your particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It could cost a couple hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks with the standard key.
You'll need to take the older models that have standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and get both the barrels and the keys (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. This can be costly however it will ensure that anyone who gets your old keys won't be capable of car key stolen from house using them to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free of valuable objects that thieves might want to target. You might want to store your sat-nav or mobile in the trunk of your car, or in a hidden compartment under the floormats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it is more difficult for thieves to gain access.