Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a resident of the area began researching on the internet. He found that thieves could copy the signal of key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.
What happens if your keys?
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can be difficult to find them and could put your home or office in danger. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your belongings into the sink, or lose them in a subway vehicle. You need to know how to take care of them to ensure that they don't fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys the first thing you need to do is contact your insurance company and the police. Many people are surprised that their insurance company will cover the cost of a lockout if their keys are stolen or lost. It's essential to have this done in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, someone else may use your keys to gain entry to your car or home.
After calling the police and your insurance agent the next step is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith who is experienced will be able to unlock your lock quickly and efficiently, without damaging your property. This can save you a lot of time and money, especially when you're in a hurry. 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 shop where a new key will be made. This is a simple process that costs less than $30 for several locks.
You might need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to reprogram the smart key. This is because you need to show proof of ownership of the car to be able to replace the key. In this situation you might require your license and your vehicle identification number with you.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend to let you in should you lose it. You can also have a locksmith cut you new keys that can be stored in a secure location such as the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future, and keep them safe from thieves who tend to search for keys in obvious locations such as under a planter or in the mailbox.
What do you have to do?
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 obtain an official copy of the police report to keep. If you haven't already inform your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll add your vehicle to the state's database of stolen cars making it more difficult for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
Install a tracker in your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, like AirTags from Apple send a signal to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you view the location of your vehicle in real-time via the app on your phone. You might also want to consider tracking systems that are less expensive from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to consider is purchasing new keys. Based on the model of your vehicle you might need to have the chips or barrels replaced with keys. This will prevent previous owners accessing the vehicle. This can be costly, and could require you to buy a second set keys for backup purposes. Also, you should check your car insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which typically covers more than just collision and liability.
The best way to prevent an incident like this is to not leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare key away from your house. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN on your headlights, windows, and mirrors can help stop thieves from attempting to change your car's identity. Finally, if you live in a region that has a high rate of crime It is worth asking businesses near where your car was stolen to see whether they have security cameras that could have caught the theft on video. If you recover your vehicle that was stolen, you should consult your local locksmith to find out how to lock your car and keep spare keys.
How do you report a stolen car?
When you realize your car was stolen first step is contact your local police department to make a report. You'll be taught click here the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, based on local laws. They'll also provide you with an incident number that you can pass to your insurance company to submit an insurance claim.
If you contact 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 may be asked to present your driver's licence or auto insurance card to prove you are the registered owner. If you don't have these handy, many companies allow you to access your policy information online and can provide this information to you.
It is essential to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being recovered. Reporting it immediately allows the police to collect potential evidence (such a security camera or witness statement) sooner than later.
Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it will also prevent the thief fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or making it registered under their own name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting evidence of your identity and residency.
If your vehicle is found and damaged, the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should cover the damages, less the deductible. This is why it's crucial to inform your insurance company as quickly as you can.
If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft too. They are considered lienholders, and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they must be notified about any losses. Financial penalties or legal action may be taken in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do I get my car back?
The police should be notified immediately when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will allow them to track down the vehicle and catch the perpetrators. Your vehicle's information being on the national and state databases will also make it much harder for thieves to steal it.
If you've filed a report, it's a good idea to let your insurance company know as well. If you have comprehensive insurance you can file an insurance claim to cover any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
It is also important to inform your lender or leasing company that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company to work out the details including whether they are able to make any payments void or take possession of the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you have a smart key or a newer model that has an electronic key fob, then the best option is to visit the auto dealership for the model you have and have it replaced electronically. This could cost you a couple of hundred dollars however it is cheaper than changing the ignition and locks to an ordinary turn-key.
You'll have to take older models with standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and then have the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. It can be expensive however it will guarantee that anyone who receives your old keys won't be in a position to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free from valuable items that thieves might want to be looking to steal. If you have a sat nav or mobile phone in your car, think about keeping them in the boot or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables into the glove compartment as it is easier for thieves to gain access.