Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local began researching online. He found a method for thieves to replicate the signal from key fobs to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to record the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less when they work in pairs.
What happens if your keys?
It's a pain to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to move around and could also put the security of your office or home at risk. If you accidentally drop them into the sink or lose them on a 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 thing to do when 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're stolen or lost. It's important to make this happen in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, somebody else could be using your keys to gain access to your home or vehicle.
After calling the police and your insurance agent The next step is to call locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly and easily without causing damage to your property. This will save your time and money when you're in the midst of a rush. The locksmith might need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and make an impression of the internal components. This will be taken to a different location where a new key will be made. This is a quick process that will cost you less than $30 for a set of locks.
If you have a Smart key, you might need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to have it reprogrammed. You'll need proof of ownership to replace the car keys. In this situation you may require your license and your vehicle identification number on hand.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a family member so that they will let you in if you lose yours. You can also have a locksmith cut you new keys that you can store 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 than not to search for keys under a planter, inside the mailbox or inside a mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is taken without a key, it's important to act swiftly. Notify the police immediately and get a copy of their report to record the incident. Inform your local department of motor vehicles in the event that you haven't yet. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it difficult for anyone to claim your vehicle as theirs.
If you are able, install an instrument for tracking 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 view the location of your car in real-time via the app on your phone. You may also want to look into tracking systems that are more affordable from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is an additional aspect to consider. Depending on your car make it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed. This will stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This could be costly and you may have to get a backup set of keys. Review your auto insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid this type of situation is to ensure that you are not leaving valuables in your vehicle, and to keep the spare key from your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in a region with a high rate of crime it is worth contacting businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to see if they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on video. If you're able to recover your stolen car, you should contact your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store the spare keys and secure your vehicle.
How do you report a stolen car?
If you discover that your vehicle has been stolen first thing you should do is contact your local police department to make a report. You'll learn what forms and procedures you need to follow, based on the local laws. You'll receive an incident number that you can provide to your insurance company in order to file an insurance claim.
If you are called by the police, be sure to have all the information about your vehicle on hand including the VIN the license plate, the description of the vehicle, and any receipts from service or upgrades. You may also have to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright or auto insurance card. Many companies will allow you to view the policy's details online if you don't have them in your possession.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported your car stolen, because it increases the chance of it being recovered. Reporting it immediately allows the police to collect potential evidence (such a security video or witness statement) sooner than later.
Reporting the theft immediately can also help prevent the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transferring your vehicle ownership or registering it under their name. You can do this by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing proof of your identity and residency.
If your car is found and damaged in the process of recovering the comprehensive portion of your insurance should be able to cover the damage - minus the deductible. It is crucial to inform 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 have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they should 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 taken without a functioning key. This will enable them to track down the vehicle, and also catch the culprits. The information you provide about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it more 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 a comprehensive policy, they'll be able to file an insurance claim on your behalf to get compensated for the loss of the vehicle or cover any damages that may have occurred while it was in the hands of a thief's possession.
You should also inform your lender or leasing company that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company to work out the details, including whether they can cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle in case it's not returned.
If you own an electronic key fob or smart key that is a more recent model, you'll need to drive your car to the dealership of your particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It will cost you a few hundred dollars but here will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks for an ordinary key.
For older models with keys that are standard, you'll need to visit an automotive locksmith and have both the keys and the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however, you can be sure that anyone who finds your old keys will not be able to use them to steal your vehicle.
It's also a good idea to keep the interior of your vehicle clean and free of valuable objects that could be targeted by thieves. Consider storing your sat-nav or mobile in the trunk of your car or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it is easier for thieves to open.