Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local began looking up online. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to replicate the signal from key fobs to steal cars without touching them.
Crooks utilize a relay amplifier to record the signal. They operate in pairs and can steal the car in as short as 60 minutes.
What happens if you lose your keys?
It's a pain to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to get around and could put your office or home in danger. If you accidentally drop them down the sink or drop them on the subway train, it's essential to be aware of what to do if this happens so that your property isn't in the dangerous hands of.
The first thing you should do in the event that you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they are lost or stolen. This should be taken care of immediately as someone else could have your keys to gain access to your home or car in the event that you don't do it.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following making contact with your insurance company and the police. A locksmith professional can open your lock quickly, efficiently and without damaging your property. This can save you money and time if you are in the midst of a rush. The locksmith may have to use his tools to open the lock and take an impression of the internal components. The impression will be sent 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.
If you own a smart key, you might need to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it changed. This is because you need to prove the ownership of the vehicle in order to replace the key. In this situation, you may need to have your license and vehicle identification number on hand.
Give your spare key to someone in your family or a friend so they can let you in If you lose it. You can also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you new keys and keep them in a place that is secure, like the office or garage. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future, and protect them from thieves who are more likely to look for keys in obvious spots, like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
It is crucial to act quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have a key. Inform the police as quickly as you can, and request an official copy of the police report for your records. Inform your local department of motor vehicles if you haven’t already done so. 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 can, have an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags from Apple will send a signal to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (such as your car). You can see the position of your car in real-time via the app on your smartphone. There are cheaper tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth a look.
A new set of keys is an additional aspect to consider. Depending on the brand of your vehicle it is possible to have the barrels or chips re-keyed. This will stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This could be costly and you may need to get a backup set of keys. Also, you should examine your insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which usually covers more than just collision and liability.
The best way to avoid an event like this is to ensure that you do not leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare keys away from your house. You can also deter thieves by writing the last seven digits on your headlights, windows 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 may have caught the theft. If you recover your vehicle that was stolen then you should contact your local locksmith to learn how to secure your vehicle and to store spare keys.
How do you report a stolen car?
The first thing you need to do when you realize that your car has been taken is to contact the local police station and make a report. They'll inform you any forms you'll need to fill out and processes you must follow, depending on the laws in your region. They'll also provide an incident number you can pass on to your insurance company in order to file a claim.
If you contact the police, make sure you have all your vehicle information ready, including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car, and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also be required to prove you're the owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright or auto insurance card. Many companies will permit you to view the details of your policy online in the event that you don't have them handy.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported your car stolen, as it will increase the likelihood of it being recovered. Notifying it immediately will allow the police to collect potential evidence (such security footage or witness statement) earlier rather than later.
Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it will also stop the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or registration of the vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and provide proof of your residence and identity.
If your car is found and it's damaged in the process of recovering, the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should be able to cover the damage - minus the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
If you 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 financial condition of the vehicle, which is why they should be informed of any losses. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do I return my car?
When a car is stolen without a key, the most important thing is to report it to the police as soon as it is possible. This will allow them to track down the vehicle, and identify the perpetrators. The information about your car in national and state databases makes it harder for thieves to sell the vehicle.
It's a good idea after you've filed your police report, to let your insurance company know. If you have comprehensive insurance you can file an insurance claim to cover any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred when the vehicle was in the criminal's possession.
It is also necessary to inform your leasing or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company to work out the details and whether they have the right to stop any payments or repossess the vehicle if it isn't returned.
If you have a smart-key or a model that has an electronic key fob the best option is to visit the auto dealership for the model you have and request that it be replaced electronically. This will cost you a couple hundred dollars, but it will be more info cheaper than changing the locks and ignition for a standard turn-key.
You'll need to take older models that have standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and then have the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. This can be costly however it will guarantee that anyone who has your old keys won't be capable of using them to steal your vehicle.
It's important to keep the inside of your car clean and free of any valuable items that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite nav or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in the boot or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables in the glove box as it is more difficult for thieves to get access to it.