Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just twice, but three times last year, he started looking into the crime on the internet. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal cars without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They operate in pairs and are able to steal a car in as little as 60 minutes.
What happens if you lose your keys?
Losing your keys is among of the most annoying things you can do. It can be a challenge to find them, and it can also put your office or home in danger. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your items down the sink or get them lost in a subway vehicle. You must know how to do with them to ensure they don't end up in the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys first thing you need to do is contact your insurance company as well as the police. Many people are shocked to discover that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith in the event that they are stolen or lost. It is important to take action as soon as you can because someone else could use your keys to gain access to your car or home in the event that you don't do it.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after calling your insurance agent and the police. A locksmith professional can unlock your lock quickly, efficiently and without causing damage to your property. This could save you lots of time and money, particularly if you're in a rush. The locksmith must use their tools to open the locks and make an impression on the internal components. The impression will be sent to a different location where a new key will be made. This process is usually quick and will not cost you much more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
If you have a Smart key, you may have to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to have it changed. You'll need proof of ownership to replace the car key. In this case you might require your license and vehicle identification number on hand.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a friend or family member so that they will allow you to enter if you lose yours. You could also ask your local locksmith to cut you some fresh keys and keep them in a place that is safe, such as in the office or garage. This will help you avoid losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves, who are more likely than not to search for keys under a planter, in an empty mailbox, or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is taken without keys, it is important to act fast. Inform the police immediately and request a copy of their report to record the incident. If you haven't yet inform your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll include your vehicle in the state's database of stolen cars which makes it harder for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
If you're able, put a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple, send an alert to your iPhone whenever they're close to an Apple product (such as your car). You can track the location of your car in real time using the app on your smartphone. There are other, more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth considering.
Another option is getting a new set of keys. Depending on the car model it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed, which will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be costly and could require you to get a second set of keys to backup your needs. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine whether you have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage typically will cover more than collisions and liability.
The best way to avoid a situation such as this is to make sure you don't leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare key far away from your house. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. In addition, if you live in an area with a high rate of crime, it's worth asking businesses located near the spot where your car was stolen to determine whether they have security cameras that may have caught the theft on camera. If you recover 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 stolen?
When you realize your car was stolen first thing you should do is call the police department in your area to inform them of the theft. They'll inform you any forms you'll need to fill out and processes you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your area. They'll also provide you with an incident number that you can forward to your insurance company to file an insurance claim.
Keep all of your vehicle information on hand when you call the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate number and a description of your vehicle and any receipts for upgrade or service. You may also have to prove you're the registered owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright, or an auto insurance card. Many insurance companies will let you access the details of your policy online even if you don't have these documents handy.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, since it increases the chances of it being reclaimed. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather potential evidence (such a security video or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft as soon as possible is that it prevents the thief from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your 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 recovered and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should be able to cover the damage - less the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft as well. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they need to be notified about any losses. Legal action or financial penalties can be imposed if you fail to notify them.
How do I get my car back?
The police should be notified as soon as possible in the event that a vehicle has been taken without a functioning key. This will allow them to track down the vehicle and identify the perpetrators. The information you provide on your vehicle's the national and state databases will make it much harder for the thieves to sell it.
After you've filed a police report, it's recommended to inform your insurance company also know. If you have insurance that is comprehensive you can file an insurance here claim to pay for any damages, or compensation for losses that occurred when the vehicle was in the criminal's possession.
You should also inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company and work out the appropriate details if necessary and include whether or not they'll be able to cancel any payments on the car or take steps to take it back if it's not returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or a smart key that is a more recent model, you should drive your vehicle to the dealer of the brand you're using and get your key replaced electronically. It will cost you around a few hundred dollars but it's cheaper than replacing the locks and ignition for an ordinary turn-key.
You'll need to take older models that have standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and have both the keys and the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. It can be expensive however you'll be certain that anyone who finds your old keys will not be able to use them to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free from valuable items that thieves might be looking to steal. If you have a sat navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the boot or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. It is also recommended to avoid putting any valuables in your glove box since this can be tempting for thieves to open.