Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local began researching on the internet. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to steal the key fob's signal to steal cars without touching them.
Crooks employ a relay amplifier to capture the signal. They work in pairs and are able to steal the car in as short as 60 seconds.
What happens if I misplace my keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. It can make it difficult to get around, and could also put the safety of your home or office at risk. If you accidentally drop them down the sink or lose them on the subway train, it's crucial to be aware of what to do if this happens so that your property doesn't fall into the dangerous hands of.
The first step to take 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 lockout if keys are stolen or lost. It's crucial to get this done as soon as possible because if you don't, somebody else could use your keys to gain access to your home or vehicle.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after making contact with your insurance company and the police. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly and efficiently without causing any damage to your property. This will save you lots of time and money, especially if you're in a rush. The locksmith may need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and take an impression of the internal components. The lock is then taken to a second shop and a duplicate will be made. This is a quick process that will cost you less than $30 for multiple locks.
If you have a smart key, you may need to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it changed. You need proof of ownership to get a replacement for the car key. You may need your license or vehicle identification numbers in this case.
Give your spare key to a family member or friend to let you into the house if you lose it. You can also ask your local locksmith to cut you new keys and store them somewhere safe, such as in the office or garage. This will prevent you from losing your keys and will keep them safe from thieves, who are more likely not to search for keys under a planter, in the mailbox or inside the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
It's important to take action quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have keys. Notify the police as soon as possible, and get the police report to keep. Inform your 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 more difficult for anyone to claim your vehicle as theirs.
If you can, have an instrument for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags made by Apple send an alert to your iPhone when they're close to an Apple product (like your car). This lets you see the location of your car in real-time via the app on your phone. There are cheaper tracking systems from companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth considering.
A new set of keys is another thing to consider. Depending on your car make, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced or the barrels re-keyed, which will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive and you may have to buy a second set of keys. 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 vehicle and to keep your spare keys away from your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits of your number on your headlights, windows and mirrors. In addition, if you live in a region that has a high rate of crime, it's worth asking businesses near where your car was stolen to find out whether they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on video. If you find your stolen vehicle, you should consult your local locksmith to determine how to lock your car and keep spare keys.
How do you report an auto that was taken?
If you discover that your vehicle has been stolen the first thing you should do is contact the police department in your area to inform them of the theft. They'll inform you which forms you'll have to fill out and processes you have to follow, based on the laws in your region. You'll be given an incident number that you can provide to your insurance company in order to file a claim.
When you call the police, be sure to have all your vehicle information ready including the VIN, license plate, description of the car, and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also have to prove you're the owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright or insurance card. If you don't have these handy businesses, many allow you to access your policy details online and can provide this information for you.
It's important to report your car as stolen. This increases the chances of it being located. Reporting it immediately allows police to gather potential evidence (such security camera or witness statement) sooner than later.
Reporting the theft immediately can also help prevent the thief fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registering it under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state, and provide proof of your identity and residence.
If your vehicle is stolen and it's damaged during the recovery process, the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should cover the damages and the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
You must also inform the lender if you've financed or leased your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an interest in the financial condition of the vehicle, which is why they must be notified of any losses. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do you return your car?
If a car is taken without keys the most important thing is to report it to the police as soon as possible. This will help them track down the vehicle, and identify the perpetrators. The information about your car in national and state databases makes it harder for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.
It's a good idea once you've filed the police report, to notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive insurance you can file a claim for you to pay for any damages, or compensation for losses that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief's possession.
It is also important to inform your leasing or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and work out the details including whether they are able to stop any payments or repossess the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or smart key that is a newer model, you'll need to drive your vehicle to a dealership of your particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It will cost a few hundred dollars, but will be cheaper than replacing the ignition get more info and locks with a standard key.
For older models with a standard key you'll need to visit an automotive locksmith to have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It's costly however you'll be certain that anyone who comes across your old keys will not be able use them to steal the vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free of valuable objects that thieves might want to take advantage of. If you own a sat nav or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in your trunk or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables in the glove compartment as it is easier for thieves to open.