Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident was able to have his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice last year, he began investigating the incident on the internet. He discovered a method for thieves to copy the key fob's signal to steal cars without even touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to record the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.
What happens if I lose my keys?
Losing your keys is among of the most stressful things you can do. It can make it difficult to move around and could also put the security of your office or home 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 you should do in the event of an accident so that your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys the first thing 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 should keys are stolen or lost. It's essential to make this happen in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, someone else could be using your keys to gain entry to your house or car.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following contacting your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly, efficiently and without damaging your property. This will save you money and time if you're in need of help in. The locksmith will have to make use of their tools to open the locks and make an impression on the internal components. The impression will be sent to a different shop where a new key will be made. This is a quick process that will cost you less than $30 for multiple locks.
You might need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram an electronic key. You need proof of ownership to replace the car keys. You may require your license or vehicle identification numbers in this instance.
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 have your locksmith cut you a new set of keys and store them somewhere safe, such as in the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future and keep them safer from thieves who are more likely to search for keys in obvious locations like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your vehicle is stolen without the key, it's crucial to act quickly. Contact the police as soon as you can, and obtain a copy of the police report to keep. Inform your department of motor vehicles if you haven't done so already done so. They'll add your vehicle to the state's database of stolen vehicles, making it more difficult for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.
If you are able, install an instrument for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple send an alert to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). You can see the position of your car in real-time using your smartphone app. You might also want to consider tracking systems that are less expensive from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another option is getting new keys. Based on the make of your car, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced or the barrels re-keyed. This will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be costly and may require that you purchase a second set of keys for backup purposes. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically covers more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid a situation like this is to be diligent in not leaving valuables in your vehicle and to keep the spare key away 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 high-crime location, ask nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that might have captured the theft. If you are able to recover your stolen car then you should call your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store your spare keys and secure your vehicle.
How do you report a stolen car?
The first thing you need to do when you realize that your vehicle has been taken is to contact the local police station and make a report. They'll inform you what forms you'll need to fill out as well as the processes you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your area. You'll be given an incident number which you can provide to your insurance company in order to file claims.
Make sure you have all your vehicle's information available when you contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate number and a description of your vehicle and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may be asked to provide your copyright or auto insurance card as proof that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many companies will permit you to view the details of your policy online if you don't have them handy.
It is crucial to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chances of it being found. Reporting it immediately allows the police to collect website potential evidence (such security footage or witness statement) earlier rather than later.
The act of reporting the theft right away will also prevent the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registration of the vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state, and provide proof of your address and identity.
If your car is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto policy should cover the damages minus the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to report the theft to your insurance company as soon as possible.
You should also notify the lender if you have financed or leased your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they must be notified about any losses. Failure to notify them could result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do I return my car?
Police should be informed immediately if a car has been stolen without a working key. This will allow them to locate the vehicle and also catch the culprits. The information you provide about your vehicle in national and state databases makes it more difficult for thieves to sell the vehicle.
Once you've filed a police report, it's recommended to inform your insurance company be aware of the incident as well. If you have comprehensive insurance you can file an insurance claim on your behalf to get compensated for the loss of your vehicle or cover any damages that might have occurred while it was in the thief's possession.
In addition, you must inform your lease or lender be aware that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company to find out the details, including whether they can stop any payments or repossess the vehicle if it isn't returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or smart key that is a more recent model, you should bring your vehicle to the dealer of the brand you're using and have your key replaced electronically. It could cost a few hundred dollars, but is less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks with an ordinary key.
You'll need to take the older models with standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and have both the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. This can be quite expensive however it will guarantee that anyone who receives keys that are old won't be capable of using them to steal your car.
It's also a good idea to keep the inside of your car clean and free of any valuable objects that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite nav or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in the trunk or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables in the glove box since it will be easier for thieves to open.