Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a resident of the area began to research online. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to steal the key fob's signal to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks use a relay amplifier to capture the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.
What happens if i lose my keys?
It's a pain to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to get around, and could also put the security of your home or office at risk. Whether you accidentally drop them into the sink or drop them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what to do in the event of this happening so that your property isn't in the dangerous hands of.
The first thing to do when you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to find that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith in the event that they're stolen or lost. It is important to take action as soon as possible since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain access into your car or home if it's not done.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after contacting your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly, effortlessly and without causing damage to your property. This can save you time and money if you are in a hurry. The locksmith may have to use his tools to open the lock and make impressions of the internal components. The lock is then transported to a second store where a duplicate can be made. This is a fast process that will cost you less than $30 for a set of locks.
You may have to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram the smart key. This is because you need to show proof of ownership of the car in order to replace the key. You may need your license and identification number for your vehicle in this instance.
If you have a spare key, give it to a family member to allow you to enter if you lose yours. You can also have a locksmith cut you new keys, which you can store in a secure place such as your garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future, and protect them from thieves who tend to search for keys in obvious spots, like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What do you have to do?
It is crucial to act promptly if your car has been stolen and you don't have the key. Contact the police immediately and get an official copy of their report to record the incident. If you haven't yet, notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll add your car to the state's database of stolen vehicles which makes it harder for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
If you're able, put an instrument for tracking installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags created by Apple, transmit signals to your iPhone when they're within range of an Apple product (like your car). This lets you view the location of your vehicle in real-time through your phone's app. You might also want to look into tracking systems that are more affordable from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is an additional option to think about. Based on the model of your car, you may have to get the chips or barrels replaced with keys. This will prevent previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be expensive, and may require you to get a second set of keys to be used as backup. It is also advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which typically covers more than just collision and liability.
The best way to prevent an incident like this is to ensure that you do not leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare key far away from your home. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN on your click here headlights, windows and mirrors will deter thieves from attempting to alter the identity of your vehicle. If you live in a crime-prone location, ask nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that may have captured the theft. If you recover your vehicle that was stolen it is recommended that you consult your local locksmith to find out how to lock your car and keep spare keys.
How do you report an auto that has been stolen?
If you find that your car is missing first thing you should do is contact your local police department to inform them of the theft. They'll be able tell you any forms you'll need to fill out and processes you have to follow, based on the laws in your region. They'll also provide you with an incident number that you can forward to your insurance company to make a claim.
If you are called by the police, make sure you have all the information about your vehicle on hand including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the car, and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may be asked to provide your driver's licence or auto insurance card to prove that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. If you don't have these handy, many companies allow you to access your policy information online and can provide this information for you.
It's important to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being recovered. By reporting it right away, you allow the police to collect potential evidence (such security camera or witness statement) sooner than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft immediately is that it stops the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registration of your vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state, and provide proof of your identity and residence.
If your car is discovered and it's damaged during the recovery process, the comprehensive portion of your insurance should cover the damages - minus the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to notify your insurance company as soon as you can.
You should also notify the lender if you have purchased or leased your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an interest in the financial condition of the vehicle, which is the reason they must be informed of any losses. Financial penalties or legal action could be imposed if you fail to notify them.
How do you get your car back?
If a car is taken without keys the most important thing is to report it to police as soon as it is possible. This will assist them in tracking down the vehicle and catch the perpetrators. The information you provide on your vehicle's national and state databases will also make it harder for the thieves to sell it.
If you've filed a report, it's an excellent idea to notify your insurance provider also know. If you have comprehensive insurance you can file an insurance claim on your behalf to receive compensation for the loss of the vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred when it was in a criminal's possession.
Additionally, you should inform your lender or lease company be aware that the vehicle has been stolen. This will allow them to connect with your insurance company and work out the necessary details and include whether or not they'll be able to revoke any payments on the car or take steps to repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you own a smart key or a newer model that has an electronic key fob then your best bet is to visit the auto dealership for your particular make of car and request that it be replaced electronically. It could cost you a couple hundred dollars however it is cheaper than changing the ignition and locks for a standard turn-key.
For older models that use keys that are standard you'll have to visit an auto locksmith to have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that is inserted into the lock) changed. It's costly however you'll be certain that anyone who discovers your old keys will not be able to rob your vehicle.
It's important to keep the inside of your vehicle clean and free of any valuable items that might be a target for thieves. You might want to store your sat-nav or mobile in the trunk of your car, or in a hidden compartment beneath the floormats. It is also recommended to avoid putting valuables in your glove box, because this could be attractive for thieves to take it out.