Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice in the past year, a local began looking up online. He found that thieves could copy the signal of key fobs and steal cars without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to record the signal. They operate in pairs and can rob cars in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if you misplace your keys?
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to find them and can put your home or office in danger. If you accidentally drop them down the sink or lose them on a subway train, it's essential to know what to do if this happens so that your property isn't in the wrong hands.
The first step to take when you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised that their insurance company will cover the cost of a lockout in the event that keys are stolen or lost. It's essential to make this happen as soon as possible because if you don't, someone else could use your keys to gain entry 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 can open your lock quickly, effortlessly and without damaging your property. This will save you a lot of time and money, especially if you're in a rush. The locksmith will need to use their tools to open the locks and make an impression on the internal components. This impression is then taken to another shop where a new key will be made. This is a simple process that will cost you less than $30 for multiple locks.
If you own a smart key, you might need to contact your dealer or an automotive locksmith to get it reset. This is because you will need to have proof of ownership of the vehicle to be able to replace the key. You might need your copyright and identification number for your vehicle in this instance.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a family member so that they can let you in if you lose yours. You can also ask your local locksmith to cut you some fresh keys and keep them in a place that is safe, such as the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely not to look for keys under a planter, inside a mailbox or in a mailbox.
What do you have to do?
It is crucial to act immediately if your vehicle is stolen and you don't have keys. Contact the police as soon as possible, and get an official copy of the police report to keep. Inform your 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 their own.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle if you can. These devices, like AirTags made by Apple send signals to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (like your car). You can view the location of your car in real-time using your smartphone's app. There are also more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth considering.
A new set of keys is a different thing to consider. Based on the model of your car it is possible to have the chips or barrels changed. This will block car stolen keys in car insurance previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive, and may require you to get a second set of keys to be used as backup. Check your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid this type of situation is to be vigilant about not leaving valuables in your vehicle and keep the spare key from your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits on your headlights, windows and mirrors. Finally, if you live in a region that has a high rate of crime it is worth contacting businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to determine whether they have security cameras that may have caught the theft on video. If you are able to recover your stolen car and you are able to do so, you should contact your local locksmith for assistance on how to store the spare keys and secure your vehicle.
How do you report a stolen vehicle?
The first thing you need to do when you discover that your vehicle was taken is to call the local police station and notify them of the incident. They'll inform you what forms you'll need to fill out as well as the processes you have to follow, based on the laws that apply to your area. They'll also give you an incident number that you can forward to your insurance company to submit an insurance claim.
Have all of your vehicle information on hand when you call the police, including your car's VIN and license plate number as well as a description of the vehicle and any receipts for upgrade or service. You may be asked to present your driver's licence or auto insurance card to prove 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 provide this information to you.
You should ensure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, as it will increase the chance of it being recovered. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather evidence (such a security camera or witness statement) sooner than later.
Another reason to report the theft as soon as possible is that it prevents the thief from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. You can do this by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting proof of your identity and residency.
If your vehicle is found and damaged, the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy should cover the damage - less the deductible. This is why it's crucial to inform your insurance company as quickly as possible.
If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft, too. They are considered lienholders and have a financial interest in the vehicle, which is the reason they must be informed of any losses. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do I get my car back?
The police should be notified as soon as possible when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will allow them to track down the vehicle and identify the perpetrators. Having your vehicle's information on the national and state databases will make it more difficult for thieves to steal it.
It's a good idea after you've filed your police report, to also let your insurance company know. If you have comprehensive insurance you can file an insurance claim to pay for any damages, or compensation for the loss 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 allow them to contact your insurance company and work out the details including whether they are able to cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle in case it's not returned.
If you own a smart key or a model that has an electronic key fob, then the best option is to go to the auto dealership for the specific model of your car and request that it be replaced electronically. It will cost a few hundred dollars but will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks with an ordinary key.
For older models with the standard key, you'll need to visit an automotive locksmith and have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) changed. This can be quite expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who has keys that are old won't be in a position to steal your car.
It's important to keep the interior of your car free of valuable items that might be a target for thieves. If you have a satellite navigation system or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the boot or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove compartment as it is easier for thieves to gain access.