Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident was able to have his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice last year, he began investigating the incident on the internet. He discovered a method for thieves to replicate the key fob's signal to steal cars without touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They operate in pairs and can steal a car in as little as 60 minutes.
What happens if I misplace my keys?
It is frustrating to lose your keys. It can make it difficult to get around and can also put the security of your home or office at risk. Whether you accidentally drop them in the sink or slip them on the subway train, it's crucial to be aware of what to do in the event of this happening to ensure your property isn't in the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys first thing to do is call your insurance company and the police. Many people are amazed that their insurance company will cover the cost of a lockout should their keys are stolen or lost. This should be taken care of as soon as possible as someone else could have your keys to gain entry into your car or home if it's not done.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following calling your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly and efficiently without causing any damage to your property. This can save you money and time if you're in need of help in. The locksmith may have to use his tools to open the lock and take an impression of the internal components. The lock is then transferred to a different shop, where a duplicate will be made. This is a fast process that costs less than $30 for a set of locks.
If you have a Smart key, you might need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to have it reset. You'll need proof of ownership to replace the car key. You may need your license and vehicle identification numbers in this case.
Give your spare key to someone in your family or a friend so they can let you in if you lose it. You could also have your locksmith cut you a new set of keys and keep them safe, such as in the office or garage. This will help you avoid 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?
If your car is stolen without the key, it's crucial to act quickly. Inform the police as quickly as you can, and request the police report to keep. Inform your department of motor vehicles if you haven't done so yet. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it harder for anyone else to register your vehicle as theirs.
If you're able, put an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple, send a signal to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). You can track the location of your car in real-time using your smartphone app. There are also more affordable tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest that might be worth considering.
A new set of keys is a different thing to consider. Depending on your car make it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed to keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be costly and could require you to get a second set of keys to be used as backup. Also, you should examine your insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage, which typically includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to prevent a situation such as this is to not leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare keys away from your house. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your windows, headlights and mirrors will deter thieves from attempting to change your car's identity. In addition, if you live in an area with a high rate of crime it is worth contacting businesses near where your car was stolen to see if they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on camera. If you find the vehicle you lost, you should consult your local locksmith to find out how to secure your vehicle and keep spare keys.
How do you report an auto that was stolen?
The first thing to do when you find that your vehicle was taken is to contact the local police station and notify them of the incident. You'll learn what procedures and forms you'll need to follow, depending on the local laws. They'll also give you an incident number that you can pass on to your insurance company to make claims.
Have all of the information about your vehicle on hand when you call the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate number, a description of the vehicle and any receipts from service or upgrades. You might be asked to provide your copyright or insurance card to prove that you are the registered owner. Many companies will allow you to look up the details of your policy online even if you don't have these documents in your possession.
It is crucial to report your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chance of it being recovered. Additionally, reporting it right away allows the police to collect any evidence that could be relevant (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Another benefit of reporting the theft as soon as possible is that it helps prevent the thief from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting proof of your identity and where you live.
If your car is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto policy should be able to cover the damage - less the deductible. This is why it's crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, be sure to inform the lender of the theft too. They are considered lienholders and have here an interest in the financial condition of the vehicle, which is why they must be notified of any losses. Legal action or financial penalties could be imposed in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do you get your car back?
When a car is stolen without keys, the most important thing is to report it to police as soon as you can. This will allow them to find the vehicle and catch the culprits. The information about your car in state and national databases makes it more difficult for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.
If you've filed a report, it's also a good idea to let your insurance provider also know. If you have comprehensive coverage you can open an insurance claim on your behalf to be compensated for the loss of the vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred while it was in the theft victim's possession.
Additionally, you should not forget to inform your lender or lease company be aware that the vehicle has been stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance provider and get the correct information if needed and include whether or not they'll be able cancel any of the payments due on the vehicle or take steps to take it back if it's not returned.
If you own a smart key, or a newer model with an electronic key fob then your best bet is to go to the dealership for the specific model of your car and get it replaced electronically. It could cost a few hundred dollars but is less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for an ordinary key.
You'll need to take older models with standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and then have the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. It can be expensive however it will ensure that anyone who has the keys you have had previously will not be in a position to steal your car.
It's important to keep the inside of your car clean and free of valuable items that might be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite nav or mobile phone in your car, think about keeping them in the trunk or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. It is also recommended to not put any valuables into the glove compartment, since this can be attractive for thieves to take it out.