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 started investigating the incident on the internet. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal cars without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less when they are working in pairs.
What happens if i lose my keys?
The loss of keys is one of the most frustrating things you can do. It can be difficult to find them and could put your home or office in danger. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your belongings into the sink, or lose them in a subway car. It is important to know how to take care of them so that they don't fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys, the first thing you need to do is call your insurance company and the police. Many people are amazed that their insurance will cover the cost of a lockout should keys are stolen or lost. This should be done as soon as you can since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain access to 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 locksmith who is experienced will be able to open your lock quickly and easily, without damaging your property. This could help you save time and money, especially when you're in a hurry. The locksmith may need to use his tools to open the lock and take impressions of the internal components. This will be taken to a different shop where a duplicate key can be made. This process is usually quick and will not cost you more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
If you have a smart key, you might need to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it reset. This is because you'll need to have proof of ownership of the car in order to replace the key. You may require your license or vehicle identification numbers in this case.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a family member so that they will let you in if you lose yours. You can also request that your locksmith cut new keys which can be stored in a safe place, like the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves, who are more likely not to search for keys under a planter, inside an empty 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 a key. Contact the police immediately and request the report to keep for your records. Also, if you haven't yet, notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll add your vehicle to the database of stolen vehicles which makes it harder 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, like AirTags from Apple will send a signal to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (such as your car). You can track the location of your car in real-time via your smartphone app. You might also want to consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is another thing to consider. Depending on the brand of your vehicle you might need to have the chips or barrels re-keyed. This will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly, and could require you to get a second set of keys to be used as backup. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually covers more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid a situation such as this is to not leave valuables in your car and to keep your spare key away from your house. You can also deter thieves by engraving the last seven digits of your number on your headlights, windows and mirrors. In addition, if you live in an area with 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 vehicle that was stolen it is recommended that you consult your local locksmith to find out how to secure your vehicle and to store spare keys.
How do you report a stolen car?
When you realize your car has been stolen the first thing you need to do is call your local police department to make a report. They'll be able to tell you which forms you'll have to fill out and processes you have to follow, based on the laws that apply to your region. They'll also provide an incident number you can pass on to your insurance company in order to make an insurance claim.
If you contact the police, have all your vehicle's information available including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car and any receipts from service or upgrades. You may also be required to prove that you're the owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright, or an auto insurance card. If you don't have these handy numerous companies permit you to access your policy information online and can provide this information to you.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, since it increases the chances of it being found. Also, reporting it right away allows the police to collect any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft as soon as possible is that it prevents the thief from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle in 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. It is essential to inform your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
It is also important to notify the lender in case you borrowed or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they need to be informed of any losses. Legal penalties or financial penalties can be imposed if you fail to notify them.
How do I return my car?
The police should be notified immediately when a vehicle is taken without a functioning key. This will allow them to track down the vehicle and identify the culprits. The information about your car in state and national databases makes it difficult for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.
It's a good idea, after you've filed your police report, to also notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, they'll be able to initiate an insurance claim on your behalf to receive compensation for the loss of your vehicle or cover any damages that might have occurred when it was in the thief's possession.
You should also inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and work out the details, including whether they can cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you own an electronic key fob or smart key that is a newer model, it's best to drive your vehicle to a dealership of the particular brand read more and have your key replaced electronically. It is going to cost you a couple hundred dollars but it's less expensive than changing the ignition and locks to a standard turn-key.
For older models that have keys that are standard you'll need to visit an automotive locksmith and get both the keys and barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. This can be costly however it will guarantee that anyone who receives keys that are old won't be able to use them to steal your vehicle.
It's also a good idea to keep the inside of your car free of valuable items that could be a target for thieves. If you have a satellite navigation system or mobile phone in your car, you should consider placing them in the trunk or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box as it is more difficult for thieves to get access to it.