13 Things About Car Stolen Without Key You May Not Know
13 Things About Car Stolen Without Key You May Not Know
Blog Article
Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice during the past year, a local began to research online. He discovered a method for thieves to copy the signal from key fobs to steal cars without touching them.
Crooks use a relay amplifier to record the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they are working in pairs.
What happens if you lose your keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. It can make it difficult to move around and could also put the safety of your home or office at risk. If you accidentally drop them in the sink or slip them on a subway train, it's crucial to know what to do in the event of this happening to ensure that your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
The first thing to do when you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are amazed that their insurance covers the cost of a lockout in the event that their keys are stolen or lost. It's important to have this done as soon as possible because if you don't, somebody else could use your keys to gain entry to your home or vehicle.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following calling your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your lock quickly, effortlessly and without causing damage to your property. This can save you time and money if you're in a hurry. The locksmith might need to use his tools to open the lock and make impressions of the internal components. The lock will then be transported to a second store and a duplicate will be made. The process is usually fast and will not cost you more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
If you have a smart key, you may have to call your dealer or an automotive locksmith to have it reprogrammed. You'll need proof of ownership to replace the car key. You might need your copyright and identification number for your vehicle in this case.
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 new keys and keep them secure, like the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the near future and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely to look for keys in obvious locations, like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do?
It's important to take action quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have keys. Contact the police immediately and get an official copy of their report to record the incident. If you haven't done so already notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll add your vehicle to the database of stolen cars, making it more difficult for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
If you are able, install a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, similar to AirTags made by Apple send an alert to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (like your car). You can track the position of your car in real time using your smartphone app. You may also want to consider tracking systems that are less expensive from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is another thing to consider. Based on the make of your car it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed to prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly and could require you to buy a second set keys for backup purposes. Also, you should look over your car insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which typically will cover more than collision and liability.
The best way to prevent an incident like this is to make sure you don't leave valuables in your car and to keep your spare key far away from your home. Also, etching the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your headlights, windows and mirrors can help deter thieves from trying to alter the identity of your car. If you live in a crime-prone area, inquire with nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that could have caught the theft. If you are able to recover your stolen car then you should call your local locksmith for assistance on how to store the spare keys and lock your vehicle.
How do you report an auto that was taken?
When you realize your car has been stolen first step is call the police department in your area to inform them of the theft. They'll be able tell 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 region. You'll receive an incident number that you can provide to your insurance company for an insurance claim.
Have all of your vehicle's information available when you call the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate number, a description of the vehicle and any receipts from upgrade or service. You may be asked to present your copyright or auto insurance card to prove that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. If you don't have these documents numerous companies permit you to access your policy details online and can provide this information for you.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, because it increases the chances of it being recovered. Additionally notifying it immediately allows the police to collect any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.
Reporting the theft immediately can also help prevent the thief fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or making it registered under their own name. You can do this by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting evidence of your identity and residency.
If your car is discovered and damaged in the process of recovering the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should be able to cover the damage less the deductible. This is why it's crucial to notify your insurance company as soon as you can.
If you click here have leased or financed 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 why they should be informed of any losses. Financial penalties or legal action can be imposed in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do I return my car?
Police should be informed immediately if a car has been stolen without a working key. This will enable them to find the vehicle and also catch the culprits. Your vehicle's information being on national and state databases will make it much harder for the thieves to sell it.
If you've filed a report, it's also an excellent idea to notify your insurance company also know. If you have comprehensive insurance you can have them open a claim for you to cover any damages or compensation for losses that occurred when the vehicle was in the thief's possession.
You should also inform your lender or leasing company that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and work out the correct information if needed and include whether or not they'll be able to revoke any of the payments due on the vehicle or take steps to take possession of it if it's not returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or smart key that is a more recent model, you should take your vehicle to a dealership of your particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It will cost you a few hundred dollars, but is less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for an ordinary key.
For older models with the standard key you'll have to visit an automotive locksmith and get 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 comes across your old keys will not be able to use them to rob your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free of valuable objects that thieves might want to be looking to steal. If you have a satellite navigation system or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in your boot or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it is more difficult for thieves to get access to it.