Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice last year, he started researching the crime online. He found that thieves could duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks utilize a relay amplifier to record the signal. They work in pairs and can steal cars in as little as 60 minutes.
What happens if I lose my keys?
The loss of keys is one of the most frustrating things you can do. It can be a challenge to get around, and could also put the security of your home or office at risk. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your items down the sink, or lose them in a subway car. You must be aware of the best ways to take care of them to ensure that they don't get into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys the first thing to do is contact your insurance company as well as the police. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a lockout should keys are stolen or lost. It's crucial to have this done in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, someone else could be using your keys to gain access to your car or home.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after making contact with your insurance company and the police. A locksmith professional can open your lock quickly, efficiently and without damaging your property. This will save you time and money if you are in a hurry. The locksmith must make use of their tools to open the locks and make impressions on the internal components. This impression is then taken to a different location where a duplicate key will be made. This is a quick procedure that will cost less than $30 for several locks.
If you own a smart key, you may have to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it changed. You will require proof of ownership to replace the car keys. You may need your license and identification number for your vehicle in this case.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend to allow you in the house If you lose it. You could also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you new keys and store them somewhere safe, such as in the office or garage. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future and keep them safer from thieves who tend to look for keys in obvious locations such as under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do?
It's crucial to act quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have the key. Notify the police as soon as you can, and obtain an official copy of the police report to keep. If you haven't yet notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll include your vehicle in the state's database of stolen cars, making it more difficult for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, like AirTags from Apple, send a signal to your iPhone whenever they're close to an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you see the location of your car in real-time through your phone app. There are cheaper tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth a look.
A new set of keys is a different thing to consider. Based on the model of your vehicle you might need to get the chips or barrels replaced with keys. This will block previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This can be costly and may require you to buy a second set keys for backup purposes. Also, you should look over your car insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage, which typically will cover more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid this type of situation is to be diligent in not storing valuables in your vehicle and to keep the spare key out of your home. You can also deter thieves by writing the last seven digits on your headlights, windows and mirrors. If you live in a high-crime area, inquire with nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that may have captured the theft. If you're able retrieve your car that was stolen and you are able to do so, you should contact your local locksmith to get assistance on how to store your spare keys and secure your vehicle.
How do you report a stolen vehicle?
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 about the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, deactivate stolen car key fob depending on the local laws. They'll also provide you with an incident number you can pass on to your insurance company to file an insurance claim.
Have all of the information about your vehicle on hand when you contact the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate as well as a description of the vehicle, and any receipts for upgrades or service. 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, many companies allow you to access your policy information online and can provide this information to you.
It's important to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being located. Reporting it immediately allows the police to collect potential evidence (such security camera or witness statement) earlier rather than later.
Reporting the theft immediately will also stop the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or making it registered under their own 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 recovered and damaged, the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy should cover the damage - less the deductible. This is why it's important to inform your insurance company as quickly as possible.
If you have leased or financed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft, too. They are considered lienholders and have an investment in the vehicle, which is the reason they must be notified of any losses. Legal penalties or financial penalties may be taken in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do you return your car?
Police should be informed immediately if a car has been stolen without a working key. This will help them find the vehicle and catch the culprits. The information you provide on your vehicle's the national and state databases will also make it much harder for the thieves to sell it.
Once you've filed a police report, it's recommended to inform your insurance company be aware of the incident as well. If you have comprehensive insurance, they can open an insurance claim to pay for any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred when the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
In addition, you should not forget to inform your lender or lease company be aware that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company to find 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 a smart key that is a more recent model, you should drive your vehicle to a dealership of the brand you're using and have your key replaced electronically. This will cost you a couple hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks to a standard turn-key.
For older models that use the standard key, you'll need to visit an automotive locksmith and have both the keys and barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It's costly however you'll be certain that anyone who finds your old keys won't be able to rob your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free of valuable objects that thieves could target. If you have a satellite navigator or mobile phone in your car, you should consider keeping them in your trunk or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables into the glove compartment as it is easier for thieves to get access to it.