This Week's Most Popular Stories About Car Stolen Without Key
This Week's Most Popular Stories About Car Stolen Without Key
Blog Article
Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice in the past year, he began looking into the crime on the internet. He discovered a method for thieves to copy the signal from key fobs to steal cars without even touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to record the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they are working in pairs.
What happens if your keys?
It is frustrating to lose your keys. It can be difficult to get around and can put your office or home in danger. It doesn't matter whether you accidentally drop your things in the sink, or lose them in a subway car. You need to know what to do with them to ensure they don't fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys the first thing you should do is call your insurance company and police. Many people are surprised to discover that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith if they're lost or stolen. This should be taken care of immediately since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain access into your car or home if it's not done.
After contacting the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to contact an locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your lock quickly and efficiently, without damaging your property. This will save you money and time if you are in a hurry. The locksmith must use their tools to open the locks and then make an impression on the internal components. This will be taken to a different location where a duplicate key will be made. This is a simple process that costs less than $30 for several locks.
If you have a Smart key, you may have to contact your dealer or an automotive locksmith to have it changed. This is because you'll need to prove the ownership of the vehicle to be able to replace the key. In this case, you may require a license and your vehicle identification number on hand.
If you have a spare key, give it to a family or friend member so that they can let you in if you lose yours. You can also have your locksmith cut new keys which you can store in a safe place, like the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the near future and keep them safe from thieves who tend to search for keys in obvious spots, like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is taken without a key, it's important to act fast. Contact the police as soon as possible, and get an official copy of the police report for your records. Notify your department of motor vehicles in the event that you haven't yet. They'll include your vehicle in the state's database of stolen cars 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 manufactured by Apple, transmit a signal to your iPhone when they're close to an Apple product (like your car). You can view the position of your car in real-time via the app on your smartphone. You may also want to look into tracking systems that are more affordable from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is another aspect to consider. Depending on your car make, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed to stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly, and may require that you get a second set of keys to be used as backup. Check your auto insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically will cover more than collisions and liability.
The best way to avoid an incident like this is to not leave valuables in your car, and to keep your spare key away from your home. You can also deter thieves by writing the last seven digits of your number on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in an area with a high rate of crime area, inquire with nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that may have caught the theft. If you're able locate your vehicle that was stolen and you are able to do so, you should contact your local locksmith for guidance on the best method to store your spare keys and lock up your vehicle.
How do you report a stolen car?
The first thing you need to do when you discover that your vehicle was taken is to contact the local police station and report it. They'll be able tell you which forms you'll have to fill out and processes you have to follow, based on the laws in your region. You'll receive an incident number, which you can present to your insurance company for a claim.
If you are called by the police, make sure you have all your vehicle's information available, including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car, and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may be asked to present your driver's licence or auto insurance card to prove that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many companies will permit you to access the details of your policy online even if you don't have these documents available.
It's important to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chance of it being found. Additionally notifying it immediately permits the police to gather any evidence that could be relevant (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft right away is that it prevents the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registration of your vehicle in their name. You can contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting documents proving your identity and residence.
If your car is found and it's damaged during the process read more of recovery the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should be able to cover the damage - minus the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft, too. They are considered lienholders and hold an interest in the financial condition of the vehicle, which is why they must be informed of any losses. In the event of not being notified, it could result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do you return your car?
The police should be notified as soon as possible in the event that a vehicle has been taken without a functioning key. This will allow them to find the vehicle and identify the perpetrators. The information about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it harder for thieves to steal the vehicle.
It's a good idea after you've filed the police report, to let your insurance company know. If you have insurance that is comprehensive, they can open a claim for you to pay for any damages, or compensation for the loss that occurred while the vehicle was in the criminal's possession.
You should also inform your lender or leasing company that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company to work out the details including whether they are able to stop 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 newer model, you'll need to drive your vehicle to the dealer of the 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 the standard key.
You'll need to take the older models that have standard keys to an auto locksmith, and then have the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. It's expensive however you'll be certain that anyone who finds your old keys won't be able to use them to steal the vehicle.
It's important to keep the interior of your car clean and free of any valuable items that could be targeted by thieves. If you own a sat navigation system or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in your trunk or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Also, avoid putting valuables in the glove compartment, because this could be tempting for thieves to open.