Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice during the past year, a local resident began researching online. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to steal the key fob's signal to steal cars without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.
What happens if you lose your keys?
The loss of keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. It can be a challenge to find them, and it can also put your office or home in danger. Whether you accidentally drop them down the sink or drop them on the subway train, it's crucial to be aware of what you should do if this happens so that your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
The first step to take if you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to find that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith in the event that they're stolen or lost. It's important to have this done as soon as possible because if you don't, someone else could use your keys to gain access to your car or home.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following contacting your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith can unlock your lock quickly, easily and without causing damage to your property. This can save you lots of time and money, particularly if you're in a rush. The locksmith must make use of their tools to open the locks and then make impressions on the internal components. The impression will be sent to a different location where a new key will be made. This process is usually simple and shouldn't cost more than $30 if you own more than one lock.
You may have to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram a smart key. You will require proof of ownership to get a replacement for the car key. You might need your copyright and identification number for your vehicle in this instance.
If you have a spare key, offer it to a friend or family member to allow you access if they lose yours. You could also have your locksmith cut you a new set of keys and keep them in a place that is secure, like the office or garage. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future, and protect them from thieves who are more likely to look for keys in obvious locations, like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What do you have to do?
If your car is taken without keys, it is important to act quickly. Inform the police as quickly as you can, and request a copy of the police report for your records. Also, if you haven't already inform your local department of motor vehicles (DMV). Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it harder for anyone to claim your vehicle as their own.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple send a signal to your iPhone whenever they're close to an Apple product (such as your car). This allows you to view the location of your car in real time via your phone app. There are other, more affordable tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth a look.
Another thing to consider is purchasing new keys. Depending on the brand of your car it is possible to get the chips or barrels changed. This will prevent previous owners accessing the vehicle. This could be costly and you may have to buy a second set of keys. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically covers more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid a situation like this is to be vigilant about not leaving valuables in your vehicle and keep the spare key out of your home. You can also deter thieves by engraving the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in an area with high crime rates, it's worth asking businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to find out whether they have security cameras that may have captured the theft on camera. If you're able locate your vehicle that was stolen, you should contact your local locksmith for guidance on the best method to store the spare keys and secure your vehicle.
How do you report a car that has been taken?
The first thing you need to do when you discover that your vehicle has been seized is to contact your local police station and report it. They'll be able tell you any forms you'll need to fill out and the procedures you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your area. You'll be given an incident number that you can present to your insurance company in order to file 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 vehicle, and any receipts from service or upgrades. You may also be required to prove you're the owner of the vehicle by providing 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 provide this information for you.
It is essential to report your vehicle as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being found. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather potential evidence (such security video or witness statement) earlier rather than later.
The act of reporting the theft right away will also prevent the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registration of the vehicle under their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing documents proving your identity and residence.
If your car is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy should cover the damages, less the deductible. This is why it's crucial to report the theft to your insurance company as quickly as possible.
You should also notify the lender in case you financed or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an investment in the vehicle, which is why they must be informed of any losses. Legal action or financial penalties may be taken in the event that you fail to inform them.
How do I return my car?
If a vehicle is stolen without a key, the most important thing is to report it to police as soon as you can. This will help them track down the vehicle and identify the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on the national and state databases will make it harder for thieves to steal it.
It's a good idea, once you've filed the police report, to let your insurance company know. If you have comprehensive insurance they'll be able open an insurance claim on your behalf to be compensated for the loss of the vehicle or pay for any damages that may have occurred while it was in the thief's possession.
You should also inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company and work out the details, including whether they can cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle in case it's not returned.
If you have an electronic key fob or smart key that is a newer model, you'll need to drive your vehicle to the dealer of your particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It will cost a few hundred dollars, but will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for a standard key.
You'll need to take the older models with regular keys to an automotive locksmith, and then have the barrels and the keys (the part that here goes into the lock) replaced. It's costly however, you can be sure that anyone who finds your old keys will not be able to steal the vehicle.
It's also a good idea to keep the inside of your vehicle free of valuable items that could be a target for thieves. If you have a sat navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about keeping them in the boot or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. Also, avoid putting any valuables in your glove box because this could be attractive for thieves to take it out.