The Ultimate Guide To Car Stolen Without Key
The Ultimate Guide To Car Stolen Without Key
Blog Article
Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local resident began to research online. He found that thieves could duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to record the signal. They work in pairs and are able to steal cars in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if I misplace my keys?
The loss of keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. It can be difficult to get around, and it can also put your office or home in danger. Whether you accidentally drop them into the sink or slip them on a subway train, it's important to be aware of what to do if this happens so that your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys first thing to do is contact your insurance company and the police. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance covers the cost of a lockout should keys are stolen or lost. This should be done as soon as possible because someone else could use your keys to gain access into 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 professional can unlock your lock quickly, efficiently and without damaging your property. This can save you a lot of time and money, especially if you're in a rush. The locksmith may have to use his tools to open the lock and make an impression of the internal components. The lock will then be transferred to a different shop and a duplicate will be made. This is a fast process that will cost you less than $30 for several locks.
If you have a Smart key, you may need to contact your dealer or an automotive locksmith to get it reprogrammed. This is because you will need to prove ownership of the car to be able to replace the key. You might need your copyright or vehicle identification numbers in this instance.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend to allow you into the house should you lose it. You can also have your local locksmith cut you new keys that you can keep in a secure place such as your garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future and keep them safer from thieves who are more likely to look for keys in obvious places like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do?
If your car is taken without a key, it's important to act swiftly. Contact the police immediately and request the report to keep for your records. Also, if you haven't done so already notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it more difficult for anyone to claim your vehicle as their own.
Install a tracking device in your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, such as AirTags manufactured by Apple, transmit a signal to your iPhone when they're near 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 less expensive from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is a different thing to consider. Depending on the brand of your car it is possible to get the chips or barrels replaced with keys. This will stop previous owners accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive, and could require you to purchase a second set of keys to backup your needs. Also, you should examine your insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which typically will cover 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 far away from your home. Also making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on your headlights, windows and mirrors will stop thieves from attempting to change the identity of your car. In addition, if you live in an area that has a high rate of crime, it's worth asking businesses in the area where your vehicle was stolen to determine if they have security cameras that could have caught the theft on camera. If you find the vehicle you lost, you should consult your local locksmith to learn how to lock your car and store spare keys.
How do you report a car that has been stolen?
If you find that your car has been stolen the first thing you need to do is call your local police department to report it. They'll be able tell you what forms you'll need to fill out and the procedures you must follow, depending on the laws in your area. You'll be given an incident number which you can provide to your insurance company when you want to make claims.
Make sure you have all the information about your vehicle on hand when you contact the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate and a description of your vehicle and any receipts from service or upgrades. You may also be required to prove that you're the registered owner of the vehicle by providing your copyright or insurance card. If you don't have these documents numerous companies permit you to access your policy information online and can provide this information for you.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, since it increases the chance of it being found. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather evidence (such security camera or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it will also stop the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registering it under their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting evidence of your identity and residency.
If your car is found and damaged during the process of recovery the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should cover the damages - minus the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
It is also important to notify the lender if you've financed or lease your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an investment in the vehicle, which is the reason they must be informed of any losses. Legal penalties or financial penalties may be taken if you fail to notify them.
How do you get your car back?
Police should be informed immediately when a vehicle is taken without a functioning key. This will allow them to track down the vehicle and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on the national and state databases will also make it harder for the thieves to sell it.
It's a good idea, after you've filed the police report, to notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive coverage, they'll be able to initiate a claim on your behalf to get compensated for the loss of your vehicle or to cover any damage that might have occurred when it was in a thief's possession.
In addition, you should not forget to inform your lender or lease company know that the vehicle has been stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and work out the details and whether they have the right to stop any payments or repossess the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you have a smart-key, or a newer model that has an electronic key fob the best option is to go to the auto dealership for your particular make of car and request that it be replaced electronically. It will cost you a couple hundred dollars but it's less expensive than changing the ignition and locks to an ordinary turn-key.
For older models that use the standard key, you'll need to click here visit an auto locksmith and have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that goes into the lock) changed. It's costly however, you can be sure that anyone who discovers the keys that were previously used will not be able to use them to rob your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free from valuable items that thieves might want to be looking to steal. You might want to store your sat-nav or mobile in the boot of your vehicle or in a hidden compartment beneath the floor mats. You should also avoid putting any valuables in your glove box as this will be more tempting for thieves to open.