Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do

A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just twice, but three times in the past year, he began looking into the crime on the internet. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.

Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less when they work in pairs.

What happens if you misplace your keys?

The loss of keys is one of the most stressful things you could do. It can be difficult to find them and could put your office or home in danger. It doesn't matter if accidentally drop your items down the sink or get them lost in a subway vehicle. It is important to know what to do about them to ensure that they don't get into the wrong hands.

If you lose your keys first thing you should do is call your insurance company and police. Many people are shocked to discover that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they're stolen or lost. This should be done as soon as you can since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain entry to your home or car If you don't take care.

After calling the police and your insurance company The next step is to get in touch with locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly and efficiently, without damaging your property. This can save your time and money when you are in a hurry. The locksmith must make use of their tools to open the locks and make an impression on the internal components. The lock is then taken to a second shop and a duplicate will be made. The process is usually fast and shouldn't cost much 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. This is because you will need to have proof of ownership of the vehicle to be able to replace the key. In this case you may need to have your license and the number of your vehicle identification along with you.

If you have an extra key, you can give it to a friend or family member so that they can allow you access if they lose yours. You can also request that your locksmith cut you new keys, which you can keep in a secure place, like the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the near future and protect them from thieves who tend to search for keys in obvious spots such as 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 quickly. Notify the police as soon as you can, and request a copy of the police report to keep. Inform your department of motor vehicles if you haven’t already done so. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it harder for anyone else to register your vehicle as their own.

Install a tracker in your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, like AirTags manufactured by Apple, transmit an alert to your iPhone when they're close to an Apple product (like your car). This lets you view the location of your vehicle in real-time via the app on your phone. There are also more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that are worth a look.

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, which will stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly and you may have to buy a second set of keys. Check your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically includes more than collision and liability.

The best method to avoid a situation like this is to be diligent in not leaving valuables in your vehicle and keep the spare key out of your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits of your number on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in a crime-prone location, ask nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that might have caught the theft. If you're able to locate your vehicle that was stolen and you are able to do so, you should contact your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store your spare keys and lock your vehicle.

How do you report a stolen car?

The first thing you need to do when you find that your vehicle has been taken is to contact the local police station and report it. You'll learn what forms and procedures you need to follow, depending on the local laws. You'll be given an incident number, which you can present to your insurance company for an insurance claim.

If you contact the police, have all your vehicle's information available including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the vehicle, and any receipts for upgrades or service. You may be asked to show your driver's licence or auto insurance card as proof that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. If you don't have these documents, many companies allow you to access your policy information 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 reclaimed. In addition making the report immediately allows the police to collect any evidence they can (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.

Reporting the theft immediately will also stop the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or making it registered under their own name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state, and provide proof of your residence and identity.

If your car is recovered and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should be able to cover the damages, less the deductible. This is why it's important to report the theft to your insurance company as quickly as possible.

If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft, too. They are considered lienholders, and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they must be notified about any losses. Legal penalties or financial penalties could be imposed if you fail to notify them.

How do I get my car back?

If a vehicle is stolen without a key the most important thing to do is to report it to police as soon as possible. This will help them find the vehicle and also catch the culprits. The information about your car in state and national databases makes it more difficult for thieves to steal the website vehicle.

After you've filed a police report, it's also a good idea to let your insurance provider also know. If you have a comprehensive policy you can file a claim on your behalf to get compensated for the loss of the vehicle or to cover any damage that may have occurred while it was in a thief's possession.

In addition, you should not forget to inform your leasing company or lender know that the vehicle has been stolen. This will enable them to connect with your insurance company and work out the necessary details and include whether or not they'll be able to revoke any car payments or even take it back if it's not returned.

If you have a smart key or a model with an electronic key fob, then the best option is to visit the auto dealership for the model you have and get it replaced electronically. It will cost a couple hundred dollars, but it will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for an ordinary key.

For older models that use keys that are standard, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith and get both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It can be expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who gets your old keys won't be in a position to steal your car.

It's important to keep the interior of your car free of valuable items that could be a target for thieves. If you have a sat navigator or mobile phone in your car, you should consider placing them in the trunk or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove compartment as it is easier for thieves to get access to it.