13 Things You Should Know About Car Stolen Without Key That You Might Not Have Known
13 Things You Should Know About Car Stolen Without Key That You Might Not Have Known
Blog Article
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 utilize a relay amplifier to capture the signal. They work in pairs and can rob the car in as short as 60 seconds.
What happens if you lose your keys?
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can make it difficult to get around, and could also put the security of your office or home at risk. If you accidentally drop them down the sink or slip them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what to do in the event of this happening to ensure that your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
The first step to take in the event that you lose your keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are amazed that their insurance company will cover the cost of a lockout if keys are stolen or lost. This should be done as soon as possible because someone else could use your keys to gain access to your car or home If you don't take care.
After contacting the police and your insurance agent the next step is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith professional can unlock your lock quickly, easily and without damaging your property. This will help you save time and money, particularly when you're in a hurry. The locksmith will have to utilize their tools to unlock the locks and then make an impression on the internal components. The impression will be sent to a different shop where a new key will be made. This is a simple procedure that will cost less than $30 for a set of locks.
If you own a smart key, you may need to call your dealer or an automotive locksmith to get it changed. This is because you need to show proof of ownership of the vehicle for the replacement of the key. In this instance you might need to have your license and your vehicle identification number on hand.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend so they can let you into the house if you lose it. You can also have your locksmith cut you new keys and keep them in a place that is secure, like the office or garage. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future, and protect them from thieves who are more likely to look for keys in obvious places like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
It is crucial to act immediately if your vehicle is stolen and you don't have keys. Notify the police as soon as you can, and obtain a copy of the police report to keep. Notify your department of motor vehicles if you haven’t already. They'll add your vehicle to the database of stolen vehicles which makes it harder for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
Install a tracking device in your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, such as AirTags made by Apple transmit signals 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 using your smartphone's app. You may also want to consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another option is buying a new set of keys. Depending on the make of your vehicle it is possible to have the chips or barrels replaced with keys. This will prevent previous owners accessing the vehicle. This could be costly and you may need to buy a second set of keys. Check your auto insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid this type of situation is to ensure that you are keeping valuables out of your vehicle and keep the spare key from your home. Also engraving the last seven digits of your VIN on your headlights, windows, and mirrors will deter thieves from attempting to change the identity of your vehicle. If you live in an area with a high rate of crime location, ask nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that may have caught the theft. If you recover your vehicle that was stolen it is recommended that you consult your local locksmith to determine how to lock your car and to store spare keys.
How do you report a car that was stolen?
When you realize your car has been stolen, the first thing you need to do is call your local police department to make a report. You'll learn about the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, based on local laws. You'll be given an incident number, which you can present to your insurance company for an insurance claim.
Have all of the information about your vehicle on hand when you contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate number as well as a description of the vehicle and any receipts from service or upgrades. You might be asked to provide your copyright or insurance card to prove you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many companies will permit you to access the policy's details online even if you don't have these documents available.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, because it increases the chances of it being recovered. In addition notifying it immediately allows the police to collect any evidence that could be relevant (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft as soon as possible is that it helps prevent the thief from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing evidence of your identity and where you live.
If your car is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy should cover the damages minus the deductible. This is why it's important to inform your insurance company as quickly as possible.
You must also inform the lender if you've purchased or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they need to be informed of any losses. In the event of not being notified, it could result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do I return my car?
The police should be notified as soon as possible when a vehicle is taken without a functioning key. This will enable them to locate the vehicle and also catch the culprits. The information about your vehicle in national and state databases makes it harder for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.
Once you've filed a police report, it's a good idea to let your insurance company know 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 while the vehicle was in the thief's possession.
In addition, you should also let your leasing company or lender know that the vehicle was stolen. This website will enable them to contact your insurance company to find out the details and whether they have the right to cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you own a smart key, or a newer model that has an electronic key fob then your best bet is to visit the dealership that sells the specific model of your car and have it replaced electronically. This is going to cost you around a few hundred dollars, but it will be less expensive than changing the locks and ignition for the standard turn-key.
You'll need to take older models with standard keys to an auto locksmith, and have both the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. This can be costly however it will ensure that anyone who receives the keys you have had previously will not be able to use them to steal your car.
It's important to keep the interior of your car free of valuable items that could be targeted by thieves. You could consider storing your sat-nav and mobile in the boot of your car, or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. You should also avoid putting valuables in the glove compartment, since this can be tempting for thieves to open.