Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local resident began researching online. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to copy the key fob's signal to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less when they work in pairs.
What happens if I misplace my keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. It can be a challenge to get around, and could also put the safety of your office or home at risk. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your items down the sink or get them lost in a subway vehicle. You need to know what to do about them to ensure they don't get into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys the first thing to do is contact your insurance company and the police. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they're stolen or lost. It's crucial to have this done as soon as possible because if you don't, someone else could use your keys to gain access to your home or vehicle.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after contacting your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly, effortlessly and without damaging your property. This can save you lots of time and money, especially when you're in a hurry. The locksmith will have to use their tools to open the locks and leave an impression on the internal components. The lock will then be taken to a second shop and a duplicate will be made. This process is usually quick and won't cost you much more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
You might need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to re-program the smart key. This is because you need to prove ownership of the car in order to replace the key. You might need your copyright and identification number for your vehicle in this instance.
If you have a spare key, 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 local locksmith cut you new keys that you can store in a secure location such as your garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future, and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely to search for keys in obvious locations such as under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do?
It is crucial to act immediately if your vehicle is stolen and you don't have keys. Inform the police immediately and request an official copy of their report to keep for your records. If you haven't done so 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 else to register your vehicle as theirs.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple will send a signal to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). You can track the location of your car in real-time using the app on your smartphone. There are other, more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth a look.
Another thing to consider is getting new keys. Depending on your car make, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed, which will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be expensive, and could require you to buy a second set keys to be used as backup. It is also advisable to look over your car insurance policy to determine whether you car key stolen what do i do have comprehensive coverage, which typically covers more than just 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 from 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 an area with a high rate of crime area, ask businesses nearby if they have surveillance cameras that might have captured the theft. If you are able to recover your stolen car, you should contact your local locksmith to get assistance on how to store your spare keys and lock up your vehicle.
How do you report an auto that has been stolen?
The first thing you need to do when you realize that your vehicle was taken is to call the local police station and make a report. You'll learn about the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, based on local laws. They'll also give you an incident number that you can pass on to your insurance company to submit an insurance claim.
If you contact the police, have all your vehicle information ready, including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car, and any receipts for upgrades or service. You might be asked to provide your copyright or auto insurance card to prove you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. If you don't have these documents businesses, many allow you to access your policy details online and will provide this information for you.
It is essential to report your vehicle as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being recovered. By reporting it right away, you allow police to gather evidence (such a security video or witness statement) earlier rather than later.
Another reason to report the theft right away is that it helps prevent the criminal from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle in their name. You can do this by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing documents proving your identity and residence.
If your car is discovered and it's damaged during the process of recovery, the comprehensive portion of your insurance should cover the damages - minus the deductible. This is why it's crucial to report the theft to your insurance company as soon as you can.
If you leased or financed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft, too. They are considered lienholders and have an investment in the vehicle. This is why they should be notified about any losses. Failure to notify them could result in legal action or financial penalties.
How do I return my 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 enable them to track down the vehicle, and also catch the culprits. The information you provide on your vehicle's state and national databases will make it more difficult for the thieves to sell it.
Once you've filed a police report, it's an excellent idea to notify your insurance provider be aware of the incident as well. If you have comprehensive insurance you can have them open claims on your behalf to pay for any damages or compensation for losses that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
In addition, you must also let your lease or lender be aware that the vehicle has been stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and determine the correct information if needed and include whether or not they'll be able to cancel any payments on the car or even take it back if it's not returned.
If you have a smart-key or a newer model with an electronic key fob then your best bet is to visit the dealership for the specific model of your car and request that it be replaced electronically. This could cost you a couple of hundred dollars however it is cheaper than changing the ignition and locks for a standard turn-key.
For older models that use keys that are standard you'll need to visit an auto locksmith to have both the keys and the barrels (the part that is inserted into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however, you can be sure that anyone who discovers the keys that were previously used will not be able to use them to steal your vehicle.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free of valuable items that thieves might want to be looking to steal. If you have a satellite nav or mobile phone in your car, you should consider keeping them in your trunk or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it will be easier for thieves to open.