Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do

When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice in the past year, he began investigating the incident on the internet. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to replicate the signal from key fobs to steal cars without even touching them.

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

What happens if I lose my keys?

Losing your keys is one of the most stressful things you could do. It can be a challenge to get around, and could also put the safety of your home or office at risk. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your things in the sink, or if you lose them in a subway vehicle. It is important to know how to do about them to ensure that they don't fall into the wrong hands.

The first thing to do when you lose your keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith in the event that they're lost or stolen. This should be taken care of as soon as you can because someone else could use your keys to gain entry to your home or car in the event that you don't do it.

After contacting the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to get in touch with an locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your lock quickly, easily and without causing damage to your property. This will save your time and money when you are in the midst of a rush. The locksmith will need to utilize their tools to unlock 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 simple and won't cost you much more than $30 if you own more than one lock.

You might need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram an electronic key. This is because you need to prove ownership of the vehicle for the replacement of the key. You may require your license and vehicle identification numbers in this instance.

Give your spare key to someone in your family or a friend so they can let you into the house If you lose it. You can also have your locksmith cut new keys that you can store in a safe place such as your garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys and will keep them safe from thieves who are more likely than not to look for keys in a planter, under the mailbox or inside a mailbox.

What can you do to help?

If your vehicle is stolen without a key, it's important to act fast. Contact the police immediately and request a copy of their report 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 harder for anyone to claim your vehicle as their own.

If you can, have a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags created by Apple transmit signals to your iPhone when they're close to an Apple product (like your car). You can track the position of your car in real-time via your smartphone app. You may also want to consider tracking systems that are read more less expensive from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.

A new set of keys is another aspect to consider. Based on the make of your car it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced or the barrels re-keyed. This will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This could be costly and you may need to get a backup set of keys. It is also advisable to look over your car insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage, which usually will cover more than collision and liability.

The best way to avoid a situation like this is to be diligent in not storing valuables in your vehicle and to keep the spare key away from your home. Also making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on your headlights, windows, and mirrors can stop thieves from trying to alter the identity of your vehicle. If you live in a high-crime area, ask businesses nearby whether they have surveillance cameras that could have caught the theft. If you're able recover your stolen car, you should contact your local locksmith to get guidance on the best method to store the spare keys and lock up your vehicle.

How do you report a stolen car?

If you discover that your vehicle is missing first thing you need to do is contact your local police department to report it. You'll be taught the forms and procedures you need to follow, based on the local laws. They'll also provide an incident number that you can pass on to your insurance company in order to file a claim.

Make sure you have all the information about your vehicle on hand when you call the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate number and a description of your vehicle, and any receipts for service or upgrades. You may also be required to prove that you're the registered owner of the vehicle by providing your driver's license or auto insurance card. If you don't have these handy numerous companies permit you to access your policy information online and will provide this information for you.

You'll want to ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, because it increases the chance of it being reclaimed. Reporting it immediately allows police to gather evidence (such security camera or witness statement) sooner rather than later.

Another benefit of identifying the theft immediately is that it helps prevent the thief from fraudulously transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state, and provide proof of your address and identity.

If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy should cover the damages, less the deductible. It's vital to notify your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.

If you have leased or financed your vehicle, be sure to inform the lender of the theft as well. They are considered lienholders and have a financial interest in the vehicle, which is why they must be informed of any losses. In the event of not being notified, it could result in legal action or financial penalties.

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 possible. This will help them track down the vehicle, and also catch the culprits. The information about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it harder for thieves to steal the vehicle.

If you've filed a report, it's also a good idea to let your insurance company know as well. If you have comprehensive coverage, they'll be able to file a claim on your behalf to get compensated for the loss of your vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred while it was in the hands of a thief's possession.

It is also important to inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company to work out the details and whether they have the right to stop any payments or repossess the vehicle if it isn't returned.

If you have a smart key, or a newer model with an electronic key fob the best option is to go to the auto dealership for the specific model of your car and have it replaced electronically. This will cost you a couple of hundred dollars however it is less expensive than changing the locks and ignition for an ordinary turn-key.

For older models that use a standard key, you'll need to visit an automotive locksmith to have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that is inserted into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however it will ensure that anyone who receives your old keys won't be capable of using them to steal your car.

It's also a good idea to keep the interior of your car clean and free of valuable items that might be targeted by thieves. If you own a sat navigation system or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the boot or in a hidden compartment beneath the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables into the glove box as it will be easier for thieves to get access to it.