It's The Ugly Truth About Car Stolen Without Key
It's The Ugly Truth About Car Stolen Without Key
Blog Article
Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
When a local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice last year, he started investigating the incident on the internet. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to record the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less when they are working in pairs.
What happens if you misplace your keys?
It is frustrating to lose your keys. It can make it difficult to get around and can also put the security of your office or home at risk. It doesn't matter if accidentally drop your items down the sink, or if you lose them in a subway vehicle. You need to know what to do with them to ensure they don't end up in the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys, the first thing you should do is call your insurance company as well as the police. Many people are surprised that their insurance covers the cost of a lockout if keys are stolen or lost. It's important to get this done as soon as possible because if you don't, somebody else could be using your keys to gain entry to your car or home.
After calling the police and your insurance agent, the next step is to get in touch with an locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly and efficiently, without damaging your property. This will save you lots of time and money, particularly if you're in a rush. The locksmith might need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and take an impression of the internal components. The lock will then be transported to a second store and a duplicate will be made. This is a fast process that costs less than $30 for multiple locks.
You may need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram a smart key. You will require proof of ownership to get a replacement for the car key. In this instance you may require your license and vehicle identification number along with you.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend so they can let you into the house should you lose it. You could also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you a new set of keys and keep them in a place that is safe, such as the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the near future and protect them from thieves who tend to look for keys in obvious locations like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What do you have to do?
If your car is taken without the key, it's crucial to act quickly. Inform the police immediately and get a copy of their report to record the incident. Inform your local department of motor vehicles if you haven’t already. 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.
Install a tracking device in your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, similar to AirTags made by Apple transmit an alert to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (like your car). You can track the location of your car in real-time using the app on your smartphone. You may also want to consider tracking systems that are less expensive from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to consider is getting a new set of keys. Depending on the brand of your vehicle you might need to get the chips or barrels re-keyed. This will stop previous owners accessing the vehicle. This can be costly, and could require you to get a second set of keys for backup purposes. You should also look over your car insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which typically includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to prevent a situation such as this is to make sure you don't leave valuables in your car, and to keep your spare key away from your home. Also making a mark of the last seven numbers of your VIN on your windows, headlights and mirrors can help deter thieves from attempting to alter the identity of your car. In addition, if you live in a region with a high rate of crime It is worth asking businesses near where your car was stolen to find out whether they have security cameras that may have caught the theft on video. If you find your stolen vehicle then you should contact your local locksmith to learn how to secure your vehicle and to store spare keys.
How do you report a car that has been stolen?
If you find that your car is missing first thing you need to do is call the police department in your area to inform them of the theft. You'll learn what forms and procedures you have to follow, depending on local laws. 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 your vehicle's information available when you call the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate, a description of the vehicle and any receipts from upgrade or service. You may also be required to prove you're the registered owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright or insurance card. Many insurance companies will let you view the details of your policy online in the event that you don't have them in your possession.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, because it increases the chances of it being recovered. By reporting it right away, you allow police to gather potential evidence (such a security camera or witness statement) sooner than later.
The act of reporting the theft right away will also prevent the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or registration of the vehicle under their name. You can contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing proof of your identity and residency.
If your vehicle is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto policy should be able to cover the damages minus the deductible. It is essential to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
You should also notify the lender if you've purchased or lease your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have an interest in the financial condition of the vehicle, which is the reason they must be informed of any losses. Failure to notify them could result in legal action or financial penalties.
How do you return your car?
Police should be informed immediately if a car has been stolen without a working key. This will help them locate the vehicle and identify the perpetrators. The information you provide about your vehicle in national and state databases makes it more difficult for thieves to sell the vehicle.
If you've filed a report, it's a good idea to let your insurance provider also know. If you have comprehensive insurance you can have them open an insurance claim to pay for any damages or compensation for losses that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
You should also inform your leasing or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to connect with your insurance provider and get the necessary details including whether they'll be able cancel any car payments or even repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you have a here smart-key or a model that has an electronic key fob then your best bet is to go to the dealership for your particular make of car and get it replaced electronically. It will cost you a few hundred dollars but will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for a standard key.
You'll have to take older models with standard keys to an auto locksmith, and then have the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. This can be quite expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who has the keys you have had previously will not be in a position to steal your car.
It's important to keep the inside of your car clean and free of valuable objects that could be a target for thieves. Consider storing your sat-nav or mobile in the boot of your car or in a hidden compartment beneath the floormats. Do not put valuables in the glove compartment as it will be easier for thieves to gain access.