What's The Ugly Truth About Car Stolen Without Key
What's The Ugly Truth About Car Stolen Without Key
Blog Article
Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident was able to have his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not just once, but twice last year, he started investigating the incident on the internet. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to replicate the key fob's signal to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less when they work in pairs.
What happens if you misplace your keys?
It's a pain to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to move around and could also put the safety of your home or office at risk. It doesn't matter if accidentally drop your items down the sink or get them lost in a subway car. You must be aware of the best ways 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 as well as the police. Many people are surprised to find that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith in the event that they are lost or stolen. This should be done immediately because someone else could use your keys to gain access to your home or car if it's not done.
After contacting the police and your insurance agent the next step is to call an locksmith. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly and easily, without damaging your property. This can save you a lot of time and money, particularly if you're in a rush. The locksmith may have to employ his tools to unlock the lock and make impressions of the internal components. The lock is then taken to a second shop, where a duplicate will be made. The process is usually fast and won't cost you much more than $30 if you own more than one lock.
If you own a smart key, you may have to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it reset. This is because you'll need to have proof of the ownership of the vehicle to be able to replace the key. You may require your license and vehicle identification numbers in this case.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a friend or family member to let you in if you lose yours. You can also have your locksmith cut you new keys that you can store in a secure location such as your garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future and keep them safer from thieves who are more likely to search for keys in obvious locations, like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do?
If your vehicle is stolen without the key, it's crucial to act quickly. Contact the police as soon as you can, and request a copy of the police report to keep. Inform your local department of motor vehicles if you haven't done so already. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it difficult for anyone to claim your vehicle as their own.
Install a tracker in your vehicle if you can. These devices, similar to AirTags manufactured by Apple send a signal to your iPhone when they're within range of an Apple product (like your car). You can see the location of your car in real time using the app on your smartphone. You may also want to look into tracking systems that are more affordable from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to consider is getting new keys. Depending on your car make it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed. This will stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly, and may require you to purchase a second set of keys to be used as backup. It is also advisable to examine your insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive coverage, which usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to prevent an event like this is to not leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare key away from your home. You can also deter thieves by writing the last seven digits of your number on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in a high-crime area, inquire with nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that could have caught the theft. If you're able to recover your stolen car, you should contact your local locksmith for assistance on how to store your spare keys and lock your vehicle.
How do you report a car that has been stolen?
If you find that your car has been stolen, the first step is contact your local police department to inform them of the theft. They'll inform you which forms you'll have to fill out and the procedures you must follow, depending on the laws that apply to your area. They'll also give you an incident number you can pass to your insurance company in order to file an insurance claim.
If you contact the police, be sure to have all your vehicle information ready including the VIN, license plate, description of the vehicle, and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may be asked to show your driver's licence or auto insurance card as proof that you are the registered owner. Many companies will permit you to access the details of your policy online if you don't have them available.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, since it increases the chance of it being found. By reporting it right away, you allow the police to collect potential evidence (such security camera or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft right away is that it stops the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your 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 car is recovered and damaged the comprehensive coverage under your auto policy should cover the damages, less the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to report the theft to your insurance company as soon as possible.
If you've leased or borrowed your vehicle, be sure to inform the lender of the theft too. They are considered lienholders and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they need to be informed of any losses. Failure to do so can result in legal action or financial penalties.
How do you return your car?
Police should be informed immediately when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will help them track down the vehicle and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on national and state databases will also make it much harder for the thieves to sell it.
It's a good idea, after you've filed the police report, to notify your insurance company. If you have insurance that is comprehensive you can file a claim for you to cover any damages or compensation for losses that occurred when the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
In addition, you should not forget to inform your lease or lender know that the car has been stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and work out the necessary details, including whether or not they'll be able to cancel any of the payments due on the vehicle or take steps to repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you have a smart-key or a newer model with an electronic key fob then the best option is to more info visit the dealership that sells your particular make of car and have it replaced electronically. It could cost a couple hundred dollars, but it is less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks with the standard key.
You'll need to take older models that have standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and have both the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. It can be expensive however, you can be sure that anyone who comes across the keys that were previously used will not be able to steal the vehicle.
It's important to keep the inside of your car free of valuable items that might be a target for thieves. Consider storing your sat-nav or mobile in the trunk of your car, or in a hidden compartment under the floormats. Avoid putting valuables in the glove box as it will be easier for thieves to gain access.