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 researching the crime online. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to steal the signal from key fobs to steal cars without even touching them.

Crooks use relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They work in pairs and can rob a car in as little as 60 seconds.

What happens if you lose your keys?

Losing your keys is among of the most stressful things you can do. It can be a challenge to get around and can also put the safety of your home or office at risk. If you accidentally drop them down the sink or drop them on a subway train, it's important to be aware of what to do in the event of this happening so that your property isn't in the wrong hands.

The first thing you should do if you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised to learn that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith if they're stolen or lost. It's important to get this done as soon as possible because if you don't, someone else may use your keys to gain entry to your home or vehicle.

After contacting the police and your insurance company, the next step is to call locksmith. A locksmith who is experienced can open your lock quickly and easily, without damaging your property. This will save your time and money when you are in the midst of a rush. The locksmith may need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and take an impression of the internal components. The lock is then taken to a second shop, where a duplicate will be made. This process is usually simple and won't cost you more than $30 if you have more than one lock.

If you have a smart key, you might need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to have it reprogrammed. This is because you will need to prove ownership of the car to be able to replace the key. You may need your license and vehicle identification numbers in this case.

Give your spare key to someone in your family or a friend to let you into the house If you lose it. You can also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you new keys and keep them in a place that is safe, such as in the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future and protect them from thieves who are more likely to search for keys in obvious places like under a planter or in the mailbox.

What can you do?

If your car is stolen without keys, it is important to act swiftly. Notify the police as soon as you can, and obtain a copy of the police report for your records. Inform your local department of motor vehicles if you haven’t already. They'll add your vehicle to the state's database of stolen vehicles making it more difficult for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.

Install a tracking device in your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, like AirTags made by Apple transmit signals to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (like your car). You can view the location of your car in real-time via your smartphone's app. You might also consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.

Another option is getting new keys. Based on the make of your car you may have to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed. This will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be costly, and may require that you purchase a second set of keys to be used as backup. Check your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically includes more than collision and liability.

The best way to prevent an incident like this is to ensure that you do not leave valuables in your car, and to keep your spare key far away from your house. You can also deter thieves by engraving the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in a crime-prone area, ask businesses nearby whether they have surveillance cameras that may have captured the theft. If you're able to retrieve your car that was stolen, you should contact your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store your spare keys and lock up your vehicle.

How do you report an automobile that was taken?

If you discover that your vehicle has been stolen first thing you need to do is call the police department in your area to report it. You'll be taught the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, based on local laws. They'll also give you an incident number that you can forward to your insurance company to submit claims.

Have all of your vehicle's information available in case you need to contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate number, a description of the vehicle, and any receipts for service or upgrades. You might be asked to present your driver's license or auto insurance card as proof that you are the registered owner. If you don't have these handy numerous companies permit you to access your policy details online and will provide this information to you.

It is crucial to report your car as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being found. Additionally, reporting it right away allows the police to collect any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.

Another reason to report the theft immediately is that it stops the thief from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your vehicle in their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state, and provide proof of your residence and identity.

If your car is discovered and damaged in the process of recovering, the comprehensive portion of your insurance should cover the damages - minus the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to report the theft to your insurance company as quickly 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 investment in the vehicle. This is why they should be informed of any losses. In the event of not being notified, it could result in financial penalties or legal action.

How do I get my car back?

Police should be informed immediately if a car has been taken without a functioning key. This will enable them to find the vehicle and also catch the culprits. The information about your car 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 also an excellent idea to notify your insurance provider also know. If you have insurance that is comprehensive 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 criminal's possession.

It is also necessary to inform your leasing company or lender that the get more info vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company to find out the details, including whether they can cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle if it's not returned.

If you own an electronic key fob or a smart key that is a newer model, you'll need to drive your vehicle to the dealer of the brand you're using and get your key replaced electronically. It will cost a couple hundred dollars, but it will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for the standard key.

For older models that use the standard key you'll have to visit an automotive locksmith to have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It can be expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who has your old keys won't be able to use them to steal your car.

It's also a good idea to keep the interior of your vehicle clean and free of any valuable items that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a sat navigation system or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in the boot or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box as it will be easier for thieves to get access to it.