The Main Problem With Car Stolen Without Key And How To Fix It
The Main Problem With Car Stolen Without Key And How To Fix It
Blog Article
Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice last year, he began researching the crime online. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.
Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less when they work in pairs.
What happens if your keys?
Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. 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 you accidentally drop your items down the sink, or lose them in a subway vehicle. You need to know how to do about them to ensure they don't get into the wrong hands.
The first thing you should do in the event that 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 lockout if keys are stolen or lost. This should be taken care of as soon as you can since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain entry to your home or car in the event that you don't do it.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after calling your insurance agent and the police. A locksmith professional can unlock your lock quickly, easily and without damaging your property. This can save you a lot of time and money, especially when you're in a hurry. The locksmith will have to utilize their tools to unlock the locks and then make an impression on the internal components. This impression is then taken to another shop where a duplicate key will be made. This is a fast process that will cost you less than $30 for a set of locks.
If you have a Smart key, you may have to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to have it reset. You will require proof of ownership to get a replacement for the car key. In this case, you may require your license and vehicle identification number on hand.
If you have a spare key, offer it to a family or friend member so that they will allow you access if they lose yours. You can also ask your local locksmith to cut you new keys and store them somewhere safe, such as in the garage or office. This will help you avoid losing your keys in the future and protect them from thieves who tend to seek keys in obvious spots like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do?
If your car is taken without the key, it's crucial to act quickly. Inform the police immediately and obtain the report for your records. Notify your department of motor vehicles if you haven't done so yet. They'll add your car to the database of stolen cars, making it more difficult for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.
Install a tracking device in your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, like AirTags from Apple will send a signal to your iPhone whenever they're close to an Apple product (such as your car). This allows you to view the location of your vehicle in real-time through your phone's app. You might also want to consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to think about is buying a new set of keys. Based on the make of your car you may have to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed, which will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly and you may read more need to get a backup set of keys. Examine your insurance policy for autos to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid this type of situation is to be diligent in keeping valuables out of your vehicle, and to keep the spare key out of your home. Also making a mark of the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your headlights, windows, and mirrors can stop thieves from trying to alter the identity of your vehicle. In addition, if you live in a region with high crime rates it is worth contacting businesses near where your car was stolen to determine whether they have security cameras that might have captured the theft on camera. If you're able recover your stolen car then you should call your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store your spare keys and secure your vehicle.
How do you report a car that was taken?
If you discover that your vehicle is missing first thing you should do is call your local police department to inform them of the theft. They'll be able tell you which forms you'll have to fill out and the procedures you have to follow, based on the laws that apply to your region. They'll also provide you with an incident number that you can forward to your insurance company to submit an insurance claim.
Have all of your vehicle's information available when you call the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate and a description of your vehicle and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may be asked to show your copyright or insurance card to prove you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many companies will allow you to view the details of your policy online in the event that you don't have them in your possession.
It is crucial to declare your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chance of it being found. Additionally, reporting it right away allows the police to collect any evidence that could be relevant (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it will also stop the thief fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registering it under their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting proof of your identity and where you live.
If your car is discovered and damaged during the recovery process the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should be able to cover the damage - minus the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
You should also notify the lender if you have borrowed or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and hold an investment in the vehicle, which is the reason they should be informed of any losses. Legal action or financial penalties can be imposed if you fail to notify them.
How do you get your car back?
If a car is taken without a key the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as it is possible. This will allow them to find the vehicle and catch the culprits. The information about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it harder for thieves to steal the vehicle.
It's a good idea, once you've filed the police report, to let your insurance company know. If you have a comprehensive policy you can open an insurance claim on your behalf to get compensated for the loss of your vehicle or pay for any damages that may have occurred while it was in the thief's possession.
You should also inform your leasing or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company to work out the details, including whether they can stop 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, it's best to take your vehicle to a dealership of your particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It is going to cost you a couple of hundred dollars but it's cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks to the standard turn-key.
For older models that have the standard key you'll have to visit an auto locksmith and get both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however, you can be sure that anyone who comes across your old keys will not be able use them to steal the vehicle.
It's also a good idea to keep the interior of your car free of valuable items that could be a target for thieves. You might want to store your sat-nav or mobile in the boot of your vehicle or in a hidden compartment under the floormats. You should also avoid putting valuables in your glove box, as this will be more appealing to thieves to break into.