Three Reasons To Identify Why Your Car Stolen Without Key Isn't Working (And Solutions To Resolve It)
Three Reasons To Identify Why Your Car Stolen Without Key Isn't Working (And Solutions To Resolve It)
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Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local began looking up online. He discovered a method for thieves to copy the signal from key fobs to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less when they work in pairs.
What happens if you misplace your 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 security of your office or home at risk. If you accidentally drop them in the sink or lose them on a subway train, it's essential to know what to do if this happens so that your property isn't in the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys, the first thing you need to do is call your insurance company and the police. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance covers the cost of a lockout should keys are stolen or lost. It's important to have this done as soon as possible because if you don't, someone else may be using your keys to gain access to your home or vehicle.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step after calling your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly, easily and without damaging your property. This could save you lots of time and money, particularly if you're in a rush. The locksmith may need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and take impressions of the internal components. This will be taken to a different location where a duplicate key will be made. This process is usually simple and will not cost you much more than $30 if you own more than one lock.
You may need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to re-program a smart key. This is because you need to have proof of the ownership of the vehicle in order to replace the key. In this case you may require your license and your vehicle identification number with you.
If you have a spare key, give it to a family member to let you in if you lose yours. 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 prevent you from losing your keys and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely not to search for keys under a planter, inside a mailbox or in a mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your car is taken without a key, it's important to act swiftly. Contact the police immediately and get a copy of their report to keep for your records. Also, if you haven't already notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll add your vehicle to the database of stolen vehicles which makes it harder for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple, send a signal to your iPhone whenever they're close to an Apple product (such as your car). You can track the location of your car in real-time using your smartphone's app. There are cheaper tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth a look.
A new set of keys is a different thing to consider. Depending on the make of your car you might need to have the chips or barrels re-keyed. This will block previous owners from gaining access to the vehicle. This could be costly and you may have to get a backup set of keys. Check your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically covers more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid this type of situation is to ensure that you are not leaving valuables in your vehicle and to keep the spare key away from your home. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN on your windows, headlights and mirrors can deter thieves from trying to alter the identity of your car. If you live in a high-crime area, ask businesses nearby if they have surveillance cameras that might have captured the theft. If you are able to recover your stolen car then you should call your local locksmith for assistance on how to store the spare keys and lock your vehicle.
How do you report a stolen car?
The first thing to do when you realize that your car has been taken is to contact your local police station and notify them of the incident. You'll learn what forms and procedures you need to follow, based on local laws. You'll be given an incident number, which you can present to your insurance company click here in order to file a claim.
If you are called by the police, be sure to have all your vehicle's information available including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car, and any receipts from service or upgrades. You might be asked to provide your driver's licence or auto insurance card to prove you are the registered owner. Many companies will permit you to look up the policy's details online even if you don't have these documents available.
You should ensure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, since it increases the chances of it being reclaimed. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather evidence (such a security footage or witness statement) sooner than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft as soon as possible is that it stops the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registration of your vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state and provide proof of your address and identity.
If your car is discovered and it's damaged during the recovery process, the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should be able to cover the damage less the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
You must also inform the lender if you've purchased or leased your vehicle. They are considered lienholders and have an interest in the vehicle. This 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 get my car back?
If a vehicle is stolen without a key, the most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as you can. This will allow them to find the vehicle and also catch the culprits. Your vehicle's information being on state and national databases will make it more difficult for the thieves to sell it.
It's a good idea after you've filed the police report, to also notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive insurance, they'll be able to initiate a claim on your behalf to be compensated for the loss of the vehicle or pay for any damages that might have occurred while it was in the hands of a criminal's possession.
In addition, you must also let your lender or lease company be aware that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company and determine the necessary details including whether they'll be able cancel any payments on the car or even repossess it if it isn't returned.
If you have a smart-key, or a newer model that has an electronic key fob, then your best bet is to visit the auto dealership for your particular make of car and get it replaced electronically. This will cost you a couple hundred dollars but it's less expensive than changing the ignition and locks for a standard turn-key.
For older models that use a standard key, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith to have both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It's expensive however you'll be certain that anyone who finds your old keys will not be able use them to rob your vehicle.
It's important to keep the inside of your car clean and free of any valuable objects that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite navigator or mobile phone in your car, consider placing them in the boot or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. You should also avoid putting any valuables in the glove compartment, because this could be attractive for thieves to take it out.