Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do

After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a local resident began researching on the internet. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to copy the signal from key fobs to steal cars, without touching them.

Crooks utilize relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They work in pairs and can steal the car in as short as 60 seconds.

What happens if I lose my keys?

It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can make it difficult to get around, and could also put the security of your home or office at risk. If you accidentally drop them into the sink or lose them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what you should do in the event of an accident to ensure that your property doesn't fall into the dangerous hands of.

If you lose your keys the first thing to do is contact your insurance company as well as the police. Many people are shocked to find that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith if they're lost or stolen. It's crucial to make this happen as soon as possible because if you don't, somebody else could be using your keys to gain access to your home or vehicle.

Contacting a locksmith is the next step following contacting your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith can unlock your lock quickly and easily without causing any damage to your property. This could save you lots of time and money, especially when you're in a hurry. The locksmith may have to use his tools to open the lock and take impressions of the internal components. This will be taken to another shop where a duplicate key will be made. This is a fast process that will cost you less than $30 for multiple locks.

If you have a Smart key, you may need to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it reset. This is because you will need to show proof of ownership of the car in order to replace the key. In this case you may need to have your license and your vehicle identification number along with you.

If you have a spare key, offer it to a friend or family member so that they will allow you access if they lose yours. You could also request a locksmith from your local area to cut you a new set of keys and keep them safe, such as in the office or garage. 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 the mailbox or inside the mailbox.

What can you do to help?

If your car is stolen without keys, it is important to act fast. Inform the police immediately and request the report to keep for your records. Also, if you haven't already notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll include your vehicle in the database of stolen cars which makes it harder for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.

If you are able, install a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, like AirTags created by Apple transmit an alert to your iPhone when they're within range of an Apple product (like your car). This allows you to view the location of your vehicle in real time via your phone app. You may also want to consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.

A new set of keys is an additional thing to consider. Depending on your car make, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed. This will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This can be expensive, and may require that you buy a second set keys for backup purposes. Review your auto insurance policy to determine whether you have comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage usually includes more than collision and liability.

The best way to avoid a situation such as this is to not leave valuables in your car and to keep your spare key away from your house. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your headlights, windows and mirrors can help stop thieves from attempting to change your car's identity. Finally, if you live in an area with a high rate of crime it is worth contacting businesses located near the spot where your car was stolen to find out whether they have security cameras that might have caught the theft on video. If you're able locate your vehicle that was stolen then you should call your local locksmith for guidance on the best method to store your spare keys and lock your vehicle.

How do you report an auto that was stolen?

If you discover that your vehicle was stolen, the first thing you need to do is call the police department in your area to inform them of the theft. You'll learn about the forms and procedures you have to follow, depending on the local laws. You'll receive an incident number that you can give to your insurance company when you want to make an insurance claim.

If you are called by the police, make sure you have all your vehicle information ready including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the car, and any receipts from service or upgrades. You might be asked to provide your driver's license or auto insurance card to prove that you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many companies will permit you to view the policy's details online if you don't have them in your possession.

It's important to report your car as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being recovered. In addition notifying it immediately permits the police to gather any evidence they can (such as security footage or witness statements) earlier rather than later.

Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it will also stop the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or registration of the vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicle in your state, and provide proof of your identity and residence.

If your vehicle is stolen and it's damaged during the recovery process the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should be able to cover the damage and the deductible. This is why it's important to report the theft to your insurance company as soon as possible.

You should also notify the lender in case you financed or leased your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have an interest in the financial condition of the vehicle, which is the reason they should be informed of any losses. Financial penalties or legal action may be taken when you fail to notify them.

How do you get your car back?

When a car is stolen without a key the most important thing is to report it to police as soon as possible. This will help them track down the vehicle and catch the culprits. The information you provide on your vehicle's national and state databases will also make it harder for thieves to steal it.

It's a good idea, once you've filed the police report, to let your insurance company know. If you have insurance that is comprehensive you can file an insurance claim to pay for any damages, or compensation for the loss that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief's possession.

In addition, you must inform your lender or lease company know that the car has been stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company to work out the details, including whether they can cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle 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 could cost you a couple of hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than changing the ignition and locks for the standard turn-key.

For older models that use keys that are standard you'll need to visit an auto locksmith to have both the keys and the barrels (the part that check here goes into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however it will guarantee that anyone who receives the keys you have had previously will not be able to use them to steal your car.

It's important to keep the interior of your vehicle free of valuable objects that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about keeping them in your trunk or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. It is also recommended to avoid putting any valuables in your glove box as this will be more appealing to thieves to break into.