Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do

A local resident had 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 copy the key fob's signal to steal cars without even touching them.

Crooks use relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less if they work in pairs.

What happens if you lose your keys?

Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. It can be a challenge to get around and can also put the security of your office or home at risk. Whether you accidentally drop them down the sink or lose them on a subway train, it's essential 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.

The first thing you should do when you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised that their insurance covers the cost of a lockout in the event that keys are stolen or lost. It's important to get this done as soon as you can because if you don't, someone else could use your keys to gain access to your car or home.

After contacting the police and your insurance agent The next step is to contact locksmith. A locksmith who is experienced will be able to unlock your lock quickly and easily, without damaging your property. This will save your time and money when you are in need of help in. The locksmith will need to utilize their tools to unlock the locks and make an impression on the internal components. The lock is then taken to a second shop, where a duplicate will be made. This process is usually quick and will not cost you more than $30 if you have more than one lock.

If you have a Smart key, you may need to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it reprogrammed. This is because you will need to show proof of the ownership of the vehicle to be able to replace the key. You might need your driver's license and identification number for your vehicle in this case.

If you have an extra key, you can give it to a family member so that they will allow you to enter if you lose yours. You can 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 in the office or garage. This will prevent you from losing your keys and will keep them safe from thieves who are more likely than not to look for keys under a planter, in a mailbox or in the mailbox.

What can you do to help?

It's important to take action immediately if your vehicle is stolen and you don't have keys. Contact the police as soon as possible, and get a copy of the police report for your records. Inform your local department of motor vehicles if you haven’t yet. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it difficult for anyone else to register your vehicle as theirs.

If you can, have a tracking device installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags manufactured by Apple, transmit a signal to your iPhone when they're within range of an Apple product (like your car). You can view the location of your car in real-time using your smartphone's app. You might also look into tracking systems that are less expensive from companies such as Ring, Blink, or Nest.

A new set of keys is an additional thing to consider. Based on the make of your car it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced, or the barrels re-keyed, which will prevent previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive and you may have to get a backup set of keys. You should also check your car insurance policy to see whether you have comprehensive coverage, which usually includes more than collision and liability.

The best way to avoid a situation like this is to ensure that you are not storing valuables in your vehicle and deactivate stolen car key fob to keep the spare key away from your home. Also, etching the last seven numbers of your VIN on your windows, headlights and mirrors can stop thieves from trying to alter the identity of your car. If you live in a crime-prone area, inquire with nearby businesses if they have surveillance cameras that may have captured the theft. If you are able to locate your vehicle that was stolen, you should contact your local locksmith to get guidance on the best method to store the spare keys and secure your vehicle.

How do you report an auto that was taken?

The first thing to do when you realize that your vehicle has been taken is to contact the local police station and notify them of the incident. They'll inform you what forms you'll need to fill out and the procedures you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your region. They'll also give you an incident number you can pass on to your insurance company in order to submit an insurance claim.

Keep all of the information about your vehicle on hand when you contact the police, including your car's VIN and license plate, a description of the vehicle and any receipts for service or upgrades. You might be asked to provide your driver's license or insurance card to prove you are the registered owner. If you don't have these documents numerous companies permit you to access your policy information online and provide this information to you.

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

Another benefit of identifying the theft right away is that it prevents the thief from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering 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 found and damaged, the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should cover the damages minus the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.

You should also notify the lender in case you borrowed or borrowed your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial interest in the vehicle, which is the reason they must be notified of any losses. Legal action or financial penalties may be taken when you fail to notify them.

How do I get my car back?

The police should be notified immediately if a car has been stolen without a working key. This will enable them to track down the vehicle, and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on national and state databases will make it harder for the thieves to sell it.

It's a good idea, after you've filed your police report, to also inform 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 criminal's possession.

In addition, you must also let your lease or lender know that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to connect with your insurance company and determine the necessary details including whether they'll be able cancel any car payments or take steps to take it back if it's not returned.

If you own an electronic key fob or a smart key that is a more recent model, you should drive your car to the dealership of the particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. It will cost a couple hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks with a standard key.

You'll have to take older models with standard keys to an auto locksmith, and get both the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. It's costly however, you can be sure that anyone who discovers your old keys will not be able use them to rob your vehicle.

Keep your car's interior tidy and free from valuable items that thieves could target. If you have a sat nav or mobile phone in your car, consider keeping them in your boot or in a secret compartment under the floor mats. Avoid putting valuables in the glove box since it will be easier for thieves to gain access.