The Worst Advice We've Heard About Car Stolen Without Key
The Worst Advice We've Heard About Car Stolen Without Key
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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 researching on the internet. He found that thieves could copy the signal of key fobs and steal cars without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to record the signal. They steal cars within 60 seconds or less when they are working in pairs.
What happens if you misplace your keys?
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to move around and could also put the security of your office or home at risk. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your items down the sink, or if you lose them in a subway vehicle. It is important to know how to take care of them so that they don't end up in the wrong hands.
The first step to take when you lose your keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to find that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they're lost or stolen. It's important to have this done as soon as you can because if you don't, someone else may be using your keys to gain access to your car or home.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following making contact with your insurance company and the police. A locksmith who is experienced can unlock your lock quickly and efficiently, without damaging your property. This can save you money and time if you're in need of help in. The locksmith will need to use their tools to open the locks and make an impression on the internal components. The impression will be sent to a different location where a new key will be made. This is a quick procedure that will cost less than $30 for a set of locks.
You may need to contact your dealer or auto locksmith to re-program an electronic key. You'll need proof of ownership to get a replacement for the car key. In this situation you might require your license and vehicle identification number with you.
If you have an extra key, you can give it to a family member so that they can allow you to enter if you lose yours. You can also request that your locksmith cut new keys that can be stored in a secure location such as your garage or office. This will help you avoid 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?
It's crucial to act promptly if your car has been stolen and you don't have keys. Contact the police immediately and obtain an official copy of their report to record the incident. If you haven't done so already, notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). 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 their own.
If you're able, put an instrument for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags created by Apple transmit signals 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 the app on your phone. You might also want to look into tracking systems that are less expensive from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
A new set of keys is an additional thing to consider. Depending on the car model it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced or the barrels re-keyed. This will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This could be costly and you may have to purchase a backup set of keys. Check your auto insurance policy 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 not leaving valuables in your vehicle, and to keep the spare key out of your home. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN on your headlights, windows, and mirrors can help stop thieves from attempting to change your car's identity. If you live in an area with a high rate of crime area, ask businesses nearby whether they have surveillance cameras that might have caught the theft. If you locate the vehicle you lost then you should contact your local locksmith to determine how to lock your car and store spare keys.
How do you report a stolen car?
The first thing to do when you discover that your vehicle was taken is to contact your local police station and notify them of the incident. You'll be taught the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, based on the local laws. You'll receive an incident number that you can provide to your insurance company when you want to make a claim.
If you are called by the police, be sure to have all your vehicle's information available including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the vehicle, and any receipts from upgrades or service. You might be asked to show your copyright or insurance card to prove you are the owner registered to own the vehicle. Many insurance companies will let you view the details of your policy online even if you don't have these documents available.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, as it will increase the chance of it being reclaimed. By reporting it right away, you allow police to gather evidence (such a security camera or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of identifying the theft as soon as possible is that it stops the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your vehicle in their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting proof of your identity and residency.
If your car is discovered and damaged in the process of recovering the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should cover the damages less the deductible. It's vital to notify website your insurance company of the theft as soon as you can.
If you leased or financed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft too. They are considered lienholders and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they need to be notified about any losses. In the event of not being notified, it could result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do you return your car?
Police should be informed as soon as possible if a car has been taken without a functioning key. This will help them find the vehicle and catch the culprits. Having your vehicle's information on the national and state databases will also make it much harder for thieves to steal it.
After you've filed a police report, it's a good idea to let your insurance company also know. If you have insurance that is comprehensive you can file a claim for you to cover any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred when the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
In addition, you must inform your leasing company or lender know that the car has been stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company to find out the details, including whether they can make any payments void or take possession of the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you own a smart key or a model with an electronic key fob the best option is to go to the auto dealership for your particular make of car and request that it be replaced electronically. It could cost you around a few hundred dollars but it's cheaper than changing the locks and ignition for the standard turn-key.
You'll need to take older models that have standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and then have the keys and the barrels (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. It can be expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who gets keys that are old won't be able to use them to steal your vehicle.
It's also a good idea to keep the inside of your car clean and free of valuable objects that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a satellite navigation system or mobile phone in your car, think about keeping them in your boot or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it will be easier for thieves to gain access.