Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice in the past year, a local resident began researching online. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to steal the key fob's signal to steal cars without even touching them.
Crooks use relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They operate in pairs and can rob the car in as short as 60 minutes.
What happens if I misplace my keys?
It is frustrating to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to find them and can put your office or home in danger. If you accidentally drop them into the sink or slip them on the subway train, it's important to be aware of what to do if this happens to ensure your property doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
If you lose your keys the first thing you should do is call your insurance company and police. Many people are surprised to learn that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith in the event that they are stolen or lost. It is important to take action as soon as possible because someone else could use your keys to gain entry to your car or home in the event that you don't do it.
Contacting a locksmith is the next step following contacting your insurance agent and the police. A professional locksmith will be able to open your lock quickly, efficiently and without causing damage to your property. This could save you a lot of time and money, particularly when you're in a hurry. The locksmith may have to make use of his tools to open the lock and take an impression of the internal components. The lock is then transferred to a different shop, where a duplicate will be made. This process is usually quick and will not cost you much more than $30 if you have more than one lock.
If you own a smart key, you might need to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to have it changed. This is because you will need to prove ownership of the car in order to replace the key. In this case, you may require a license and your vehicle identification number on hand.
If you have a spare key, offer it to a family or friend member so that they will let you in if you lose yours. You can also have a local locksmith cut you new keys which you can store in a secure location, like the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future and protect them from thieves who are more likely to look for keys in obvious spots such as under a planter or in the mailbox.
What can you do?
It's important to take action quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have keys. Notify the police immediately and get an official copy of their report for your records. Notify your department of motor vehicles in the event that you haven't already done so. Your vehicle will be added to the database of stolen vehicles in the state, making it difficult for anyone to claim your vehicle as theirs.
Install a tracking device inside your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple, send an alert 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 via the app on your smartphone. You might also look into tracking systems that are less expensive from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another thing to consider is getting a new set of keys. Depending on the car model it is possible to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed, which will stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be costly and you may have to purchase a backup set of keys. Also, you should examine your insurance policy to see whether you have comprehensive coverage, which usually includes more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid an incident like this is to not leave valuables in your car, and to keep your spare keys away from your home. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits of your number on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in a crime-prone area, inquire with nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that could have caught the theft. If you recover your stolen vehicle, you should consult your local locksmith to learn how to lock your car and to store spare keys.
How do you report a car that has been stolen?
If you discover that your vehicle was stolen first step is call the police department in your area to report it. You'll learn what procedures and forms you'll need to follow, depending on local laws. They'll also give you an incident number that you can pass to your insurance company to make claims.
If you contact the police, make sure you have all the information about your vehicle on hand including the VIN the license plate, the description of the car, and any receipts for upgrades or service. You may be asked to provide your copyright or auto insurance card to prove that you are the registered owner. If you don't have these documents businesses, many allow you to access your policy information online and provide this information for you.
You'll want to ensure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, as it will increase the chance of it being recovered. Notifying it immediately will allow the police to collect potential evidence (such security camera or witness statement) earlier rather than later.
The act of reporting the theft right away will also stop the theft perpetrator from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or making it registered under their own name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and provide proof of your identity and residence.
If your car is found and it's damaged during the process of recovery the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance should cover the damages and the deductible. This is why it's crucial to inform your insurance company as quickly as you can.
You must also inform the lender if you've financed or lease your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they need to be notified about any losses. Financial penalties or legal action may be taken if you fail to notify them.
How do I return my car?
Police should be informed immediately when a vehicle is stolen without a working key. This will help them locate the vehicle and also catch the culprits. Your vehicle's information being on national and state databases will also make it harder for the thieves to sell it.
Once you've filed a police report, it's recommended to inform your here insurance company also know. If you have comprehensive insurance you can have them open a claim for you to pay for any damages or compensation for the loss that occurred when the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
It is also important to 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 are able to cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle if it isn't returned.
If you have a smart-key or a model with an electronic key fob then your best bet is to go to the dealership for the model you have and get it replaced electronically. It could cost you around a few hundred dollars but it's cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks for an ordinary turn-key.
For older models that use a standard key, you'll need to visit an automotive 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 won't be able use them to steal the vehicle.
It's also a good idea to keep the inside of your vehicle free of valuable objects that could be targeted by thieves. You could consider storing your sat-nav and mobile in the trunk of your car, or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. Do not put valuables in the glove box since it is easier for thieves to gain access.