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 online. He stumbled upon a way for thieves to steal the key fob's signal to steal cars, without touching them.

Crooks use relay amplifiers to capture the signal. They work in pairs and are able to steal a car in as little as 60 minutes.

What happens if I misplace my keys?

Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you can do. It can be difficult to get around, and it can also put your home or office in danger. If you accidentally drop them into the sink or drop them on a subway train, it's crucial to know what to do in the event of this happening to ensure that your property isn't in the wrong hands.

The first thing to do in the event that you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised to find that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they are lost or stolen. It's essential to make this happen in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, somebody else could be using your keys to gain access to your house or car.

Contacting a locksmith is the next step after making contact with your insurance company and the police. A locksmith who is experienced will be able to open your lock quickly and easily without causing damage to your property. This can save your time and money when you're in the midst of a rush. The locksmith may need to make use of his tools to open the lock and make impressions of the internal components. This will be taken to a different shop where a duplicate key will be made. This is a fast process that costs less than $30 for several locks.

If you own a smart key, you might 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 vehicle to be able to replace the key. You may require your license and vehicle identification numbers in this instance.

Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend to allow you into the house if you lose it. You could also ask your local locksmith to cut you new keys and keep them safe, such as the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys and protect them from thieves, who are more likely not to look for keys under a planter, inside an empty mailbox, or in the mailbox.

What can you do to help?

It's crucial to act immediately if your vehicle is stolen and you don't have a key. Notify the police immediately and get an official copy of their report to record the incident. If you haven't yet notify your department of motor vehicles (DMV). They'll include your vehicle in the database of stolen vehicles, making it more difficult for anyone else to register the vehicle as their own.

If you're able, put an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags manufactured by Apple send signals to your iPhone when they're within range of an Apple product (like your car). You can track the position of your car in real time using your smartphone's app. You may also want to consider tracking systems that are less expensive from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.

A new set of keys is a different thing to consider. Depending on the car model you may have to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed, which will keep previous owners out of the vehicle. This could be costly and you may need to get a backup set of keys. Review your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically will cover more than collisions and liability.

The best method to avoid this type of situation is to be diligent cars being stolen with keyless entry in keeping valuables out of your vehicle and keep the spare key out of your home. Also, etching the last seven digits of your VIN on your headlights, windows, and mirrors will keep thieves from trying to alter the identity of your vehicle. Finally, if you live in an area with a high rate of crime It is worth asking businesses near where your car was stolen to find out if they have security cameras that could have captured the theft on camera. If you're able to retrieve your car that was stolen, you should contact your local locksmith to get guidance on the best method to store the spare keys and lock your vehicle.

How do you report an automobile that has been taken?

The first thing to do when you realize that your car was taken is to contact your local police station and notify them of the incident. They'll inform you any forms you'll need to fill out as well as the processes you'll need to follow, based on the laws in your region. You'll receive an incident number which you can give to your insurance company for an insurance claim.

When you call the police, have all your vehicle's information available, including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the car and any receipts for upgrades or service. You might be asked to show your driver's licence or auto insurance card to prove that 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.

It is essential to report your vehicle as stolen. This increases the chances of it being located. Reporting it immediately allows the police to collect potential evidence (such a security camera or witness statement) sooner than later.

Notifying the theft as soon as you notice it can also help prevent the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle to another person or registering it under their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and submitting evidence of your identity and residency.

If your car is found and damaged the comprehensive coverage of your auto insurance policy should cover the damages, less the deductible. This is the reason it's so important to notify your insurance company as quickly 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 a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they should be informed of any losses. Legal action or financial penalties may be taken when you fail to notify them.

How do you return your car?

If a car is taken without keys, the most important thing is to report it to the police as soon as it is possible. This will enable them to locate the vehicle and catch the culprits. The information about your car in national and state databases makes it more difficult for thieves to sell the vehicle.

It's a good idea, after you've filed the police report, to also notify your insurance company. If you have comprehensive insurance you can have them open an insurance claim to pay for any damages or compensation for losses that occurred when the vehicle was in the thief's possession.

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

If you own 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 have it replaced electronically. It could cost a few hundred dollars, but will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks with a standard key.

For older models that have a standard key you'll have to visit an auto locksmith to have both the keys and barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It's expensive however you'll be certain that anyone who comes across 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 might target. Consider storing your sat-nav or mobile in the boot of your vehicle or in a hidden compartment under the floormats. You should also not put any valuables into your glove box, because this could be tempting for thieves to open.