Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do

After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice in the past year, a resident of the area began looking up online. He discovered a method for thieves to copy the signal from key fobs to steal cars, without touching them.

Crooks use relay amplifiers to collect the signal. They steal cars in 60 seconds or less when they are working in pairs.

What happens if I lose my keys?

It is frustrating to lose your keys. It can be a challenge to get around, and could also put the safety of your home or office at risk. It doesn't matter whether you accidentally drop your belongings into the sink or get them lost in a subway vehicle. You must know what to take care of them so that they don't end up in the wrong hands.

The first thing to do if you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to discover that their insurance covers the cost of a locksmith if they're lost or stolen. This should be taken care of immediately since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain access to your car or home if it's not done.

Contacting a locksmith is the next step after making contact with your insurance company and the police. A professional locksmith can open your lock quickly, efficiently and without damaging your property. This could save you a lot of time and money, especially if you're in a rush. The locksmith may need to make use of his tools to open the lock and take an impression of the internal components. This impression is then taken to another shop where a duplicate key can be made. This process is usually simple and shouldn't cost more than $30 if you own more than one lock.

If you have a smart key, you may have to call your dealer or an automotive locksmith to have it reset. You'll need proof of ownership to get a replacement for the car key. In this case, you may require a license and the number of your vehicle identification along with you.

Give your spare key to someone in your family or a friend to allow you into the house If you lose it. You can also have your locksmith cut you new keys which can be stored in a safe place, like the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the future, and keep them safer from thieves who are more likely to search for keys in obvious locations, like under a planter or inside the mailbox.

What can you do to help?

It is crucial to act promptly if your car has been stolen and you don't have a key. Inform the police as quickly as you can, and obtain a copy of the police report for your records. Inform your department of motor vehicles if you haven’t already. 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.

Install a tracker in your vehicle, if you're able to. These devices, similar to AirTags created by Apple transmit a signal to your iPhone when they're close to an Apple product (like your car). This lets you view the location of your vehicle in real-time through your phone's app. There are also more affordable tracking systems from companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest which are worth a look.

Another thing to consider is buying new keys. Depending on the make of your vehicle it is possible to have the chips or barrels changed. This will stop previous owners accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive and you may have to buy a second set of keys. Check your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage typically includes more than collision and liability.

The best method to avoid a situation like this is to be diligent in keeping valuables out of your vehicle and to keep the spare key out of your home. Also making a mark of the last seven digits of your VIN on your headlights, windows, and mirrors can help deter thieves from trying to alter the identity of your car. If you live in a high-crime area, ask businesses nearby if they have surveillance cameras that might have captured the theft. If you're able locate your vehicle that was stolen and you are able to do so, you should contact your local locksmith for advice on the best way to store your spare keys and secure your vehicle.

How do you report a stolen car?

The first thing you need to do when you discover that your car has been taken is to contact your local police station and make a report. You'll learn about the procedures and forms you'll need to follow, based on the local laws. They'll also provide an incident number you can pass to your insurance company to file a claim.

Make sure you have all your vehicle's information available in case you need to contact the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate number and a description of your vehicle and any receipts from upgrade or service. You may be asked to present your driver's license or insurance card to prove that you are the registered owner. If you don't have these documents, many companies allow you to access your policy details online and will provide this information for you.

You'll want to ensure that the police have reported that your car has been stolen, since it increases the chances of it being found. In addition, reporting it right away allows the police to collect any potential evidence (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.

The act of reporting the theft right away will also stop the thief from fraudulently transfer ownership of your vehicle or registration of the vehicle 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 vehicle is found and damaged, the comprehensive coverage of your auto policy should be able to cover the damage - less the deductible. It's vital to notify your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.

If you have leased or financed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft as well. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they should be informed of any losses. Failure to notify them could result in legal action or financial penalties.

How do I return my car?

If a car is taken without a key the stolen keys most important thing to do is to report it to the police as soon as you can. This will allow them to track down the vehicle and catch the perpetrators. The information about your car in national and state databases makes it harder for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.

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, they can open a claim for you to pay for any damages or compensation for losses 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 allow them to connect with your insurance company and work out the necessary details, including whether or not they'll be able cancel any payments on the car or even repossess it if it isn't returned.

If you own an electronic key fob or smart key that is a more recent model, it's best to drive your car to the dealership of the particular brand and get your key replaced electronically. This could cost you a couple of hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks for an ordinary turn-key.

You'll need to take the older models that have standard keys to an auto locksmith, and then have the barrels and the keys (the part that goes into the lock) replaced. It can be expensive, but you'll be sure that anyone who discovers your old keys will not be able to steal your vehicle.

Keep your car's interior clean and free from valuable items that thieves could be looking to steal. You could consider storing your sat-nav and mobile in the boot of your car, or in a hidden compartment beneath the floormats. You should also avoid putting any valuables in your glove box as this will be more attractive for thieves to take it out.