3 Common Causes For Why Your Car Stolen Without Key Isn't Performing (And How To Fix It)
3 Common Causes For Why Your Car Stolen Without Key Isn't Performing (And How To Fix It)
Blog Article
Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice over the last year, a resident of the area began to research on the internet. He discovered a method for thieves to replicate the key fob's signal to steal cars, without touching them.
Crooks employ a relay amplifier to capture the signal. They work in pairs and can steal a car in as little as 60 seconds.
What happens if you lose your keys?
The loss of keys is one of the most frustrating things you could do. It can be difficult to find them, and it can also put your home or office in danger. It doesn't matter if you accidentally drop your things in the sink, or lose them in a subway car. It is important to be aware of the best ways to do with them so that they don't get into the wrong hands.
The first thing you should do in the event that you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to discover that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they are lost or stolen. It's crucial to get this done in the earliest time possible, as if you don't, someone else may be using your keys to gain entry to your home or vehicle.
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 and efficiently without causing damage to your property. This will save your time and money when you're in need of help in. The locksmith may have to employ his tools to unlock the lock and take impressions of the internal components. The lock is then transferred to a different shop where a duplicate can be made. This is a quick process that will cost you less than $30 for multiple locks.
You may have to call your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram a smart key. This is because you'll need to prove ownership of the car in order to replace the key. In this case, you may require a license and the number of your vehicle identification on hand.
Give your spare key to an individual in your family or a close friend so they can let you in if you lose it. You can also have a locksmith cut new keys which you can keep in a secure place, like the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the near future and keep them safe from thieves who tend to look for keys in obvious spots, like under a planter or inside the mailbox.
What can you do to help?
If your vehicle is stolen without keys, it is important to act swiftly. Notify the police immediately and request the report for your records. Inform your local department of motor vehicles if 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 else to register your vehicle as their own.
If you can, have an electronic device for tracking installed in your car. These devices, such as AirTags from Apple will send a signal to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you view the location of your vehicle in real-time via the app on your phone. There are other, more affordable tracking systems offered by companies like Ring, Blink, and Nest that might be worth a look.
Another thing to think about is purchasing a new set of keys. Based on the make of your car, you may need to have the chips re-sequenced or barrels re-keyed, which will stop previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive 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 covers more than collision and liability.
The best method to avoid this type of situation is to be vigilant about keeping valuables out of your vehicle, and to keep the spare key away from your home. Also engraving the last seven numbers of your VIN onto your headlights, windows, and mirrors will keep thieves from attempting to alter the identity of your vehicle. If you live in a region with a high rate of crime it is worth contacting businesses near where your car was stolen to determine whether they have security cameras that could have captured the theft on camera. If you're able retrieve your car that was stolen, you should contact your local locksmith for assistance on how to store the spare keys and secure your vehicle.
How do you report an automobile that was stolen?
If you find that your car was stolen, the first thing you should do is call your local police department to report it. You'll be taught the forms and procedures you need to follow, depending on local laws. You'll receive an incident number that you can present to your insurance company when you want to make a claim.
Have all of the information about your vehicle on hand in case you need to contact the police, including your vehicle's VIN and license plate as well as a description of the vehicle and any receipts from upgrade or service. You might be asked to present your copyright or insurance card as proof that you website are the owner registered to own the vehicle. If you don't have these handy businesses, many allow you to access your policy details online and will provide this information for you.
It is essential to report your car as stolen. This increases the likelihood of it being located. Notifying it immediately will allow the police to collect potential evidence (such a security footage or witness statement) sooner rather than later.
Another benefit of reporting the theft as soon as possible is that it prevents the criminal from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. You can make this happen by contacting the department of motor vehicles in your state and providing documents proving your identity and where you live.
If your car is found and damaged during the process of recovery the comprehensive portion of your insurance should cover the damages and the deductible. It is essential to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
It is also important to notify the lender if you've financed or leased your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial stake in the vehicle. This is why they should be notified about any losses. Failure to do so can result in legal action or financial penalties.
How do you return your car?
The police should be notified immediately if a car has been stolen without a working key. This will help them track down the vehicle and catch the perpetrators. The information about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it harder for thieves to sell the vehicle.
Once you've filed a police report, it's recommended to inform your insurance provider also know. If you have insurance that is comprehensive, they can open claims on your behalf to pay for any damages or compensation for losses that occurred while the vehicle was in the thief’s possession.
You should also inform your leasing company or lender that the vehicle was stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and work out the details, including whether they can make any payments void or take possession of the vehicle if it isn't returned.
If you have a smart key or a newer model with an electronic key fob the best option is to visit the auto dealership for your particular make of car and have it replaced electronically. It will cost a few hundred dollars but will be cheaper than replacing the ignition and locks with an ordinary key.
For older models that use a standard key you'll need to visit an automotive locksmith and have both the keys and the barrels (the part that is inserted into the lock) changed. It can be expensive, but it will ensure that anyone who has the keys you have had previously will not be able to use them to steal your car.
Keep your car's interior tidy and free of valuable items that thieves could be looking to steal. If you have a satellite navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the boot or in a hidden compartment beneath the floor mats. Also, avoid putting valuables in your glove box, as this will be more attractive for thieves to take it out.