Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do

After his Toyota RAV4 was stolen and vandalized twice during the past year, a local resident began researching online. He discovered that thieves can duplicate the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles without touching them.

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

what to do if your car keys are stolen happens if you lose your keys?

Losing your keys is one of the most annoying things you could do. It can make it difficult to get around, and could also put the security of your office or home at risk. It doesn't matter if accidentally drop your things in the sink, or lose them in a subway car. You must be aware of the best ways to take care of them to ensure they don't get into the wrong hands.

The first step to take in the event that you lose your keys is to call the police and your insurance company. Many people are surprised to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith if they're stolen or lost. This should be done immediately since someone else could be able to use your keys to gain access to your car or home in the event that you don't do it.

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 and efficiently without causing any damage to your property. This could save you lots of time and money, particularly when you're in a hurry. The locksmith will need to make use of their tools to open the locks and leave an impression on the internal components. This impression is then taken to a different location where a duplicate key will be made. This is a quick process that will cost you less than $30 for several locks.

You may need to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to reprogram a smart key. You need proof of ownership to get a replacement for the car key. In this instance, you may require a license and the number of your vehicle identification along with you.

If you have a spare key, offer it to a friend or family member to allow you access if they lose yours. You can also have your locksmith cut new keys, which you can store in a safe place such as your 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 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 a key. Contact the police as soon as you can, and obtain a copy of the police report for your records. Inform your local department of motor vehicles in the event that you haven't already. They'll add your car to the database of stolen car keys replacement cars, making it more difficult for anyone else to claim the vehicle as their own.

Install a tracking device in your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, like AirTags from Apple send signals to your iPhone whenever they are near an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you see the location of your car in real-time via the app on your phone. There are also more affordable tracking systems from companies such as Ring, Blink, and Nest that might be worth a look.

A new set of keys is another thing to consider. Based on the make of your car 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 need to purchase a backup set of keys. Check your auto insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage usually covers more than collision and liability.

The best way to avoid a situation such as this is to make sure you don't leave valuables in your vehicle and to keep your spare key far away from your house. You can also deter thieves by engraving the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in an area with a high rate of crime area, inquire with nearby businesses whether they have surveillance cameras that might have captured the theft. If you find your stolen vehicle, you should consult your local locksmith to determine how to secure your vehicle and to store spare keys.

How do you report a stolen car?

The first thing to do when you discover that your car has been taken is to call the local police station and report it. You'll learn what forms and procedures you have to follow, based on the local laws. They'll also give you an incident number that you can forward to your insurance company in order to submit a claim.

If you are called by the police, make sure you have all the information about your vehicle on hand, including the VIN and license plate, as well as the description of the keyless car stolen and any receipts from service or upgrades. You may be asked to show your driver's license or auto 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 can provide this information to you.

You should ensure that the police have reported your car key stolen but not car stolen, since it increases the chance of it being recovered. Notifying it immediately will allow police to gather potential evidence (such a security video or witness statement) sooner rather than later.

Another reason to report the theft immediately is that it stops the thief from fraudulently transferring ownership or registering your vehicle under their name. Contact the department of motor vehicles in your state and provide proof of your identity and residence.

If your vehicle is stolen car keys replacement and 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 important to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible.

You should also notify the lender if you have financed or leased your vehicle. They are considered lienholders, and have a financial interest in the vehicle, which is the reason they must be informed of any losses. Failure to notify them could result in financial penalties or legal action.

How do you return your car?

If a car is taken without a key, the most important thing is to report it to police as soon as possible. This will allow them to track down the vehicle, and identify the perpetrators. The information you provide about your vehicle in state and national databases makes it difficult for thieves to make a deal on the vehicle.

Once you've filed a police report, it's recommended to inform your insurance provider also know. If you have a comprehensive policy, they'll be able to file an insurance claim on your behalf to be compensated for the loss of your vehicle or cover any damages that might have occurred while it was in a thief's possession.

In addition, you should also let your lender or lease company know that the vehicle was stolen. This will allow them to contact your insurance company and work out the details including whether they are able to stop any payments or repossess the vehicle if it's not returned.

If you have a smart key, or a newer model with an electronic key fob the best option is to go to the dealership for the specific model of your car and have it replaced electronically. This will cost you around a few hundred dollars, but it will be cheaper than replacing the locks and ignition for a standard turn-key.

For older models that use a standard key you'll have to visit an auto locksmith and get both the keys as well as the barrels (the part that inserts into the lock) changed. It can be expensive however you'll be certain that anyone who comes across your old keys will not be able to steal the vehicle.

It's important to keep the inside of your vehicle free of valuable objects that could be targeted by thieves. If you have a sat navigator or mobile phone in your car, think about keeping them in your boot or in a secret compartment beneath the floor mats. It is also recommended to avoid putting any valuables in your glove box since this can be attractive for thieves to take it out.