The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Received About Car Stolen Without Key
The Most Hilarious Complaints We've Received About Car Stolen Without Key
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Car Stolen Without Key - What to Do
A local resident had his Toyota RAV4 stolen and vandalized not once, but twice last year, he began looking into the crime on the internet. He found that thieves could copy the signal of key fobs and steal cars without touching them.
Crooks employ relay amplifiers to record the signal. They operate in pairs and can rob the car in as short as 60 seconds.
What happens if you misplace 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. Whether you accidentally drop them down the sink or drop them on a subway train, it's important to know what to do if this happens to ensure your property isn't in the wrong hands.
The first step to take if you lose keys is to contact the police and your insurance company. Many people are shocked to learn that their insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith in the event that they're stolen or lost. This should be done as soon as possible because someone else could use your keys to gain access to your home or car If you don't take care.
After calling the police and your insurance agent the next step is to contact a locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to unlock your lock quickly, effortlessly and without damaging your property. This will save your time and money when you are in the midst of a rush. The locksmith may need to employ his tools to unlock the lock and take an impression of the internal components. The lock is then taken to a second shop where a duplicate can be made. This is a quick procedure that will cost less than $30 for a set of locks.
If you have a Smart key, you may have to contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to get it reprogrammed. This is because you'll need to have proof of ownership of the car in order to replace the key. You may need your license or vehicle identification numbers in this instance.
Give your spare key to a family member or friend to let you in should you lose it. You can also have a local locksmith cut you new keys, which you can store in a secure location such as the garage or office. This will prevent you from losing your keys in the near future and keep them safe from thieves who are more likely to seek keys in obvious places like under a planter or in the mailbox.
What do you have to do?
It's important to take action quickly if your car is stolen and you don't have the key. Contact the police as soon as you can, and request the police report for your records. If you haven't already 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.
Install a tracker in your vehicle if you are able to. These devices, like AirTags from Apple will send a signal to your iPhone when they're near an Apple product (such as your car). This lets you see the location of your car in real time via your phone's app. You might also consider tracking systems that are more affordable from companies like Ring, Blink, or Nest.
Another option is buying new keys. Depending on the make of your car it is possible to have the barrels or chips replaced with keys. This will block previous owners from accessing the vehicle. This can be expensive, and may require that you buy a second set keys to be used as backup. You should also check your car insurance policy to determine if you have comprehensive coverage, which usually will cover more than collision and liability.
The best way to avoid an event like this is to ensure that you do not leave valuables in your car and to keep your spare key far away from your house. You can also deter thieves by putting the last seven digits on your headlights, windows, and mirrors. If you live in a high-crime area, ask businesses nearby if they have surveillance cameras that might have captured the theft. If you recover the vehicle you lost it is recommended that you consult your local locksmith to learn how to secure your vehicle and keep spare keys.
How do you report a car that has been stolen?
If you discover that your vehicle is missing the first thing you should do is contact the police department in your area to report it. They'll be able tell you which forms you'll have to fill out and the procedures you have to follow, based on the laws that apply to your area. You'll be given an incident number which you can provide to your insurance company in order to file an insurance claim.
When you call 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 car and any receipts from upgrades or service. You may also have to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle by presenting your copyright or auto insurance card. If you don't have these documents, many companies allow you to access your policy details online and can provide this information for you.
You'll want to make sure that the police have reported your vehicle stolen, as it will increase the chances of it being reclaimed. In addition notifying it immediately allows the police to collect any evidence they can (such as security footage or witness statements) sooner rather than later.
Reporting the theft immediately can also help prevent the thief fraudulently transferring your vehicle ownership or making it registered under their own 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 discovered and damaged in the process of recovering, the comprehensive portion of your insurance should cover the damages less the deductible. It is crucial to inform your insurance company of the theft as quickly as you can.
If you have leased here or financed your vehicle, make sure to inform the lender of the theft as well. They are considered lienholders, and have an interest in the vehicle. This is why they need to be informed of any losses. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties or legal action.
How do you return your car?
Police should be informed immediately when a vehicle is taken without a functioning key. This will assist them in tracking down the vehicle and catch 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.
After you've filed a police report, it's recommended to inform your insurance company also know. If you have comprehensive insurance you can open an insurance claim on behalf of you to receive compensation for the loss of your vehicle or cover any damages that might have occurred when it was in a criminal's possession.
In addition, you should inform your leasing company or lender know that the car has been stolen. This will enable them to contact your insurance company and work out the details and whether they have the right to cancel any payments or repossess the vehicle if it's not returned.
If you have a smart-key or a model that has an electronic key fob then the best option is to visit the dealership for the model you have and request that it be replaced electronically. It will cost a few hundred dollars but will be less expensive than replacing the ignition and locks for the standard key.
You'll need to take the older models that have standard keys to an automotive locksmith, and then have the barrels and the keys (the part that is inside the lock) replaced. It's expensive however, you can be sure that anyone who finds your old keys won't be able to steal the vehicle.
Keep your car's interior clean and free from valuable items that thieves might want to target. If you have a sat nav or mobile phone in your car, think about placing them in the boot or in a hidden compartment under the floor mats. It is also recommended to avoid putting any valuables in your glove box because this could be attractive for thieves to take it out.