What To Do If Car Stolen

Discovering your car is missing is a gut-wrenching experience. This article outlines a step-by-step guide, written for the mechanically inclined car owner, to help you navigate the stressful process of dealing with a stolen vehicle. While you might not be able to tear down an engine at this moment, understanding the procedures involved can empower you and ensure you're taking the right steps, potentially aiding in recovery.

Step 1: Confirm the Theft and Initial Actions

Before jumping to conclusions, carefully check your surroundings. Could you have parked somewhere else and forgotten? Is it possible someone else in your household moved the car? These might sound obvious, but adrenaline can impair clear thinking. Use your key fob to try and trigger the alarm. If that doesn't work, and you've thoroughly checked, proceed to the next steps.

Gather Key Information

Before contacting authorities, compile the following information. This will significantly speed up the reporting process:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This is a unique 17-character identifier for your car, often found on the dashboard (visible through the windshield), driver's side doorjamb, and on your vehicle's registration and insurance documents. Knowing the VIN is crucial for law enforcement to properly identify and track your vehicle.
License Plate Number: Essential for immediate identification.
Make, Model, and Year: Self-explanatory, but be precise.
Color: Interior and exterior colors.
Distinguishing Features: Any unique modifications, stickers, dents, or other details that set your car apart. This includes any aftermarket parts you've installed – performance exhausts, custom wheels, or upgraded audio systems. Be specific, mentioning the brands and models of these components if possible.
Last Known Location: The exact address where you last saw the car, including the direction it was facing.
Time of Theft (Approximate): The window of time during which the theft likely occurred.
Key Fob Information: How many key fobs/keys you had for the vehicle, and where they were stored.

Step 2: Report the Theft to the Police

Contact your local police department immediately. File a police report. Be prepared to provide all the information you gathered in Step 1. Get the police report number – you'll need this for insurance claims and other administrative tasks. The police report serves as the official documentation of the theft.

Tech Tip: Many police departments now allow you to file a preliminary report online. This can be useful for getting the process started quickly, but you'll likely still need to follow up with a phone call or in-person visit to provide more details.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after filing the police report. Provide them with the police report number and all the details of the theft. Your insurance policy will dictate the coverage you have for vehicle theft. Policies vary, but comprehensive coverage typically covers the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle at the time of the theft, minus your deductible.

The insurance adjuster will investigate the claim. They may request additional information from you, such as proof of ownership (registration), maintenance records, and documentation of any modifications you've made to the vehicle. Honesty is paramount during this process. Provide accurate information and avoid exaggerating the value of your vehicle or its contents.

Step 4: Contact Your Lender (If Applicable)

If you have a loan on the vehicle, notify your lender immediately. They have a vested interest in the vehicle's recovery and insurance payout. They will likely require proof of the police report and your insurance claim.

Step 5: Consider LoJack or Other Tracking Systems

If your vehicle is equipped with a LoJack or other GPS tracking system, contact the service provider immediately. They can work with law enforcement to track the vehicle's location in real-time. LoJack, for example, utilizes a hidden transceiver within the vehicle that emits a signal detectable by law enforcement agencies. Early activation is critical to maximizing the chances of recovery.

Aftermarket tracking devices can also be useful. These often rely on cellular or satellite technology to provide location data. However, their effectiveness depends on factors such as signal strength and the device's concealment within the vehicle. Regularly test the device to ensure it's functioning properly.

Step 6: Take Precautions Against Identity Theft

A stolen vehicle often contains personal documents and information, such as your registration, insurance card, and potentially even your home address. Be vigilant about protecting yourself from identity theft. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports and monitoring your financial accounts for any suspicious activity.

Step 7: Replace Essential Documents

Once the dust settles, you'll need to replace essential documents that were in the car, such as your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance card. Contact the relevant agencies to request replacements.

Step 8: Recovery of Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is recovered, it's likely to be in less-than-perfect condition. The insurance company will assess the damage and determine whether to repair the vehicle or declare it a total loss. If the vehicle is repairable, you have the right to choose your own repair shop. If you're a DIYer, you might be tempted to handle the repairs yourself, but consult with your insurance adjuster first to ensure that your repairs will be covered.

Real-World Use: Troubleshooting Tips

False Alarm: Before calling the police, double-check street sweeping schedules or parking restrictions. Many cars are reported stolen when they have simply been towed.
Check Security Camera Footage: If your car was parked near a security camera, ask the owner for footage. It might provide valuable clues to the police.
Social Media: Monitor online marketplaces and social media for your car or its parts. Stolen vehicles are sometimes stripped for parts and sold online.

Safety Considerations

Dealing with a stolen vehicle can be emotionally taxing. It's essential to remain calm and avoid taking matters into your own hands. Do not attempt to confront suspected thieves. Your safety is paramount. Cooperate fully with law enforcement and insurance investigators. If you feel overwhelmed or anxious, seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.

While recovering a vehicle after it has been found, be cautious. It is important to approach the vehicle with police or at least during daylight. There could be dangerous items inside and you should not touch anything before the police have inspected the vehicle. Also, the vehicle may have been damaged, and could be dangerous to drive.

We have a detailed checklist to help you navigate this process. You can download this file by clicking here.