What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen

Having your car stolen can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Knowing what steps to take immediately can increase the chances of recovering your vehicle and protect you from potential liability.

Immediate Steps to Take

What is the process for a stolen car?

If you discover your car is missing and suspect it has been stolen, follow these steps:

Double-check your surroundings: Make sure your car hasn’t been towed or parked elsewhere.
Contact the police: Call your local law enforcement agency to file a stolen vehicle report. Provide them with your car’s make, model, year, color, license plate number, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Notify your insurance company: Report the theft to your insurer as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and let you know what documentation is needed.
Report to your lender: If you have a loan or lease on the vehicle, inform your lender about the theft.

Information to Provide

When reporting your stolen car, be prepared to provide:

Vehicle make, model, year, and color
License plate number
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Location and time when you last saw the vehicle
Any distinguishing features or aftermarket modifications

After Reporting the Theft

After you’ve reported the theft, keep in touch with the police and your insurance company for updates. If your car is recovered, inspect it for damages and work with your insurer on any necessary repairs.

Can you look up stolen vehicles?

Some states and law enforcement agencies offer online databases where you can check if a vehicle has been reported stolen by entering the VIN or license plate number. This can be useful if you’re considering purchasing a used car or want to verify the status of your own vehicle.

Can I track a stolen vehicle?

If your car is equipped with a GPS tracking system or a telematics device (such as OnStar or LoJack), contact the service provider immediately. They may be able to help law enforcement locate and recover your vehicle more quickly.

What are the chances of getting your stolen car back?

The likelihood of recovering a stolen car depends on several factors, including the type of vehicle, how quickly it was reported, and whether it has tracking technology. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, about 56% of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered, but recovery rates vary by region and circumstance.