How to Report a Stolen Car

Despite advancements in anti-theft technologies, vehicle theft continues to surge. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds in the U.S. And while urban areas and densely populated communities are top targets for car criminals, no region is immune from these increasingly sophisticated crimes.  

The moments following a car theft can be confusing, but knowing what to do and who to call are the first steps to taking back control of the situation. Here, we’ll walk you through some of the information you need to know about reporting a stolen car, filing a claim, renting or buying a new car, and getting through the insurance payout and settlement process. 

How to Report a Stolen Car to the Police

The faster you report your car stolen, the better your chances of recovering it. According to NICB data, 35% of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days.

Additionally, you’ll want to call law enforcement as quickly as possible because your insurance company will request official record of the reported theft.  

Prepare to provide law enforcement with the following information:

1. Detailed information about the stolen vehicle (make/model, color)
2. License plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN; found on insurance documents)
3. Where the vehicle was last located
4. Condition of the scene (Is there any broken glass or physical evidence of tampering/theft?)
5. Whether the vehicle has GPS
6. Approximate time of possible theft

Remember to keep the police report number which is usually provided at the time the report is filed with your local police department. It will be important for insurance purposes as well.

How to Report a Stolen Car to Your Insurance

Once you have reported your stolen car to the police, call your insurance company to begin the claims process. Be aware that some insurers will wait a certain period (usually 30 days) to ensure the vehicle isn’t recovered before they complete the claim. In each scenario below, your elected policy deductible may apply.

• If your vehicle is not recovered, the comprehensive section of your insurance policy may cover the theft.
• If your vehicle is recovered but has significant damage, the comprehensive portion of your policy may pay for that damage. Keep in mind, if the cost to repair the damage is less than your deductible, you may want to consider paying out of pocket rather than making a claim.

If your vehicle is financed or leased, be sure to also report the theft to your finance or leasing company in addition to your insurance company.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

When it comes to auto theft, different types of insurance cover different things:

• Auto Insurance: The comprehensive coverage area of a standard auto insurance policy pays for:
  • Auto theft
  • Vandalism
  • Stolen keys, key fob or catalytic converter
  • Damage to vehicle during theft
• Personal Items: Most automobile policies only cover the theft of the vehicle itself. Standard homeowner insurance policies often provide coverage for unrecovered items that were inside of the stolen vehicle. Renters insurance policies may also help cover theft from your car under “personal property coverage."

Rent a Temporary Car

The comprehensive coverage area of your auto policy that pays for theft or theft-related damage to your car does not cover the cost of a temporary car rental as part of your claim. An optional coverage called “rental reimbursement coverage” would be required in this instance. This coverage would pay for a rental or temporary replacement vehicle during the course of the claim and is subject to elected policy limits.

Subject to limits, rental reimbursement can usually only be used for a certain number of days and is capped at a certain daily rate. If the rental car you select is needed for longer than the set limit or costs more than the daily maximum allowed, you may be responsible for paying the difference.

Purchasing a Replacement Vehicle

If your insurance company declares that your car is gone for good, they will generally pay out the actual cash value (ACV) of your car (the price an identical car would bring on the open market), after you pay your deductible.

• Car paid off? If your car was paid off, you can put the entire insurance settlement toward a replacement car.
• Have a loan? If the payout based on the ACV is less than you owe on your car, you’ll have to pay off the loan first or roll the remaining balance into a new car loan.

If your vehicle ends up being recovered after you’ve purchased a replacement car, the insurance company may take ownership of the stolen vehicle. If your car is recovered before you use the settlement to purchase a replacement vehicle, you may have the option of returning the payout in exchange for the vehicle.

It’s no easy matter dealing with a stolen car, but rest assured your insurer is equipped to help, and processes are in place to get you back behind the wheel with as little stress as possible. Learn more about comprehensive coverage with AAA Car Insurance, or connect with you local AAA Car Insurance agent to get help with any of your questions related to stolen car coverage.    

This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.