What to Do in Case Your Vehicle Is Stolen

How to Respond If Your Vehicle Has Been Stolen

What to Do If Your Car Gets Stolen in Palm Bay, FL
Finding out your car has been stolen is a stressful and frustrating experience. After all, your vehicle is a valuable asset and essential for daily life. Taking the right steps following the theft makes recovering your car faster and easier. Follow this guide for information on what to do if your car is stolen and how comprehensive vehicle insurance can help.

Steps to Take If Your Car is Stolen

As soon as you notice your vehicle is missing, follow these steps:

Call the Police

Dial 911 or the non-emergency line for your local police department. Provide them with details, such as your car’s make, model, year, color, license plate number, and any distinguishing features like bumper stickers or dents. If you had personal belongings in the vehicle, mention those as well.

Filing a police report is crucial because it gets the authorities involved. This step may even be required to file a claim with your vehicle insurance company. Acting quickly gives law enforcement a better chance of finding your car before the thief takes it too far away.

Call Your Insurance Agency

After notifying the police, contact your car insurance provider. If you have comprehensive vehicle insurance, which typically covers car theft, your insurer will guide you through filing a claim. Be prepared to provide your policy number, a copy of the police report, and relevant information about the car.

Your insurance provider may cover the cost of a rental car or other transportation expenses, depending on your policy. Keep in mind that insurance investigations into car theft claims are highly detailed, so be sure to provide accurate information to speed up the process.

Report the Theft to the DMV

In many states, including Florida, it’s important to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that your car has been stolen. This prevents anyone from fraudulently registering or selling your car using fake documentation. Some states have specific forms for reporting a stolen vehicle to the DMV to block anyone from transferring the vehicle’s title under a new name.

How Do Insurance Companies Investigate Car Theft Claims?

When you file a claim for a stolen car, your insurance company will begin an investigation to validate the details. The process includes verifying the police report, reviewing your policy for comprehensive coverage, and examining the circumstances surrounding the theft.

Insurance companies may also ask about who had access to your car, where it was parked, and whether anti-theft devices were installed. They may work with law enforcement to track the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) if it surfaces anywhere, such as at a repair shop or dealership.

What if My Car is Found?

If your car is recovered after being stolen, your insurance company will inspect it for damages. Comprehensive vehicle insurance often covers repairs for any harm resulting from the theft, including vandalism or broken windows. If the car is in poor condition or repair costs exceed its value, the insurer may declare it a total loss and compensate you based on your policy terms.

Recovered Cars and Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance

Comprehensive vehicle insurance protects you from the financial losses associated with car theft. This coverage protects against damage from other non-collision events as well, like vandalism, fire, or weather incidents. If your car is recovered with significant damage, your insurance company may pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle. Without comprehensive coverage, you may have to pay out of pocket to repair or replace your stolen car. Therefore, it’s worth reviewing your policy or speaking with your insurance agency to ensure you have this essential coverage.

How Can I Prevent My Car From Being Stolen?

While car theft is always a risk, you can take these steps to reduce the chance of becoming a victim:

Always lock your car, even when it’s parked in your garage.
Install an alarm to deter thieves and alert people nearby if someone tries to break into your vehicle.
Use a steering wheel lock to make it harder for someone to drive off with your car.
Park in well-lit areas after dark to prevent thieves from hiding in the shadows.
Don’t leave valuables in plain sight, which tempt thieves to break into your car.
Install a GPS tracking device to help locate your vehicle more quickly if it’s stolen.

Protect Your Car—and Your Peace of Mind

Having your vehicle stolen is stressful, but full-coverage vehicle insurance eases the financial strain during a theft. Advanced Insurance.Net has over 30 years of experience serving Palm Bay, FL, and all of Brevard County with a wide range of insurance options, including comprehensive car insurance. As an independent agency not bound to a single insurance provider, we can customize your policy to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free quote, and let us safeguard your vehicle and peace of mind.