A car is one of the most valuable assets that you can have. It’s also one of the least protected and secure. Because it’s a mobile object, thieves often don’t even need to break into your home or office to take it. In this article, our theft insurance lawyers explore what to do if your car is stolen.
Car theft in the United States has been on the rise over the past decade. According to The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICD) Hot Spots Report, 932,329 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide in the year 2021. That’s an average of about 17 cars stolen every minute!
Car or auto insurance has never been more important than right now. Basic personal auto insurance is mandated by most states and provides you with some financial protection in case of an accident or theft.
If you’ve ever had your car stolen, you know the sinking feeling that comes with realizing it’s gone. Here are some steps to take after your vehicle is stolen.
Make sure your car has really been stolen.
As silly as this may sound, it’s a good idea to check that you haven’t forgotten where you parked your car or that it hasn’t been towed when you return from an outing. When you first realize that your car is missing, take a few minutes to calm down and think before making any decisions.
If you parked in a tow-away zone, check with the impound/tow service before filing a stolen vehicle report; this may save you time and paperwork.
Call the police and report the theft.
Call 911 immediately once you’ve made sure that you haven’t misplaced your vehicle. Report the theft to the police as soon as possible and make sure you report any belongings that were in the vehicle at the time of the theft.
Make a list of possessions you left in the stolen car.
Make a list of all possessions you left in the car. Include serial numbers, photos of items, receipts, and any other information that will help you get reimbursed. This includes anything of value such as mail, keys, an office badge, identifying information, and any other personal property.
Cancel any credit cards and ID cards.
If you had any credit cards or personal identification cards like your driver’s license inside your car, act as soon as possible to cancel these. Call the card companies and social security administration to cancel all the cards to avoid fraudulent activities being done under your name.
Use social media and the internet.
Consider using social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook to inform your friends that your car has been stolen. It is important to check online sites where car thieves may try selling your car.
Many stolen vehicles are recovered by concerned citizens and, at times, by the theft victims themselves. If you find your stolen vehicle, contact law enforcement. Never approach the vehicle yourself. Approaching a stolen vehicle or confronting the people in the vehicle may put you and surrounding bystanders at serious risk.
Consider changing your locks.
If you left house keys or office keys in your vehicle, it may be safest to change the locks of your home or office. You should also inform your employer about the potential security compromise to your office. You may also want to consider changing the lock on any garage or shed that you have access to.
Report the stolen car to your insurance company.
Report the theft to your insurance company and let them know if you have a tracking device or not so that they can try to track the vehicle. If you have proof that your vehicle was stolen, it can be helpful in resolving disputes or difficulties later on.
When you report your vehicle stolen, the insurance company may require you to provide proof of ownership and a police report. You also need to tell them if any personal belongings were in the car at the time it was stolen.
Speak to the Experts
If you have been the victim of car theft, you should take these steps as soon as possible. If you’re battling with your insurance provider after filing a claim for your vehicle, you may want to contact a property damage lawyer. Here at Klotzman Property Damage Law, we advocate for fair compensation so you can properly restore and repair any damage.
Schedule your free case review today with our Hollywood property damage attorneys. When insurance companies fail, Klotzman Property Damage Law succeeds.
