If you realize that your car has been stolen, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, then act quickly. Your vehicle might be recovered. If it isn’t, you can be compensated for your loss.

Call the Police

Contact the local police and report your vehicle stolen. Provide as much information as possible, including the car’s year, make, model, color, license plate number, VIN, and any distinctive features that make it stand out. 

Tell the police when and where you last saw your vehicle. They might be able to use footage from security cameras in the area to identify the thief and find your car. If your vehicle has a GPS or a tracking system, inform the police. 

Contact Your Insurance Company

Comprehensive auto insurance coverage can compensate you if your vehicle is stolen. It is more commonly called ‘Other than Collision’ coverage. That form of coverage is optional. If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, file a claim with your car insurance company. They’ll need a copy of the police report, and possibly additional information.

Your auto insurance company won’t compensate you for valuables, such as a laptop, that were inside your vehicle when it was stolen. You can, however, file a claim with your homeowners or renters insurance company. Your home policy will cover stolen personal belongings, even if they weren’t in your home when the theft occurred.

You May or May Not Get Your Car Back

If you file a police report right away, your car might be recovered before it’s sold for parts. If a thief takes it for a joyride and someone calls the police to report a reckless driver, or if the thief abandons it, the authorities will realize that the vehicle belongs to you.

Although your car might be returned, it’s also possible that you’ll never see it again. If you do get it back, it might be damaged. Prepare yourself mentally for those scenarios.

Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage

Having your vehicle stolen can be emotionally devastating. If the car isn’t recovered, you might suddenly be forced to buy a new vehicle. That can be difficult if you don’t have significant savings and you don’t get any financial help from your car insurance company.

If you don’t currently have comprehensive coverage, contact Petruzelo Insurance. We’ll help you compare quotes from several carriers and find a car insurance policy that fits your needs and budget.