If your vehicle is stolen, the very first thing you should do is call the police. They will have the ability to generate reports and help you with the next steps. Unfortunately, vehicle theft is a common crime, and it is vital to know what to do if it happens to you. In this blog post, we will cover 6 important steps you need to take if your car is stolen.
Has your vehicle been stolen recently? Follow these 6 steps after the incident
Stolen vehicles are a major inconvenience and can be a really expensive experience. If your vehicle was recently stolen, you may feel a mix of anger, frustration and helplessness. But don’t be concerned, we are here to help. From answering questions about does parked car insurance cover theft for what to do next, this blog post will cover it all. Also, stolen vehicles are a serious crime, so it is vital to know what steps to take afterward. If you want to be certain of what you are doing, be sure you contact a criminal lawyer as well.
1. Call the police
This is important because you’ll need a police report for your insurance claim. The police will also have the ability to assist you with the next steps. In addition, if there’s any possibility of recovering your vehicle, it’s the police who will do it. By calling the police, you also increase your chances of catching the thief. Unfortunately, vehicle theft is a quite common crime in most parts of the world, so one must bear in mind of the steps to take to stop further damage or trouble.
2. Notify your insurance company
Your insurance policy will most probably cover the price of the stolen vehicle. However, you need to inform your insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure you have the policy number and all necessary information when you call. You should also ask about what steps you need to take next and if there’s anything you are responsible for. As we mentioned above, if your vehicle is parked and stolen, your insurance will most probably cover it. Most insurance companies have a 24-hour hotline that you can call in case of an emergency so you can file a claim right away.
3. Have your policy number and knowledge ready
When you call your insurance company, be sure you have the policy number and all the required information. You should also ask about what steps you need to take next and if there’s anything you are responsible for. By having this information ready, you’ll have the ability to speed up the claim process. When you prepare for this, you allow yourself to do it reduce stress of the situation and focus on fixing the problem. This is important because the sooner you file a claim, the sooner your vehicle can get replaced or compensated. Some of the important information you should have includes:
- Police number
- Personal information
- Make, model and year of your vehicle
- Plat number
- Date and time of theft
- Theft location
- List of personal items in the vehicle
- The name and contact information of every witness
- Police report number
- Other relevant information
Some insurance companies even have mobile apps that you can use to make claims. This can be very helpful if you do not have the time or ability to make calls.
4. Ask about what steps you need to take next
When you call your insurance company, make sure to ask what steps you need to take next. This is important because you need to know if there’s something you are responsible for. For example, some insurance companies require you to file a police report within 24 hours of the theft. Others may ask you to tow your vehicle to a selected location. By knowing what steps need to be taken, you can avoid delays in the claim process. To have a summary of what you should do, ensure that you:
- File a police report
- Tow your vehicle to a selected location (if requested by your insurance company)
- Notify the DMV
- Get a new set of keys
- Have a security system in place
- Change the key on your vehicle
- Keep track of any expenses related to theft (e.g., towing, rental car, etc.)
5. Record all conversations with your insurance company
It is important to record all conversations you have with your insurance company. This includes the date, time, and content of the conversation. This will help if there are problems with your claim at a later date. You can even use this information to follow up with your insurance company if you don’t hear from them within a reasonable time. The best way to record your conversations is to take notes instantly after the call. You can even request transcripts or call recordings if available. Another option is to use a call recorder app on your phone. This way, you can make sure that you have an accurate record of the conversation.
6. Call a criminal lawyer
If your vehicle was stolen and you live in an area with a high crime rate, it is best to contact a criminal lawyer. This is because they will have the ability to help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. They can even help you file a civil lawsuit against the person who stole your vehicle. This is important because it can help you recover damages that weren’t covered by your insurance. A criminal lawyer can even help you if you’re accused of a crime related to theft of your vehicle.
In conclusion, these are six important steps you should take if your vehicle is stolen. By taking these steps, you can make sure that you are compensated for your loss and that the person who stole your vehicle is delivered to justice.
