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In the United States, a car disappears approximately every 44 seconds due to theft. If you suspect that your vehicle has fallen victim to theft, promptly notify law enforcement by filing a theft report. However, do not limit your efforts to this step alone. Instead, commence a thorough investigation by reviewing surveillance footage and conducting an exhaustive online search. Furthermore, to mitigate the risk of future theft incidents, adhere to fundamental safety guidelines.
Procedures
Formally Reporting the Vehicle as Stolen
Verify that your vehicle hasn't been lawfully towed. Upon realizing the absence of your vehicle, ensure that it hasn't been legally relocated. Scrutinize the vicinity and ascertain that you haven't inadvertently parked in prohibited zones such as those designated for emergency services. If such circumstances apply, municipal authorities may have arranged for its removal.
- If necessary, reach out to local towing services to inquire about the potential relocation of your vehicle.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of the parking area. It's plausible to forget the precise location of your parked vehicle, hence confirming its status before proceeding is imperative.
Compile essential car details for identification. Take a moment to document the necessary information crucial for law enforcement to locate your vehicle:
- Year, make, and model of the vehicle.
- Car's color.
- License plate number. If uncertain, contact your insurance provider and explain the situation. Request the license plate number.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Typically found on the car title, which you likely left in the vehicle. (Consider keeping copies of car documents at home for such instances). Contact your insurer to obtain the VIN if necessary.
Notify law enforcement immediately. Given their resources, the police are more likely to locate the stolen vehicle swiftly. Contact them promptly to file a report of the stolen vehicle, providing all pertinent details:
- Ensure you obtain a copy of the police report and the case number for future reference.
- Inquire whether the police report can be mailed to you. Alternatively, arrange transportation to the police station or seek assistance from a friend.
Inform your insurance provider. It is imperative to notify your insurance company within 24 hours of the theft. Provide comprehensive information to your insurer, including:
- Date and time of the theft.
- Location of the vehicle at the time of theft.
- Where the keys were stored.
- Names of individuals with access to the vehicle.
- Detailed vehicle description.
- Inventory of personal belongings within the vehicle.
- Police report number.
- Contact details of the financing company (if applicable).
Quest for Your Vehicle
Review surveillance footage. Numerous establishments now employ security cameras in their parking areas. Additionally, municipalities may have installed cameras for surveillance on streets, around schools, and government premises. Accessing this footage may aid in identifying the perpetrator:
- Visit your local town office or city hall and inquire about reviewing security footage. Present a copy of your police report and specify the suspected date and time of the theft.
- Seek permission from private businesses to review their surveillance footage. Furnish them with a copy of the police report promptly, as some businesses overwrite or delete footage over time.
Reach out to taxi companies. Taxi drivers are frequently on the roads, making them valuable allies in locating your stolen vehicle. Contact local cab companies and offer a reward for any information leading to the recovery of your car:
- Ensure you provide a detailed description of the vehicle and offer a sufficiently enticing reward to motivate cab drivers.
- While some may suggest $100, offering closer to $500 is more likely to yield results.
Utilize your VIN to track your car. Whenever your car undergoes registration, titling, or servicing, its VIN is logged into a database. You can obtain a vehicle history report from the AutoCheck website for $30-40. Check for any entries post-theft date:
- In the United States, utilize the VinCheck feature on the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) website to identify stolen or salvaged cars.
- Contact local law enforcement in areas where your car has been registered or serviced. Inform them of the theft, providing copies of your police report and vehicle history report.
Review your city's transit website. If the thief parks your car and it incurs a parking ticket, this information is typically logged in your city's database. Check your car's license plate number online. If it's been parked, notify the police of its location.
Scour online car listings. Thieves often attempt to sell stolen cars online, usually including pictures and identifying details. Browse through listings on popular automobile marketplaces such as:
- Cars.com
- eBay Motors
- Craigslist
- Autotrader.com
Inform authorities upon car recovery. Upon locating your car, promptly notify both law enforcement and your insurance provider. Should your car require repairs, your insurer will cover the costs:
- Insurance companies typically wait around 30 days before declaring a car lost, after which they reimburse the fair market value.
- If your car is found after insurance payout, the vehicle belongs to the insurance company.
Preventing Vehicle Theft
Secure your vehicle. Approximately half of all vehicle thefts occur due to owner negligence. One common oversight is failing to lock your car upon departure. Remember to do so, and ensure all windows are fully closed to prevent access through open windows or sunroofs.
Take your keys with you. Leaving your car unattended with the keys inside is an open invitation to thieves. Always turn off the engine and take your keys with you. Avoid leaving spare keys hidden within the vehicle, as this facilitates theft.
Conceal valuables. Visible valuables such as purses increase the likelihood of theft. Conceal such items beneath seats or lock them in the trunk to deter potential thieves from targeting your vehicle.
Utilize anti-theft technology. Various anti-theft devices are available, including ignition cut-off systems and steering wheel locks. Choose the device that best suits your needs to enhance your vehicle's security.
Opt for a tracking device. Many vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking systems like OnStar by General Motors or Safety Connect by Toyota. If available, contact the service provider to track your car's location (provided the thief hasn't disabled the system). Alternatively, you can purchase and install a tracking system yourself.
- Consider popular options like LoJack, known for its high recovery rate. While only 55% of stolen cars are recovered, 90% of those equipped with LoJack are successfully retrieved.
Invest in comprehensive auto insurance. Comprehensive coverage ensures protection against car theft. Consult your insurance provider to inquire about comprehensive insurance options, including associated costs and available discounts.
