If your vehicle was stolen, the first thing you should do is call the police. They will be able to create a report and help you with the next steps. Unfortunately, vehicle theft is a common crime, and it’s important to know what to do if it happens to you. In this blog post, we will discuss 6 important steps that you need to take if your car is stolen.
Was your vehicle just stolen? Follow these 6 steps after the incident
A stolen vehicle is a major inconvenience and can be a very costly experience. If your vehicle was just stolen, you might be feeling a mix of anger, frustration, and helplessness. But don’t worry, we are here to help. From answering the question of does parked car insurance cover theft to what you should do next, this blog post will cover it all. Furthermore, a stolen vehicle is a serious crime so it’s important to know what steps you need to take afterward. If you want to be certain about what you are doing, make sure you get in touch with a criminal lawyer as well.
1. Contact the police
This is important because you will need a police report for your insurance claim. The police will also be able to help you with the next steps. Moreover, if there is any chance of recovering your vehicle, the police will be the ones to do it. By getting in touch with the police, you are also increasing the chance of apprehending the thief. Unfortunately, vehicle theft is a very common crime in the majority of the world, so one must be aware of the steps to take to prevent any further damage or issues.
2. Notify your insurance company
Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of a stolen vehicle. But, you will need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Make sure you have your policy number and all the necessary information ready when you call. You should also ask about what steps you need to take next and if there is anything that you are responsible for. As we were mentioning above, if your vehicle was parked and stolen, your insurance will most likely cover it. Most insurance companies have a 24-hour hotline that you can call in case of an emergency so that you can file a claim right away.
3. Have your policy number and information ready
When you call your insurance company, make sure you have your policy number and all the necessary information ready. You should also ask about what steps you need to take next and if there is anything that you are responsible for. By having this information ready, you will be able to speed up the claims process. When you prepare for this, you allow yourself to reduce the stress of the situation and focus on fixing the issue. This is important because the sooner you file a claim, the sooner you will be able to get your vehicle replaced or compensated. Some of the vital information you should have include:
- Policy number
- Personal information
- The make, model, and year of your vehicle
- The license plate number
- The date and time of the theft
- The location of the theft
- A list of any personal belongings that were in the vehicle
- The name and contact information of any witnesses
- The police report number
- Any other relevant information
Some insurance companies also have a mobile app that you can use to file a claim. This can be very helpful if you don’t have the time or ability to call.
4. Ask about what steps you need to take next
When you call your insurance company, make sure to ask about what steps you need to take next. This is important because you will need to know if there is anything that you are responsible for. For example, some insurance companies require you to file a police report within 24 hours of the theft. Others might require you to get your vehicle towed to a certain location. By knowing what steps you need to take, you can avoid any delays in the claims process. To have a general idea of what you should do, make sure that you:
- File a police report
- Get your vehicle towed to a certain location (if required by your insurance company)
- Notify the DMV
- Obtain a new set of keys
- Have a security system in place
- Change the locks on your vehicle
- Keep track of any expenses related to the theft (e.g., towing, rental car, etc.)
5. Keep a record of all conversations with your insurance company
It is important to keep a record of all conversations that you have with your insurance company. This includes the date, time, and content of the conversation. This will be helpful if there are any issues with your claim later on. You can also use this information to follow up with your insurance company if you don’t hear back from them within a reasonable amount of time. The best way to keep a record of your conversations is to take notes immediately after the call. You can also ask for a transcript or recording of the call if available. Another option is to use a call recorder app on your phone. This way, you can be sure that you have an accurate record of the conversation.
6. Get in touch with a criminal lawyer
If your vehicle was stolen and you live in a high-crime area, it is a good idea to get in touch with a criminal lawyer. This is because they will be able to help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. They can also help you file a civil suit against the person who stole your vehicle. This is important because it can help you recover damages that are not covered by your insurance. A criminal lawyer can also help you if you are charged with a crime related to the theft of your vehicle.
In conclusion, these are six important steps that you should take if your vehicle is stolen. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you are compensated for your loss and that the person who stole your vehicle is brought to justice.
