Reporting A Car Stolen When Borrowed Can You Do That
Its entirely possible that someone can make the honest mistake of forgetting to return your borrowed car, despite how inane and wild it may sound. Equally, if the borrower forgot to return the car to you, it doesnt amount to theft if they genuinely forgot.
Accusations of stealing a car when borrowed heavily rely on two things:
Intent to steal the car: The intention for someone to commit a criminal act is called mens rea, or an individuals mental state. This allows police and the courts to decide if someone deliberately set out to steal your car and not return it, or borrowed your car and unintentionally didnt return it.
Proof that they stole it: The prosecution is tasked with proving without a doubt that the borrower of the car intended never to return it. This can be done by observing the actions leading up to the offense, or can be proven by email or text if the borrower happens to brag about having the car. Even in the event that someone happens to have your property, a lack of intent and proof to steal means there might not be a case. However, the borrower would also need an alibi to establish their own innocence.
Altogether, mens rea plays a major role in determining the mindset behind someone who appears to have stolen your car after borrowing it. Once youve determined if someone has honest intentions or not, you can begin the process of locating your stolen car.
Should I Report A Stolen License Plate
You should report a stolen license plate to your local police department. A police report is a good record keeper and lets authorities know that it has been stolen. Here in California, you must then go to the DMV office , and the plate that was left in your car.
Look up the form called REG 156 and take it to the DMV field office. Oh and pay the fees to receive your new set of plates, of course.
We cant forget those darn fees.
Why Do Car Thieves Steal Registrations
The most common reasons for car registration theft include:
Obtaining the Vehicle Identification Number . Gaining access to your VIN may help thieves register illegal vehicles. They could also file claims on totaled cars or even create duplicate car keys. There have even been instances where individuals use a stolen car registration to walk into a dealership and drive off with a brand-new vehicle.
They’re preparing for a break-in. Your car registration contains vital information, including your home address. Depending on what the thieves find in your car, they may target additional valuables kept at your residence. Although this specific scenario is less likely to occur, be sure to take extra security precautions in the days, weeks, and months following a vehicle theft or burglary.
If you notice your car registration is missing, report the incident immediately and file a police report.
Read Also: What Credit Report Do Car Dealers Use
What Are The Percentage Of Stolen Cars Are Covered
According to Progressive Insurance’s report, the US average rate for car theft recovery is 46%, but the rate varies greatly among states. For example, the stolen car recovery rate in Washington was 71%, in Utah was 63%, but only 28% in Alabama.
All in all, the chance of finding a stolen car is quite high. So Keep optimistic if your car is stolen.
Way 2 Contact Your Insurance Company When Your Car Is Stolen
Also contact your insurance company when your car gets stolen. If your car is stolen while running comprehensive insurance, you can get the “car stolen” insurance payout from the insurance company.
If you recover your stolen car after getting the insurance claim, call your insurance company. Please note that the recovered car now belongs to the insurance company. If you want, you can buy the recovered car back from the company staff.
You can check the hottest question to the “Car Stolen” insurance in Part 3.
Also Check: How To Transfer A Title In Az
What Do I Do If My License Plate Is Stolen And I Want The Same Number Again
Some states do allow for this, but others don’t, so be sure to check with your local DMV. Just keep in mind that having multiple sets of the same plates driving around may lead to you being charged with traffic violations that weren’t even your fault. However, you can hang onto your license plate when you sell your car, in most cases, so long as you follow these steps.
Prepare The Information Of The Car
Regarding how to report a stolen car, to help the police, you must present the details of the car. Below is the information the police will require of your car:
- VIN
- Drivers license
- License plate number
I believe you know the VIN of your vehicle, but if you do not, check up on your insurance statement or look up the information of your VIN online.
Read Also: Removing Hail Dents From Car
How Do I Get My Car Back From Someone Who Borrowed It
Although your first reaction may be to file a police report, it may prove difficult to convince officers that your property is stolen, despite being borrowed. As it was voluntarily given away, police may deem that there was no crime committed.
To get your car back from someone who borrowed it, first youll need to send the borrower a message stating that they no longer have permission to drive the car.
Include a description of the car. Your description should include the make and model of your car, its color, the year, license plate number and VIN number. Additionally, make sure your language conveys that the borrower no longer has permission to operate the car. Refrain from asking them to return it to you directly, as it implies that they can still use the car.
Set an ultimatum. Include a warning that youll report the car stolen if not return within a specific time frame, such as 24 hours, or by a specific date.
Note when the message was sent/received. If you choose to mail your letter, opt for a Registered Mail-Return Receipt. This helps to notify you if the person has received the letter or not. If a text message or email, take note of the time and date it was sent for your records.
At this point, youll also need to be fully prepared to appear in court, and press charges against the person you loaned the car to.
Way 4 Use Gps Device To Locate Your Stolen Car
If you’ve installed a GPS tracking system, like OnStar, LoJack, etc. to your vehicle, the company of the tracker can help you determine the location of your stolen car, and even shut it down.
No matter where your car got stolen, such as the dealership, driveway, garage, valet parking, or a mechanic shop, you can trace your stolen vehicle with the GPS quickly.
You May Like: Get My Title Florida
List The Items In The Car
It is likely that you have some valuable items in the stolen car. And if the policy of your insurance covers the items, you will be paid for them.
In most cases, the items in a stolen car could be traced to pawn shops, which helps the police to investigate the stolen car.
Remember to make a list of items in the trunk, glove compartment, and center console. If you hide valuable items under the seats and carpets, do not hesitate to list them. Also, list the documents/paperwork you have in the stolen car.
Is Borrowing Something And Forgetting To Return It Stealing
Its rare that, in the case of a large piece of property such as a car, one would genuinely forget to return it. That said if it does happen that the person you loaned your car to forgot to return it, it wouldnt count as stealing depending on the circumstances.
The person you loaned it to never intended to return it. To accuse someone of theft, it would require the person to have never had the intent to return your car. With criminal law, the intent to commit a criminal act is one of many key elements that need to be established in the process of conviction. In the case of the theft of your car , a charge would require the specific intent to keep another individuals property.
The burden of proof may be difficult to overcome. When it comes to pressing charges and eventually prosecuting someone you suspect stole your car, the prosecution relies on the burden of proof. Essentially, prosecutors have to reveal specific intent to show that the person you loaned the car to had no intention to return the item and planned to keep it as their own. Because of this, crimes of this nature require strong, credible evidence to establish guilt. An example of this would be your friend loaning you a bike. If you were to ignore his requests to return it, it would look very similar to stealing on your part.
Read Also: How Much Horsepower Does A Normal Car Have
Cars Recovered In Mexico
If you locate and recover your vehicle in Mexico, notify the U.S. Customs inspector when crossing the U.S. / Mexico border. You will be sent to a “secondary inspection” area and either the California Highway Patrol or San Diego Police Department will dispatch an officer to examine your vehicle and check your identification. The officer will release the vehicle to the registered owner. This is an important step. If you do not have the vehicle recovered and released by a U.S. police department, you will be driving a vehicle that is STILL reported stolen. You could be stopped and detained at gunpoint!
If Your Stolen Vehicle Is Recovered
- Prior to using your vehicle, it is always a good idea to carefully examine your recovered stolen vehicle for property that does not belong to you, which may be evidence of other crimes.
- You may want to search your vehicle’s interior carefully to make sure drugs, drug paraphernalia, or dangerous objects such as syringes, have not been left behind.
- To turn over any evidence or contraband to the police, call the Non-Emergency number, 625-5011, and be sure to have your Seattle Police Incident Number handy to give to the Operator.
The department cannot assist in civil disputes over vehicle ownership.
You May Like: Squirrel Repellent Car Engine
File A Missing Vehicle Report
- Your license plate number
- The make, model, and year of the vehicle
- The vehicle color
- Any distinct features on the vehicle
- The vehicle identification number
- Whether your car has a GPS device that can help them track it down
- Details about how and when it was stolen, if you can provide them
MORE
Shopping For A Replacement Vehicle
If your car was not recovered and your claim is settled, you probably need to buy a car. Dealing with replacing your car can be a stressful experience, so the GEICO Car Buying Service has been designed to make this process as hassle-free as possible. Learn more and see how much you could save on a new or used car. Still not sure what car to buy? Check out our car buying resources to help you choose the best vehicle for you.
* Coverage for upgrades and custom items may be limitedyour claims examiner can provide you with more information.
Please note:
The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.
Don’t Miss: How To Take Out Hail Dents From Car
Way 10 Keep A Record Of Your Belongings When Your Car Is Stolen
As noted above, if your car is stolen, the insurance company might compensate for your loss including your personal belongings left in the stolen vehicle based on your insurance policy.
So instead of immersing yourself in the sadness when you find your car is stolen, keep a record of your valuables in the stolen vehicle while your memory is fresh. Also, prepared the receipt of the items you’re going to include in the insurance claim to recover your loss.
Besides the above effective ways to look for your stolen car, you can get detailed answers below to the hottest “Car Is Stolen” questions, including stolen car insurance, chances of finding stolen vehicles, etc.
Three Officers Injured After Responding To Report Of Stolen Vehicle In Minneapolis
MINNEAPOLIS Minneapolis PD says three officers were injured on the 3100 block of Columbus Avenue South around 8 p.m. Friday, after responding to a reported stolen vehicle.
Police say the vehicle was stolen near the 3800 block of Bloomington Avenue, when it sped off, and was later located due to the presence of an onboard GPS.
Among the officers who responded, police say one of them was at the suspect’s driver-side window when the suspect sped off in reverse, temporarily dragging the officer, and injuring two others after striking an MPD squad vehicle.
All three officers sustained minor injuries, before the suspect fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
Police say they later located the vehicle unoccupied, though the suspect in question managed to evade police.
This remains an active investigation. Minneapolis Crime Scene Technicians are currently assisting.
No further information has been released at this time.
Also Check: Nissan American Or Foreign
What Happens If Someone Steals Your Car Registration
If someone steals your car registration, you should make a police report before someone tries to use it. You can help the situation by keeping a copy of your cars registration at home.
Since you are required to keep the registration document as proof in your vehicle at all times while youre operating it, you will have to report it to the DMV and obtain a replacement. If your license plate or sticker were stolen, you will also have to request a new one. Since these things take a while, you may have to put a temporary plate so the police dont give you trouble for it.
Way 1 File A Car Stolen Report To The Police
If your car is stolen, especially with your child or baby, dog inside, call the police at once.
When you file a police report, make sure you can provide enough information about your missing car, typically including:
- The license plate
- The VIN
- Your car’s brand, model & color
- The location where you last saw your car
- The tracking device , such as LoJack or OnStar
Keep a copy of the file since you’ll need it for the insurance claim.
The more details you provide, the higher chances that the police can help you retrieve your missing car.
Note: If your car is stolen and impounded by the police , you should take your ID card, driving license and other document that can prove the car belongs to you. You can get your stolen car back fast.
You May Like: What Rental Car Places Accept Debit Cards
Checking Your Auto Theft Case Status
Unfortunately, the number of cases a Detective investigates prevent them from routinely contacting each victim. A Detective will contact you for information when needed. If you believe you have information which would be of value to the investigation, you may call the area station from where your vehicle was stolen and ask to speak to the Detective handling your case.
What If My Stolen Car Is Never Found
With a stolen car, claims are treated as if theyre a total loss from a car accident. However, car theft is considered a non-collision event, meaning you would have to manually opt in for comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive insurance specifically helps to replace or repair your vehicle if its stolen or damaged otherwise that isnt the result of a collision.
The way that comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle relies on two factors:
The ACV of your car: The ACV, or actual cash value of your car represents your cars current market value and depreciates from the moment you drive it away from the dealer. This means the ACV of your car is based on the market value after depreciation, rather than based on the price you paid for it. In the event that you retrieve your stolen car from the thief, comprehensive coverage can even help you pay for damage done to the vehicle while it was out of your possession.
The deductible: The deductible of a vehicle is basically the cash amount youre required to pay before your insurance company handles the rest. In the event that you werent able to recover your car, your insurance company would reimburse you for the ACV, minus the deductible. This means replacing your car might require some of your personal money along with the reimbursement.
Recommended Reading: Avis Owns Budget
If My License Plate Is Stolen Can I Still Drive My Car
It’s only natural to wonder if you can still drive your car if the license plate gets stolen. Nobody likes being stranded and losing that sense of freedom. Sadly, the law states that no vehicle may be operated without valid license plates, so the answer is no. Luckily, there are some workarounds. Quick remedies vary by state some allow for the issuance of a temporary plate or permit if you produce the police report. This would make you legal on the road until you get your permanent plates. When reporting the theft to the police, ask them what you should do in your state to drive legally while waiting for your replacement plates.
