What Happens If My Car Is Recovered After The Claim Has Been Paid
If the claim has already been paid, then your insurance company owns the vehicle. First, you must report the recovery of your vehicle right away and let your insurance company know. In most cases, they will send a team to retrieve the vehicle. If you haven’t bought a new vehicle, your insurance company may offer you the option to buy back the car. The exact procedure varies from company to company, so it’s best to check with your insurer about what your options are.
According to the FBI, approximately 721,885 vehicles were stolen in 2019. Only a small number of cars are ever returned after they disappear.
Am I Covered For A Rental Car
Rental car coverage can help pay for a rental car while you dont have access to yours after a covered loss. But you should always ask your agent how many days a rental will be covered under your policy.
If youre an ERIE customer, our comprehensive coverage includes basic rental car coverage for covered losses such as car theft. Basic rental coverage provides a compact sedan rental car, and a larger vehicle can be selected if you purchase additional coverage.
This coverage varies by state, so ask your insurance agent about rental car coverage before youre in a situation where you need it. In most states, youre covered for a rental for up to 45 days. Learn more about auto insurance and car rentals.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You will likely need to give your insurer the same information that you gave the police, in addition to a list of personal items that were in the vehicle when it was stolen. Your car will be covered if you have comprehensive insurance, and any personal items are generally covered by homeowners or renters insurance. If you have rental reimbursement insurance, your insurer may cover the cost of a rental car, too.
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A Few Other Important Things To Do
If the stolen vehicle is financed or leased, report the theft to your finance or leasing company. To expedite your claim’s process, inform your finance or leasing company to discuss the case directly with GEICO.
When you file your claim, you should receive a Vehicle Theft Questionnaire. Complete and return the form to your claims examiner as soon as possible.
GEICO may also be able to provide you with a rental vehicle. Contact your claims examiner for more information.
What Happens When Your Car Is Stolen Then Found
Typically, you would have reported your stolen car to the police, insurance, and lender for investigation. Now that the stolen car is found, all three parties, including the police, insurance, and lender, must be informed.
- Finding your stolen car somewhere. If you found your stolen car somewhere, you have to inform the police, insurance, and lender. Report to the insurance whether you claimed the vehicle or not because the insurance could still be investigating if you were not given a replacement car. However, if the insurance paid your claim, they become the registered owner of the vehicle.
- Suppose the police found your car. The police would typically identify the car using the plate and VIN. They will contact you or the insurance who may now be the owner. You will be informed to visit the location where your vehicle is in possession.
- What if the police cant contact you? If the police cannot contact you , or you cant claim that the car belongs to you, a tow operator will tow it for impound. The police will also update the database to report the stolen car as recovered. Unfortunately, the registered owner is liable for the impound and storage fees. Nonetheless, you can always negotiate tow charges with a tow operator.
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What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen
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If you suspect your car has been stolen, youre likely in disbelief and wondering what to do next. First, try not to panic.
You may have simply forgotten where you parked or a family member may have taken it for a spin without letting you know. A less pleasant but still possible scenario is that your car was towed. Check nearby signs for any towing information.
If you still cant locate your vehicle, take a deep breath and follow the steps below. Well help take the stress out of the situation by guiding you through it.
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What Can You Do If Your Catalytic Converter Is Stolen
If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you should report it to the police and file an insurance claim if you have coverage.
It would help if you also took it to a mechanic or dealership to have it checked out.
They will be able to tell you for sure if it is gone and can also help you replace it if necessary.
Be sure to take some preventive measures to help deter thieves from targeting your vehicle in the first place.
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What If Your Stolen Car Is Recovered
Great! The police have called and your car has been found! But what now?
You must tell your insurer straight away. Youll also need to find out if the car has been damaged, used to commit another crime or is possibly unsafe to drive. This is all information the police will be able to help you with.
The police will arrange for your car to recovered which you will be charged for .
If you have theft coverage, your insurer will assess the damage to your car and decide what needs to be done next. This could either be a repair job or the worst-case scenario, a write-off.
What Insurance Covers A Stolen Car
Generally, basic liability auto insurance will not cover car theft. Thus, you need comprehensive coverage to cover a stolen vehicle, which is optional in every state.
- Comprehensive coverage. This insurance coverage covers non-accident-related vehicle damage, including theft, fallen tree branches, collisions with animals, hail damage, vandalism, break-ins, and more.
- Liability coverage. Almost all states require you to have liability coverage . Liability coverage includes property damage and bodily injury. It also protects other road users and property damages.
- Collision coverage. This coverage covers the repair cost of a damaged vehicle after an accident.
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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 cars 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 youll 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.
What Should I Do When My Car Is Stolen
When you discover that you cannot find your car, and before reporting it stolen, there are a couple of important actions that you should take. The first is to make sure that your vehicle wasn’t parked illegally and towed away or that it was not repossessed because you’re behind on payments. Unfortunately, these possibilities can happen, and if it was claimed or impounded by a creditor, you do not want to file a police report, as it is technically not stolen. If you can confirm that none of these scenarios apply to your individual situation, you need to immediately file a police report.
If you have a tracking device on your vehicle, this could help you recover it, but after contacting the police, you’ll want to call your car insurance company next. You will need to let them know that the vehicle was stolen, and you may do some research by asking What does insurance do when your car is stolen? as soon as possible after you file this initial report. If your vehicle has been stolen and ultimately gets recovered, you will also want to inform your car insurance company as soon as possible.
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How To Prevent Your Car From Being Stolen In The Future
While it may be too late to protect your stolen car, there are several things you can do to ensure that your next vehicle is safer from thieves. Some of these measures will even help lower your auto insurance cost.
Here are some simple tips to reduce the chances of your car being stolen:
- Close your windows
- Install a car alarm system
- Install a GPS tracking system
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Lock your vehicle
- Park your vehicle in safe areas
- Store keys in a safe area away from your vehicle
- Turn off the ignition when not operating the vehicle
- Use a physical anti-theft device
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
Find Your Stolen Car With Vin If Your Car Is Stolen
When your car is stolen, you can locate and find your stolen vehicle with the VIN number.
A vehicle identification number is a unique code used by vehicle industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, etc. You can track a stolen car online with the vehicle identification number.
VIN not only helps you check if your car is stolen but also plays an important role on locating and finding your stolen car.
How to Find & Locate Your Stolen Car with VIN: Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to AutoCheck, and purchase a vehicle history report. The cost of the report will be between $30 and $40.
- Enter your vehicle identification number and credit card details on the vehicle history report search screen. You will see a chronological history of the places where your car was registered, titled and serviced. The last known registration or service should be the most recent location of your stolen vehicle. Thus you can narrow down the search range when your car is stolen, and get your car back fast.
- Contact the Police. They will help you trace down your stolen vehicle with the information you provide.
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How To Find A Stolen Car
You can use your vehicles identification number to look up your car on the National Insurance Crime Bureaus VINCheck, which functions as a stolen car database. The database can help you locate your stolen vehicle.
If any partner of the NICBincluding insurance companies and law enforcement agenciesfinds your missing vehicle, it will be reported on VINCheck.
What Happens If Your Car Is Stolen And Recovered
If your car is found, what happens next is a case-by-case scenario. If the car is retrieved, your auto insurance company will see if any damages are repairable and will cover the cost of repairs up to your comprehensive coverage limits. If the car is unrepairable when found, they will pay you out at actual cash value minus your deductible.
If your claim has been paid out before the car is recovered, it depends on your auto insurer. They may take ownership of the car to recoup their costs, or they may require you to return the claim payout.
As soon as you get your car back, you should inspect it for any damage or items inside that don’t belong to you.
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Does Car Insurance Cover Auto Theft
Legal minimum auto insurance policies do not cover you if your car is stolen. Basic car insurance only covers liability, which pays out in the event of you being at fault for injuries or property damage due to a car accident. Car theft falls outside these criteria. In order to have coverage in the event of your car being stolen, you need to buy comprehensive coverage.
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.
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Search For The Car Yourself
While the assigned detective is searching for your vehicle, you also have to do the same. Remember, there is no insurance company to cover your loss.
Search platforms such as Craigslist and similar websites, including SubReddit where your car may be up for sale. Inform your friends and relatives about your missing car to look out for it.
And most importantly, work closely with the detective. Treat the assigned detective with respect as they may have other responsibilities aside from your stolen vehicle.
If you or someone you know finds the stolen car, report the location to the police immediately. Do not attempt to take back the vehicle, as this could put you in danger. Nonetheless, keep an eye on the vehicle and the drivers movement if they start driving off.
What Happens If My Car Is Stolen While Im Still Paying Finance
Your car has been stolen & you’re still paying finance. The first thing to do is not panic. Take a look here for what you should do next.
- Michael Barlow
- Manchester
Having your car stolen can be traumatic, but there are a few steps you can take to make the aftermath a bit less painful. Lets take a look at exactly what you should do if your car has been stolen and see what the implications are if you still owe money on a finance arrangement.
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Is Theft Covered By Car Insurance
Similar to hail damage or vandalism, car theft is considered a non-collision event. That means comprehensive insurance can help cover the cost of your stolen car whether or not it’s recovered minus your deductible.
Unlike auto liability coverage, comprehensive coverage is optional if you own your vehicle outright. If you have a loan on your car, chances are your lender requires collision and comprehensive insurance. But regardless of whether or not its required by your lender, comprehensive coverage is the best way to ensure youll be protected in the event your car is stolen.
If Your Car Is Recovered But Totaled:
Your comprehensive insurance will cover the totaled vehicles actual cash value, or how much it was worth before the damage occurred, minus any deductible you have. You may be able to keep the totaled car if you want, but your insurer will subtract the amount of money they would have made selling the car for salvage or scrap from the total payout.
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How Does My Insurance Help If My Car Is Stolen
Lets say your vehicle has a depreciated value of $12,000 and you have a $1,000 comprehensive coverage deductible. If your vehicle is stolen, youll want to file a police report, then file a claim with your insurance company. If your claim is covered, youll get a check for $11,000 which is the actual cash value of your vehicle minus the deductible .
How To Protect Yourself
License plate rules vary from state to state. But a spokesperson for Ohios Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Charlie Norman, told us you should never hand over your car with plates attached. Instead, he said:
- Ask about transferring the plates to a new vehicle.
- Stash them away in a safe place in your home.
- Or turn them in to your local DMV or BMV office to be destroyed.
If they are towed away after an accident, Norman said, work with your insurance company to either preferably get those plates back or ensure that they are destroyed by the insurance company.
One last tip: If your plates are ever lost or stolen, report the loss to the DMV and State Police to make sure tickets arent going onto your driving record.
Weve reached out to EZ PASS authorities in the hope they will waive all fees.
But Oursler says if I would have taken the license plate off, that would have been the end of it right there.
Remember these tips, that way you dont waste your money.
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