What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen
The past year has seen a shocking rise in the number of automobile thefts across the nation. Some of it can be attributed to the shift in work culture; as more people began working from home, more cars stayed parked–and unsupervised–for days on end. Some of it was brought on by social media “challenges” and viral trends like the Kia Boyz, which taught people how to steal Kia and Hyundai models that are not equipped with engine immobilizers. As of November 2022, over 745,000 had already been reported stolen in the US (or more than one vehicle stolen per minute per day). Deep Sentinel provides a breakdown of the top ten most stolen cars of 2022, as well as the next 50 most frequently targeted models across the country.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of finding your car simply gone one day, it’s important to act quickly. Stolen vehicles reported within the first 24 hours have a 34% recovery rate. Contact your local police department to file a report and give them as much information as you can about your vehicle and where you saw it last. Be sure to include:
The color, year, make, and model of your car
Any distinct features (aftermarket features or noticeable body damage)
License plate number
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Information about your GPS or tracking system, if you have one
Where and when you last saw your car
If you’re not sure where to find information such as your license plate or VIN, you can reference your insurance paperwork, and any email confirmation you may have gotten from renewing your tabs. Obtain written reports and keep a record of every interaction you have with the police while your vehicle is missing. Areas with higher vehicle theft numbers may not place as high a priority on your case as you will, so it’s important to be your biggest advocate.
Immediately after you’ve filed the police report, contact your insurance company and file a claim. Again, you’ll want to take care of this (and supply them with any additional information they ask for) as quickly as possible. Be prepared to provide them with:
A list and description of any valuables that were in your car (electronics, clothing, tools, etc.)
A copy of the police report
Once you’ve handed over everything to the authorities and your insurance company, be prepared for the possibility that your car won’t be found. The unfortunate truth is that stolen cars are often parted out and sold off piece by piece. If your car is returned to you, make sure to inspect it thoroughly and notify the police if you find anything not belonging to you. Finally, do what you can to keep your vehicle protected in the future. Comprehensive insurance will cover you in the event of theft in a way that liability insurance won’t. Think about installing a security system with an engine immobilizer or GPS tracking to help locate your vehicle at any time.
