Can I report my car stolen if my son took it?

Asked by: Sheldon Grimes  |  Last update: July 15, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (37 votes)

Of course you can. Taking something that's not yours, without permission is theft. Since he took stolen property across state lines it might also be a Federal crime. You might want to check with the FBI as well.

What to do if a family member steals your car?

Contact the police and have a report filed. Contact your insurance agent to see what losses are covered. If possible, find a safer place to park your car and don't leave anything valuable in your car.

What happens if you lend someone your car and they don't bring it back?

You will get into a lot of trouble. At best, you violated the contract you signed stating that no one other than you would drive the car. However, if they don't return it, then they have stolen it, which means you will be charged with theft, or at least accessory of theft, fraud or any of several charges.

Can I report my car stolen if my mom took it?

Yes. Whether or not the police can or will do anything is another matter entirely but you can report your car stolen regardless of your personal relationship or them having been a previous owner and having retained a key.

Can I report my car stolen if my spouse took it?

Unfortunately, any registered owner of a car may take possession without the permission of other co-owners. So, while you can not report it stolen, you can legally take it back if you find it on the street or in public.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I REPORTED MY CAR STOLEN, BUT IT WAS MY SON WHO TOOK IT? * Recorded During the

45 related questions found

What can I do if my husband took my car?

Contacting Law Enforcement

If you decide to report your car stolen, contacting the police is necessary.

Can I report a car stolen if it's not in my name?

Only the registered owner of a car can report it stolen. If you routinely drive a car owned by someone else, contact them to file the report.

Can I sue my parents for taking my car?

If you are over 18 then they do not have that right. You may have to sue them to get your way. The courts should be on your side if you have correctly described the problem.

Can I sue if someone stole my car?

If you have to buy a new vehicle or make repairs to your stolen vehicle upon its return, you can sue for compensation for those damages. You might also sue for damages if you had to take time away from work or pay for a rental vehicle while your car was missing.

How long does it take police to find a stolen car?

If you report your car as stolen immediately to police, there's a better chance it will be recovered. In fact, according to NICB data, 35% of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days.

What happens if my friend borrowed my car and gets in an accident?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...

What to do if someone won't bring your car back?

If you are not successful in getting your vehicle back, call the CHPD at 727-5500 or come to the CHPD to report the vehicle as stolen. You will be required to appear in person and sign the theft report since this is a borrowed vehicle case and supporting documents are necessary to be given to the officer.

Can I report my car stolen if I let someone borrow it in Texas?

Yes, you do. You can report it stolen since it has not been returned to you. That's how the laws are written in Texas? Yes.

What if a family member steals from you?

Make a payment plan if necessary. Set consequences. Let your family member know what you will do if they don't make amends. Set some consequences so that your family member won't get away with their theft, even if they refuse to cooperate with you.

Do I have to tell the DMV my car was stolen?

Reporting to DMV and Updating Records. Informing the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about the theft of your vehicle should be done as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to press charges for theft?

A victim of a crime does not have to pay a fee for a prosecutor to press charges. Instead, taxpayer money will fund any further investigations and trials.

What happens when someone steals your car?

After you've filed a report with the police, the next call you need to make is to your insurance company. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim. Be prepared to provide them with information such as your policy number, the police report number and any other relevant details they may require.

Can someone sue me and take my car?

If you've been sued for a debt and you're worried about whether the judgment creditor can take your car, here's the short answer: It's possible, but very rare. Creditors usually only pursue a car if it has significant value and isn't already tied to a loan.

Is it worth pressing charges for theft?

Legal Implications of Pressing Charges

Restitution: Pressing charges could lead to financial recovery for you if the court mandates restitution. Future Consequences for the Offender: Your decision could impact the future of the person who committed the theft—it's essential to weigh this carefully.

Can your parents take your car if you pay for it?

You are a minor in the eyes of the law. Your parents can absolutely take away your car, regardless of how it was paid for.

Can I sue someone who borrowed my car?

If a friend, family member, or someone else borrowed your car without permission and got into an accident, they may be directly liable for the damages.

Can parents be held liable?

In the state of California, a parent or legal guardian can be held liable when a minor damages property or causes personal injury.

What to do if someone won't give your car back?

You can report him to the cops and let him be arrested. The courts will return your car to you. Once you have warned him that the car has been reported stolen and that you will press criminal charges, it's on him if he doesn't bring it back.

Does insurance cover a stolen car?

Car Theft Insurance: When Am I Entitled to Coverage? Downey drivers whose cars are stolen in Califonia will have car theft insurance if they have comprehensive coverage. That should cover you up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. If your car is damaged due to a break-in, you'll also be covered.

How do I report a car theft to the police?

How to Report a Stolen Car to the Police
  1. Detailed information about the stolen vehicle (make/model, color)
  2. License plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN; found on insurance documents)
  3. Where the vehicle was last located.