Can I track my car after it has been stolen?
Asked by: Iliana Hintz IV | Last update: July 28, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (29 votes)
Can cars be tracked if stolen?
There are 5 different ways to track a stolen car: Report the license plate to the police. Check its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) maintenance log. Find the location using a pre-installed Bluetooth tracking system.
Can a dealership track a stolen car?
GPS tracking devices allow dealerships to monitor these vehicles, ensuring they know where each asset is at all times. In cases where vehicles are stolen, dealerships can rapidly recover them thanks to SVR (Stolen Vehicle Recovery) systems.
What are the chances of finding your stolen car?
More than 85 percent of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered. Once you've provided information to the police, they can create a report. Make sure to get a copy of the police report as you'll need the info for the next step.
How do police track a stolen car?
The Police Tracking Computer provides the police officer, via the dispatcher, all pertinent information about the stolen vehicle. The LoJack monitor installed in patrol cars has a strength indicator that tells the officer if he is within one mile of the stolen vehicle, allowing time for back-up help to be called.
Steps to take if your car is stolen
Do police do anything about stolen cars?
Once the police receive the report, they will investigate and check for any leads or surveillance footage that could help identify the thief. They may also notify surrounding law enforcement agencies and other organizations specializing in stolen vehicle recovery, such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
What happens if your car is stolen and never found?
Your car insurance will cover a stolen car if you carry comprehensive insurance; you will have to pay the deductible. If your car is not recovered within 30 days, the insurance company will declare it a total loss and pay you its actual cash value.
How long does it usually take for 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.
Where do stolen cars usually end up?
According to the FBI, a car is stolen in the U.S. about once every 40 seconds. Many of them end up at ports like the Port of Baltimore, where they are put on cargo ships headed to West Africa.
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.
How long does it take to track a stolen car?
On average, law enforcement typically finds a stolen vehicle within 48 hours of it being reported missing. But the process can also take much, much longer. So be patient as law enforcement searches for your vehicle.
Can you track the location of a car?
Tracking your car used to be difficult, but Bluetooth car tracking, like Tile's Bluetooth trackers for cars, has simplified the process. Easily monitor your car's location, deter theft, and gain peace of mind through crowd-finding with Tile's Bluetooth tracking technology.
How to check if a stolen car has been found?
NICB's VINCheck is a free lookup service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle may have a record of an insurance theft claim, and has not been recovered, or has ever been reported as a salvage vehicle by participating NICB member insurance companies.
Is it illegal for police to track your car?
One can only install a GPS device with a warrant issued by a magistrate. It is an offense to install, hide or place an electronic tracking device on a motor vehicle without the permission of its owner.
Does tracker pay for stolen car?
Tracker Rescue is specifically designed to help make life a little easier in the unfortunate event of your vehicle being stolen or hijacked, or involved in an accident and being undrivable. Tracker Rescue will provide you with: R3,000 in cash.
Is there an app to find stolen cars?
TheftPatrol Connected Car App gives you real-time location information nationwide using any PC, tablet or cell phone. You can access our hotline 24/7 and our team of recovery specialists will work with your local police department to recover your car within minutes.
What are the chances of getting a stolen car back?
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.
What is the #1 place for stolen cars?
#1: Bakersfield, CA
Even in 2021, Bakersfield still places first in national car theft.
What time of day are most cars stolen?
Car thieves tend to steer clear of highly-visible areas, especially if there are security cameras or nosy neighbors around. This is especially important at night between 2 and 5 a.m. Since most people are asleep, that's the most common time for cars to be stolen.
How are most stolen cars found?
Police Notification: The police are generally the ones who locate and recover stolen vehicles. They will contact you to inform you that your car has been found. The condition of your car when it's found can vary.
What happens if your car gets stolen and they cant find it?
Often, the owner is legally obligated to pay for the losses, even if the car is never found. This means continuing to make payments on the loan according to the agreed-upon terms. Failure to do so can result in financial penalties, damaged credit, and potential legal action from the lender.
Can I track my car after its been stolen?
Locating your vehicle
After reporting the vehicle stolen to law enforcement, contact an OnStar Advisor at 1.888. 4ONSTAR (1.888. 466.7827) to begin the process of locating and recovering your vehicle. Built-in GPS technology can help the Advisor find your vehicle and relay its location to the proper authorities.
What happens if they never find your car?
If your lender can't locate your vehicle to do a "self-help" repossession, they can still sue you for the vehicle. This will involve a small claims case, where the judge will order you to give the car to the lender. You might even be compelled to Court to provide testimony about the location of the vehicle.
What happens after police find your stolen car?
If your stolen vehicle has been found, you and your insurance company will have to make important decisions about how to proceed. Your options will differ depending on whether your claim has already been paid or if you're still working with an adjuster to determine your coverage payout.