How do I track my car if it's stolen?
Asked by: Lucie Davis PhD | Last update: May 27, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (30 votes)
- File a “Car Stolen” Report to the Police. ...
- Track Stolen Car with VIN Number. ...
- Use GPS Device to Track Your Stolen Car. ...
- Check Security Camera Footage to Find Your Stolen Car. ...
- Contact Your Insurance Company.
How can I track my 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.
- Locate the car using a pre-installed GPS tracker.
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.
Will my stolen car be found?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, cars reported stolen in the first 24 hours have a 34 percent same-day recovery rate. More than 85 percent of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered. Once you've provided information to the police, they can create a report.
How do police track stolen cars?
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.
Using an app to find a stolen car
How to locate a stolen car by VIN for free?
Use NICB's Free VINCheck® Service
NICB's VINCheck is a free service provided to the public to assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, but not recovered, or has been reported as a salvage vehicle by cooperating NICB member insurance companies.
How do thieves track cars?
Other Device Threats
A possible scenario is that a thief places an AirTag on a vehicle in a public parking lot or even at a dealership. They then track that vehicle via an app on their phone to a location that is more advantageous for theft, such as a vehicle owner's home.
What are the odds of finding my stolen car?
Interestingly, although California has a relatively high stolen car recovery rate (60%), the state also ranks fourth in the worst states for car theft nationally.
How long does it take cops 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.
Will 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.
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.
Is there an app to check if a car is stolen?
StolenCar by AssetGuard LLC is the official app for StolenCar.com, which is the Nation's Neighborhood Watch for Stolen Vehicles. The app offers access to a highly relevant list of missing vehicles spread all across the country while enabling users to take photos of any license plates they believe might be stolen.
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.
Can a car dealership track your car?
Yes, many dealerships install GPS trackers on their cars.
Can OnStar locate a stolen vehicle?
OnStar® Advisors work with law enforcement to locate and recover the user's stolen vehicle. Once police have been notified and a report filed, OnStar can begin assisting them to recover the vehicle.
How to find your car if it's been stolen?
Some of the notable free stolen car checks are VIN tracking, GPS tracking and the checking CCTV footage. If you are going to buy a used car, always make sure to check its history through VIN whether it is stolen or not. If your own car is stolen, try GPS tracking and the CCTV footage of the parking.
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.
Can you trace a stolen car?
Track Stolen Car with VIN Number
A vehicle identification number (VIN) 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.
What is the #1 place for stolen cars?
#1: Bakersfield, CA
Even in 2021, Bakersfield still places first in national car theft.
What happens when a car is reported stolen?
What happens after you report your car stolen? After your car is reported stolen, the police will place it on a list of stolen vehicles, and if they locate it, you'll be notified. In the meantime, you can start the claims process with your insurance company.
What happens if your car is stolen and never found?
Stolen vehicles are protected by comprehensive coverage
If someone steals your vehicle and it's not recovered, your insurer will cut you a check for your car's current value if you have comprehensive coverage. This may be true even if the car was stolen with the keys in it.
How can I track my car?
In addition to your phone's map app, there are many other apps you can download to help keep track of your car. Some free ones include Find My Car Smarter, Anchor Point, Honk, and Parkify. Parking apps all work in a similar way, although the specifics will vary slightly depending on which one you're using.
Can I AirTag my car?
Conclusion. An AirTag has a different purpose than a GPS tracker. Ideal for finding household and small items but not for finding cars. A Thatcham approved GPS tracker is a much better alternative to an AirTag – ideal for longer distances (if you are on holiday for example) and for larger items such as vehicles.