How to track your car if stolen?

Asked by: Maxwell Schmitt DDS  |  Last update: September 6, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (65 votes)

We've included every possible way on how to track a stolen car and how to find your lost car with step-by-step guides.
  1. File a “Car Stolen” Report to the Police. ...
  2. Track Stolen Car with VIN Number. ...
  3. Use GPS Device to Track Your Stolen Car. ...
  4. Check Security Camera Footage to Find Your Stolen Car. ...
  5. Contact Your Insurance Company.

Can I track my car after it's been stolen?

It's a question we hear a lot — “can OnStar locate my car?” We sure can. Once law enforcement confirms your vehicle has been stolen, our Advisors use GPS to help authorities find your vehicle.

How can I track my car?

3 Ways to Track a Car's Location
  1. Car Tracking Apps. Car tracking apps are one of the most convenient methods of tracking your car's location. ...
  2. Bluetooth Car Tracking. New. ...
  3. Car Locator Device. Car locator devices, also known as GPS trackers, offer advanced tracking capabilities.

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.

How do I track a stolen car by VIN number?

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.

Special Report: How to track your stolen vehicle amid carjacking crisis

20 related questions found

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.

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.

Can I track my car remotely?

In case your car doesn't have GPS built-in, there is still a way to track it. You can attach an old phone to your car and use it as a GPS tracker. You should enable the Location service and Find My Phone feature. That way, you can use the Google Find My Device website or iCloud Find Devices to get the car's location.

How much does LoJack cost per month?

When you buy LoJack, there are no ongoing monthly fees. For a one-time purchase prices, you get the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected by the leading stolen vehicle recovery system.

How to locate a missing car?

There are 5 different ways to track a stolen car:
  1. Report the license plate to the police.
  2. Check its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) maintenance log.
  3. Find the location using a pre-installed Bluetooth tracking system.
  4. Locate the car using a pre-installed GPS tracker.

Can an AirTag track a 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.

Does car track have an app?

We're all about putting you in control and our Cartrack app does all that at the touch of a button.

How can I track a stolen car without GPS?

You can locate vehicles without GPS by using phone tracking apps or SIM-based tracking, which leverages cellular towers to provide location data. These methods offer a cost-effective alternative for basic vehicle tracking needs.

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. If your car is damaged due to a break-in, you'll also be covered.

How do I locate my car?

Google Maps can help you find your parked car and also navigate to it. In the Google Maps app, you can pin your car's location. You can ask Google Assistant to find your car or tap on the pin to start navigation. The users of iOS can also do the same using Apple Maps.

Do all GPS trackers require a monthly fee?

Most GPS trackers rely on cellular networks and charge a monthly or annual subscription for data. Be sure to compare plans and coverage options, particularly if you live or drive in areas with spotty cell service.

Can Google Maps locate my car?

After you're done navigating somewhere, at the bottom, turn on Know where you parked. Allow Google Maps to access your Motion and Fitness Activity. When you stop moving, you'll see your parking location labeled You parked near here.

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 quickly do police find stolen cars?

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 to your car when it is stolen?

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 do I track my car for theft?

How to Find a Stolen Car: 10 Effective Ways
  1. File a “Car Stolen” Report to the Police. ...
  2. Track Stolen Car with VIN Number. ...
  3. Use GPS Device to Track Your Stolen Car. ...
  4. Check Security Camera Footage to Find Your Stolen Car. ...
  5. Contact Your Insurance Company. ...
  6. Inform Your Leasing Company If Your Rented Car Is Stolen.

Does my car have a tracking device?

Undercarriage: Use a flashlight to examine the underside of your car. Pay attention to areas near the frame, as trackers can be magnetically attached. A handheld mirror or a phone camera can help you see tight spots. Wheel Wells: Look inside all four wheel wells for small, unusual devices.

How to locate a stolen car by VIN?

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.