Should I report my stolen car to my insurance company?
Asked by: Mrs. Emely Smitham | Last update: June 6, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (21 votes)
When should you report a stolen car to insurance?
Once you have reported your stolen car to the police, call your insurance company to begin the claims process. Be aware that some insurers will wait a certain period (usually 30 days) to ensure the vehicle isn't recovered before they complete the claim. In each scenario below, your elected policy deductible may apply.
Does getting your car stolen affect your insurance?
Claiming a stolen vehicle becomes a part of your insurance claim history. While comprehensive claims are generally not viewed as negatively as at-fault accidents, multiple claims, including theft claims, can still affect your premiums. Location Matters: The area where your car was stolen may influence your rates.
How does insurance determine the value of a stolen car?
Insurance companies generally use your car's ACV to determine whether it's a total loss after an accident. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, most auto insurance policies will also largely base your payment on the car's ACV after it's totaled or stolen.
Who is responsible if your car is stolen?
Explanation of Liability
When your car is stolen, the thief usually takes on the liability for any accidents they cause. However, certain situations might complicate this general rule, making it essential to know the specifics.
How to Report a Stolen Car | Car Insurance 101
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 is the process 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.
Does insurance pay for a stolen car if the key is in it?
If you have comprehensive coverage on the vehicle, then you're generally covered if it's stolen — even if you left the keys in the car. If you're a victim of auto theft, contact your local police station to file a report, then get in touch with your insurance company.
How long does it take to recover 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.
Can I report my car stolen if my son took it?
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.
Does your car insurance go up if you file a theft claim?
Other Claims: Theft or Damage
If you have coverage for theft or damage, then there's a good chance your premiums will increase after a claim.
Do you still have to pay for your car if it gets stolen?
Easy answer. You still owe the money. Your theft insurance should cover most of the replacement cost. All loans require collision and theft insurance for the vehicle that you DO NOT own but are paying for.
How does gap insurance work if your car is stolen?
So, if you took out a loan or leased a car, and the car is totaled or stolen before you can pay off the loan, GAP insurance will cover the difference between what you owe on the loan and the car's resale value.
Should I call my insurance if my car was stolen?
If you have a tracking device on your vehicle, this could help you recover it, but after contacting the police, you'll want to call your car insurance company next.
How much will insurance pay for 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.
Does your insurance go up after your car is stolen?
As to whether your insurance premium will rise in response to automotive theft, that is largely dependent on the insurance coverage you have and the individual insurer's policies. Often, filing any type of claim with your insurer — including one for a stolen vehicle — results in higher monthly premiums.
What happens when you report your car stolen to insurance?
If your car is stolen, you should file a claim with your insurance company. As long as you have comprehensive coverage, vehicle theft should be covered. If the car is later recovered after the claim has been paid, it's the insurance company's property.
What are the odds 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.
How long until insurance pays for a stolen car?
The average timeframe for a stolen car insurance claim payout falls within 30-45 days, but several factors can influence this, such as the complexity of the investigation, the availability of the police report, and whether your car is recovered.
Can you file an insurance claim if someone keys your car?
Yes, comprehensive coverage on your auto policy can cover vandalism to your car — minus any deductible — since intentional damage to your vehicle is out of your control. Vandalism includes slashed tires, broken windows, and any type of defacing of the vehicle, like a car that gets keyed.
Does insurance cover cash stolen from a car?
While an auto insurance policy that contains comprehensive coverage typically helps protect you in case your car is stolen or may help pay for repair costs if your car is damaged when someone breaks into it, a car insurance policy usually doesn't pay to replace personal property stolen from your car.
Can someone steal my car if I lost my car keys?
It is most important to pay attention to the last point, because a stolen key fob could allow a car thief to steal your vehicle.
Do cops investigate stolen vehicles?
Vehicle Tracking and Identification: With insights gained from forensics and initial investigations, law enforcement agencies then proceed with tracking down and identifying stolen vehicles.
Can you report a vehicle stolen online?
If you think the car was stolen, report it to the police. The most convenient way to do it is online. You will be required to provide information about the make/model of the vehicle, its color, license plate number, and the car VIN.
What happens if your car is stolen and you don't have insurance?
Unfortunately, if your car is stolen and you don't have insurance coverage, you may be responsible for the full cost of replacing your vehicle. When a car is stolen, the owner typically files a police report and notifies their insurance company.