What are the odds of getting your stolen car back?

How likely is a stolen car to be recovered?

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.

Where do most stolen cars 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.

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 fast do cops 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 if they can't find my stolen car?

In the wake of a stolen car, one term that often surfaces is “total loss.” When a stolen vehicle is not recovered, or if it is found but has sustained irreparable damage, insurance companies may deem it a total loss.

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.

Can police track down 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.

What is the average time to find 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.

Do I have to pay to get my stolen car back?

If your stolen vehicle is recovered, you may have to pay impound lot fees to get it back. These costs depend on your location and the base fee of the impound lot, but expect to see at least a $250 base fee plus about $60 per day for the time the car sits on the lot.

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.

What happens to a stolen car?

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.

How much value does a stolen car lose?

The car's next title will be referred to as a salvage title, even if the car is in perfect condition. Previously stolen cars with a salvage title can lose anywhere from 20% to 40% of their original value.

How to track a stolen vehicle?

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.

How do cops catch car thieves?

A bait car, also called a decoy car, hot car, or trap car, is a vehicle used by law enforcement agencies to capture car thieves or thieves who steal items from cars. The vehicles are modified with audio/video surveillance technology, and can be remotely monitored and controlled.

What happens if your car is stolen and you still owe money?

Unless you take out GAP insurance when financing a car, you will have to continue making monthly payments when the vehicle is stolen. However, you will be free to sign a new agreement once you have paid off the remaining balance on your auto loan.

Is there a database for stolen cars?

The California Highway Patrol operates the Vehicle Theft Information System (VTIS) under the Vehicle Theft Control Program. These two directories are the sources of what we can consider a database of stolen vehicles in California.