What to Do After Your Vehicle Is Stolen: Insurance & Police Report Checklist
Having your vehicle stolen is stressful—but knowing what to do next can make the process smoother. This guide walks you through the essential steps to file a police report, start your insurance claim, and protect your rights.
Step 1: File a Police Report Immediately
Call your local police department as soon as possible.
Provide the report number to your insurance company.
Include details like:
- Vehicle make, model, year
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- License plate number
- Last known location
Step 2: Gather Insurance Documentation
- Have your vehicle registration, title, and key records ready.
- If your car has a tracking device (e.g., OnStar, LoJack), notify both police and your insurer.
- Be prepared to show proof of ownership and purchase receipts.
Step 3: Specify the Location of Theft
- Provide the exact address where the vehicle was last parked.
- Include details like:
- Apartment complex name
- Parking garage level and space number
- Street name and cross streets
- Security features (e.g., cameras, gated access)
Step 4: Documentation Checklist
- Photos & Videos
- Overall vehicle appearance
- Close-up damage (if recovered)
- License plates and VIN
- Surrounding area (street signs, landmarks)
- Paperwork
- Police report number
- Witness contact info
- Maintenance and repair history
- GPS coordinates or address of incident
Step 5: Tips for Speaking with the Insurance Adjuster
✅ Do:
- Be factual and concise
- Stick to what you know
- Ask for clarification
- Take notes during the conversation
- Provide precise location details
❌ Don’t:
- Admit fault
- Speculate about causes
- Volunteer unnecessary information
- Sign anything immediately
- Estimate location vaguely