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A Stolen Vehicle Is Stressful. Knowing What Comes Next Helps.
When a vehicle is stolen, acting quickly and preparing the right information can make the insurance claim easier to navigate. Every carrier and claim is different, so your adjuster may request additional documents or explanations.
Report the Theft to the Police
Contact your local police department as soon as you discover the vehicle is missing. Before reporting it stolen, confirm that it was not towed, repossessed, or moved by someone who had permission to use it.
Be prepared to provide the year, make, model, color, license plate number, VIN, identifying features, and when and where the vehicle was last seen.
A police report may not always be required by the insurance company, but it can be extremely helpful. It creates an official record of the theft, supports the information provided to the insurer, and may help the investigation move more smoothly. Ask for the report or incident number. If the complete report is not immediately available, provide the incident number first and submit the full report when it becomes available.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the theft as soon as possible and have your policy number, vehicle information, and police report number available. The carrier will review the policy to determine whether theft coverage applies. Vehicle theft is generally handled under comprehensive coverage, but the carrier must confirm coverage based on the policy and the circumstances of the loss.
Information the Insured May Need to Provide
A stolen-vehicle claim may require detailed information, including:
- Personal and contact information
- Complete vehicle information
- Purchase, ownership, and financing details
- Information about all vehicle keys and who had access to them
- Vehicle equipment, accessories, modifications, and identifying features
- Recent maintenance and repair history
- The date, time, location, and circumstances of the theft
- Where and when the vehicle was last seen
- Information about anyone who recently used or borrowed the vehicle
- Police report information and a detailed written explanation
- Signed and dated claim forms and authorization to investigate
- Witness verification or notarization, if requested
Documents and Items the Insurer May Request
- All available vehicle keys
- Vehicle registration and title, if available
- Purchase or financing documents
- Maintenance and repair receipts
- Recent photographs of the vehicle
- The police report
- Receipts for permanently installed equipment or modifications
These items can help verify ownership, condition, and other claim details. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Be Detailed and Consistent
Provide complete, honest information and avoid guessing when you are unsure. The information given to the police and insurer should be as accurate and consistent as possible. If you need to correct something, notify the police department or adjuster promptly.
Keep a record of your claim number, adjuster’s contact information, submitted documents, calls, emails, requests, and deadlines.
What Happens During the Investigation?
The insurer may review the policy, confirm it was active, examine the police report, verify ownership and financing, review the keys and recent vehicle use, request a recorded statement, or ask for additional documentation. Providing requested information promptly may help prevent unnecessary delays, but it does not guarantee coverage or payment.
What If the Vehicle Is Recovered?
Notify the police and insurance adjuster immediately, even if the vehicle appears undamaged. Do not assume it is safe to drive. Photograph its condition, report damage or missing property, and follow the insurer’s instructions before authorizing repairs, towing, or disposal.
How Street Smart Insurance Can Help
Street Smart Insurance can help you report the claim to the appropriate carrier and understand the information being requested. The insurance company and assigned adjuster remain responsible for investigating the loss, confirming coverage, and making the final claim decision.
Coverage, documentation requirements, and claim decisions vary by policy, carrier, and individual circumstances. Follow the instructions provided by your insurance company or assigned adjuster.