What Happens If My Car Is Stolen

What Happens If My Car Is Stolen: A Comprehensive Guide

Having your car stolen can be a stressful and upsetting experience. With thousands of vehicles stolen every year in the UK, it’s important to know the steps to take if you find yourself in this situation. This guide will walk you through what to do if your car is stolen, how to report it, and what to expect from the process with the police, your insurance company, and the DVLA.

1. Confirm Your Car is Stolen

Before panicking, it’s worth double-checking a few things to ensure your car is indeed stolen:

• Have you parked your vehicle somewhere else?
• Could someone with access to your keys have borrowed it?
• Could it have been towed for parking in an incorrect spot?

If you live in London, you can check whether your car has been towed using the TRACE service.

Once you're sure your car has been stolen, it's time to act.

2. Report the Theft to the Police

The first step after realising your car is stolen is to contact the police. Dial 101 (the non-emergencynumber) to report the theft. Be ready to provide the following details:

• Your car’s registration number
• Make, model, and colour
• Any unique features or modifications

The police will give you a crime reference number – keep this safe, as you’ll need it for insurance claims and other reports. The police will also notify the DVLA of the theft and let you know if the vehicle has been towed.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve reported the theft to the police, get in touch with your insurance provider straight away. Provide them with the crime reference number and any details about the theft. They will guide you through making a claim.

Key Points to Consider:

• Your insurance may not immediately settle the claim as they might wait to see if the vehicle is recovered.
• If the car is found after a claim settlement, the insurance company will take ownership of the vehicle.
• If the car isn't recovered, your insurer will pay you its market value – the amount it would have fetched if sold, considering its age, mileage, and condition.

If you're unhappy with the value offered by the insurer, you can challenge it by providing evidence, such as recent sale prices of similar cars.

4. Notify the DVLA if Your Insurance Pays Out

If your insurance company pays out for the stolen vehicle, you must inform the DVLA that your car is now sold to the insurance provider. You can do this online or by completing the yellow section of your V5C logbook and sending it to the DVLA with a letter explaining the details of the payout.

If your car had a personalised registration number that you want to keep, you’ll need to reclaim it before reporting the car as sold.

5. What Happens if Your Car is Recovered?

Approximately 25-30% of stolen cars are recovered. If your car is found, the police will notify you and you should contact your insurance company immediately. The insurer will assess any damage to the vehicle and decide whether it can be repaired or if it is a total loss.

In the case of significant damage, your car may be declared a write-off, and you will be offered a payout based on its pre-theft market value.

6. Covering Possessions Stolen from Your Car

If personal belongings were taken from your car, you might have to choose between making a claim on your home contents insurance or your vehicle insurance, as you typically cannot claim on both.

7. Car Finance and Stolen Vehicles

If your car is on finance, you are still responsible for making payments even if it has been stolen. Notify both your finance provider and your insurance company about the theft. Once the claim is settled, the insurance payout will go towards paying off the outstanding loan.

In some cases, there may be a shortfall between the insurance payout and what you owe. If this happens, you’ll need to cover the difference yourself unless you have GAP insurance, which can cover this gap.

8. Preventing Vehicle Theft

Taking preventative measures can help reduce the risk of car theft. Here are some tips:

• Install a steering wheel lock or a vehicle immobiliser.
• Park your car in a garage or a well-lit, secure area.
• Consider a tracking device to improve the chances of recovering your vehicle if it is stolen.

FAQs

Do I still need to pay my car finance if it’s stolen?
Yes, unless your insurance covers the outstanding finance.

Will my insurance company pay out if my car is stolen?
In most cases, yes, but be sure to check your policy details for coverage specifics.

Can I get a courtesy car if my vehicle is stolen?
This depends on your insurance policy. Some policies offer a courtesy car, but it’s not guaranteed.

Having your car stolen can be a traumatic experience, but knowing what steps to take can help you handle the situation more effectively. Make sure you report the theft quickly, keep your insurance company informed, and follow up with the DVLA to ensure all necessary steps are completed. By staying proactive, you can minimise the impact and get back on the road sooner.