Help for Victims of Car Theft

Victims of car theft are often left shocked and dismayed as well as confused as to what to do next. A careful and calm approach can lead to a satisfactory resolution -- possibly even a recovery of the vehicle. It is important to get in touch with all of the appropriate parties as soon as possible after the occurrence to resolve the situation.

Statistics and General Information

Officials estimate that there are more than a million cases of auto theft each year in the United States. These thefts cost consumers close to $8 billion per year. The majority of thefts occur in major metropolitan areas and near ports, where illegal exporting of cars sometimes occurs. Some car models, such as certain Hondas and Toyotas, are more susceptible to theft because their parts are very valuable on the black market. In other cases the presence of valuable components, such as stereo systems, increases the chances of theft.

Police Report

The first step for a victim of car theft is to call the police to make a report. Describe the entire situation, from the time and place you left the vehicle to the moment you noticed that it was missing. The police initiate an investigation and provide you with documentation of the incident. In some cases the police may be able to retrieve surveillance tape to try to catch the thief in action.

Insurance

If you have full insurance coverage, including coverage for theft, you must call your insurer to submit a claim. The insurer needs a thorough description of the incident and a copy of the police report in order to process the claim. After an investigation, the insurer can then authorize compensation or a replacement vehicle to get you back on the road. Your policy may provide for a rental vehicle during the investigation and replacement process.

Preventive Measures

Once you've been a victim of car theft, you know the importance of taking preventive measures in the future. Getting a standard car alarm is just the start --- consider investing in a number of additional, more effective tools. For instance, brake locks are often very effective in preventing theft. They slide over the brake pedal so that only you can put the car in gear using your key. Stolen vehicle recovery systems, such as LoJack, can track and locate the car as soon as it is determined to be missing. Some vehicle systems shut off the car remotely. Other simple preventive measures include securing a garage space when parking and removing valuables from inside of the car when not in use.