Having your car stolen can be a stressful experience, but taking the right steps quickly can help improve your chances of recovering the vehicle and making a successful insurance claim.
Check if your car has been stolen
Before assuming your vehicle has been stolen, take a moment to make sure it hasn’t simply been parked elsewhere or removed for another reason.
It’s surprisingly common for drivers to forget exactly where they parked, particularly in large car parks or unfamiliar locations. You should also check whether the vehicle may have been legally removed or towed.
If you still cannot locate the vehicle, gather the following information:
- Vehicle registration number.
- Make and model.
- Vehicle colour.
- Approximate location where it was last seen.
You can then contact the police on 101 for advice and to determine whether the vehicle has been reported or recovered.
Report your car as stolen
If you believe your vehicle has been stolen, you should act as quickly as possible.
1. Contact the police
Report the theft by calling 101 and provide as much information as possible about the vehicle.
This typically includes:
- Registration number.
- Make and model.
- Colour.
- Location where the vehicle was last seen.
The police will provide a crime reference number, which you will usually need when making an insurance claim.
2. Contact your insurance company
Notify your insurer as soon as possible.
They will explain:
- The claims process.
- What documentation is required.
- Whether additional information is needed from the police.
3. Inform the DVLA if required
If your insurer settles the claim and takes ownership of the vehicle, you may need to notify the DVLA and complete the appropriate documentation.
If the vehicle has a personalised registration number, you should check the process for retaining it before transferring ownership.
For more vehicle ownership advice, insurance guidance and maintenance tips, visit our maintenance guidance hub.
Does your insurance cover car theft?
Whether you’re covered depends on the type of insurance policy you have.
Third-Party Only
Third-party insurance covers damage or injury caused to other people or their property.
It does not cover theft of your own vehicle.
Third-Party, Fire and Theft
This level of cover includes protection if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire.
However, it does not typically cover accidental damage to your own vehicle.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive cover provides the broadest level of protection and generally includes theft, accidental damage, vandalism, fire and other insured events.
Policy terms vary between insurers, so it’s important to review your policy carefully. Certain exclusions may apply depending on the circumstances of the theft.
If your claim is approved, your insurer will usually compensate you based on the market value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, subject to any excess that applies to your policy.
What happens if your car is stolen on finance?
If your vehicle is being financed when it is stolen, there are additional steps you should take.
Report the theft
Contact the police and obtain a crime reference number.
Contact your insurer
Submit your claim and provide any requested documentation.
Inform the finance company
Let your finance provider know about the theft as soon as possible.
In many cases, any insurance settlement will first be used to clear the outstanding finance balance.
Continue payments if required
Until the claim is finalised, you may still be responsible for maintaining finance payments under the terms of your agreement.
If there is a difference between the insurance settlement and the remaining finance balance, you may still need to cover the shortfall unless additional protection products are in place.
How to prevent your car from being stolen
While no security measure can completely eliminate the risk of theft, there are several ways to make your vehicle less attractive to criminals.
Lock your vehicle properly
Always lock your doors, close your windows and take your keys with you, even if you’re only leaving the vehicle for a short period.
Use additional security devices
Consider installing or using:
- Steering wheel locks.
- Vehicle trackers.
- Immobilisers.
- Alarm systems.
Additional security measures can act as a deterrent and may improve the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle.
Park in secure locations
Whenever possible, park in:
- Well-lit areas.
- Busy locations.
- Secure car parks.
- Areas covered by CCTV.
Remove valuables from sight
Visible belongings can attract unwanted attention.
Remove valuables completely or store them securely out of sight before leaving your vehicle unattended.
Mark your vehicle
Security marking systems and vehicle identification markings can help authorities identify your vehicle and make it more difficult for stolen parts to be sold.
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Final thoughts
Having a vehicle stolen can be upsetting, but acting quickly can help minimise disruption and improve the chances of a successful insurance claim.
Keeping accurate vehicle records, maintaining appropriate insurance cover and taking sensible security precautions can all help protect your vehicle and provide peace of mind.
If you’re reviewing your vehicle ownership costs or considering changing your car in the future, it’s useful to understand its current market value.
Get a free online valuation today with our free online valuation tool.