It is very disconcerting to come back to your parking spot only to find it empty – or occupied by a different vehicle. It can take a few minutes for the realization to set in that your car was stolen. And if you’ve never experienced this particular misfortune, you might not know exactly what to do.
Ideally, you will never need to use the tips below. However, over a million vehicles were stolen in 2023, according to MarketWatch, and the number has only gone up in recent years. Knowing what to do in this kind of situation will help you remain calm as you follow the proper steps, and possibly save you time, as well.
Make Sure Your Vehicle Was Stolen
No one wants to admit it, but many of us have returned to a spot where we could have sworn we left our car, only to find it one street over or on a different parking level. It never hurts to double check that your car is indeed missing, especially at night where visibility might be limited. You might be pleasantly surprised when you discover you parked somewhere else.
Contact the Police and Report Your Vehicle Missing
Generally, 311 is appropriate to call unless violence was involved or you are in physical danger. If you call the police, they will record your personal information and enter your license plate along with the make and model into a scanner system, where that information will be shared with a network of officers. That makes it easier for law enforcement to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and track down a vehicle that was recently stolen. Your auto information will be included with a list of other stolen vehicles in case it turns up later on.
Consider Filing a Police Report Online
Don’t want to deal with phone calls? You can probably file a police report online. It shouldn’t take long. Here’s what the process is like in the city of Chicago:
- Log onto your local police department’s crime reporting website to get started.
- You will be directed to a list of crimes from which you will select auto theft.
- On a different page, you will need to enter all of the pertinent information related to your case.
- In addition to a vehicle description, you will be asked to provide details including the time, location, and anything else you think might help police locate your vehicle.
- Double check everything before submitting the report, as it may be difficult to enter the system and make changes after the fact.
- You should get a confirmation via email or text for future reference. Keep this for insurance purposes.
If Helpful, Take a Pic or Record Any Details That May Be Important to Your Case
It may be helpful to take a photo of the location in case you get home and forget precisely where your car was parked. If there are any other details that may be relevant to your case, take notes or photos that you can hold on to for future reference.
File an Insurance Claim
Vehicles must be insured to be driven legally, and you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible if your car has been stolen. What happens next will depend on the details of your insurance plan. Comprehensive coverage will generally reimburse you for the value of the missing vehicle in cases of theft. As long as you have filed an official report and meet the proper criteria, it is common to get reimbursed from the insurance company after 45 days or so.
However, if the vehicle is then found what happens next might vary, particularly if you have already surrendered your title. Ask your provider what happens in this scenario. If your car is found, you may need to notify the insurance company, at which point the vehicle may be your insurer’s legal property.
Visit Your CFSC Currency Exchange for License Plates & Other Auto Services
If your car has been stolen, hope is not lost! The odds are decent that it might eventually be found.
If you have to replace a lost or stolen license plate or plate sticker, swing by one of the many CFSC Auto Services in Illinois and Wisconsin only, so you can have it done quickly and easily. An assistant will be able to answer any questions you have about what to expect. Always call first to double check store hours, fees, and to make sure you are bringing the proper documentation.
Want a fast and convenient way to take care of numerous vehicle and financial services under one roof? At your nearest CFSC Auto location* you can do just that.
*Auto services available only in Illinois and Wisconsin.