Here’s What to Do if Your Car is Stolen

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Car theft is one of those scenarios that you think will never happen to you, but it can happen to anyone. In fact, Australia has one of the highest rates of car theft in the world, with it happening a little over every 10 minutes. So, here are the steps you should take if your car gets stolen.

The good news is that knowing what to do in the event of a theft will increase your chances of getting your vehicle back.

1. Stay calm

Losing your car is nerve-wracking but panicking won’t do any good either. Instead, focus on staying calm. For example, have a wander around wherever it was you parked and ask people nearby if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.

There may be a chance that someone saw it leave. Write down what they saw and get their contact information for reference. You can also check if there are any closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area, which may help authorities.

keeping your keys close is how to prevent car theft

2. Call the police

What’s the next thing to do when your car is stolen? Get on the phone. The sooner you call the police, the better your chance of getting your car back. Call 000 as soon as you realise the theft or burglary has taken place.

Notify authorities immediately so they can send word to officers on duty to look out for your vehicle.

After calling the police, you’ll file a stolen car report and provide key information about your vehicle such as model, make, and VIN number. You also need to report personal belongings left inside the car when it was stolen, especially if they’re expensive or include important documents.

3. Contact your insurance provider

After calling the police, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider. Advise that you’re calling about the car theft and confirm your policy number so they can confirm your coverage, then provide as many details on the situation as possible.

If you have a comprehensive car insurance, your provider may cover the costs of car rental, the stolen car’s value if it’s not found, or damage caused by the theft if it does turn up. Again, your car insurer can confirm your policy coverage details.

If your car is under a finance agreement, you should also call the lender. Both your insurer and lender will likely require a copy of the police report so make sure to have it on hand.

4. Inform other people your car is stolen

If you had ID, credit cards, work laptop or other important belongings inside your car, notify your bank, workplace and other key contacts as soon as possible.

You should also call a locksmith and have your locks changed if you left your house keys in the car.

Indian man in white shirt looking at phone, calling police because his car got stolen

5. Check online for your stolen car

Check online car selling sites to see if any cars match your vehicle’s description. Some online sites will allow you to post your car’s description so other users can keep an eye out for it too.

6. Think about getting a replacement

If the police have exhausted all means to find your car and it still hasn’t been returned, it’s best to move on and think about replacement options.

Comprehensive car insurance should cover the cost of getting a new vehicle so ask your insurance provider about the process you’ll need to work through and the timeframes involved. Hopefully, once you get a new car, you won’t have to go through car theft again.

7. Better protect yourself from another car being stolen

Car theft can happen to anyone, regardless of what model of car you drive, where you park or how careful you are. However, there are definitely ways you can better protect your car, through simple steps you can incorporate into daily life.

We’ve explored these in our article on simple daily habits that will help prevent car theft. You should also read the advice below.

Car anti-theft devices to protect your ride

The truth is, there is no one solution to keeping your car safe from thieves. You might need to add multiple layers of security to keep your car from being stolen. Car anti-theft devices can make a big difference between your vehicle remaining parked or being stolen. Here are some options…

a steering wheel lock like this one in an old car will help prevent your car being stolen

Steering wheel lock

Despite today’s advanced electronic security systems, simple car safety solutions like a steering wheel lock still play an important role in preventing car theft. A simple steering wheel lock is a powerful visual deterrent to a would-be car thief when they spot it in your car.

Remember: the steering wheel lock can be useful in some situations, but it’s far more effective when combined with other anti-theft measures. Read about more modern car safety features while you’re doing this research.

Car security system

The majority of new cars come equipped with an alarm. Yours doesn’t? You may be able to retrofit one.

There are very few alarm security systems that are impenetrable, but a car security system will add to the time it takes a thief to get into and start your car. This will increase the likelihood that they will back off or not even attempt a break-in in the first place.

Kill switch

The kill switch cuts a vital part of an engine’s electronic system somewhere in the car. Activating the switch prevents the engine from starting.

Car tracker

The options explored so far all focus on preventing the vehicle from being stolen from its rightful owner, but tracking technology can help you find your car if it has been stolen.

Through GPS or mobile phone networks, it sends a signal that pinpoints its location. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a built-in feature to locate your lost car keys! Perhaps read our article on gadgets and apps to help you find lost car keys.

prevent car theft at home by keeping keys close

While you’re having a read around, take a look at some of our other motoring articles that will help you be a responsible car owner:

  1. Explore 5 Fab New ANCAP Safety Ratings
  2. What to Do if You’re Followed by a Car While Driving?
  3. Can You Drive on CBD Oil in Australia? Laws and More
  4. Are You Guilty of Distracted Driving, Yes or No?
  5. Your Car Windscreen and Road Safety
  6. Who Do You Call When Your Car Breaks Down?
  7. How to Change a Tyre
  8. 5 Signs it’s Time for Switching Car Insurance Providers

Car insurance for loss or damage

Our comprehensive car insurance covers your car for loss or damage caused by a theft. This includes new vehicle replacement (if yours is less than 12 months old) or agreed value for your older car if it’s stolen or a write-off. Plus, we’ll supply a rental car for a certain time period if your car is stolen.

Click below to get started today.

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