Immediate Steps to Take After Your Car Gets Stolen
Even if you do not insure your car, you should act quickly to get your car back. The faster you move, the better the chance of recovering it.
Call the police
As soon as you realize that your car has been stolen, call the police immediately and report that your car has been stolen. You might have to send additional documents to the police, the car's registration documents, and also the last time you saw the car.
Contact the Lender or Car Insurance Company
If the stolen car is a rented car or still being financed, inform the lender ot the finance company immediately so they can take action. Many financed or leased vehicles come with built-in GPS trackers for recovery purposes, so ask if one is installed and whether they can activate it.
If you were financing the car, you may still be responsible for making payments, even if the car isn't recovered, unless you had full insurance coverage. If you're renting, check your rental agreement or insurance to see if theft is covered.
File a Stolen Vehicle Report with the DMV
In some states, it's necessary to file a stolen vehicle report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This step helps prevent fraud and protects you from any illegal activity committed with your vehicle while it's missing. It can also help in clearing your name from potential fines or tickets issued after the theft.
Try Using a Theft Tracking Tool
If your vehicle had a GPS tracker installed, activate it and share the data with the police. You can also check the vehicle history report to see if it's been reported or spotted. These tools can sometimes show updates or records that help in locating the car.