Car theft: What to do after your car is stolen?

You are ready to go home after a long day at work. Or maybe you are ready to hop into your car after a late-night party with friends. However, something seems amiss. Your car is nowhere to be found. It can certainly be very upsetting, but do you know what to do after your car is stolen?

First, make sure your car is actually stolen. Sounds like an odd piece of advice, doesn’t it? The fact is many a times we could be so pre-occupied in the mind that we may forget about the car’s whereabouts. So, take a deep breath and go over in the head what could be the reason that your car is not in its place.

• Are you certain you are looking at the right place? Maybe you parked elsewhere.
• Did a friend borrow your car that afternoon and it completely skipped your mind? Did you leave your car at the auto mechanic shop for some repair?
• Is it possible that you accidently parked at the wrong spot (under a no-parking sign) and your car has been towed? In that case, quickly check with local towing companies to make sure.
• Is it possible that your vehicle is re-possessed?

Once you have thought it through and find no other possible explanation why your car is not where it was supposed to be, it is likely your car is stolen. Act fast and follow these simple steps.

1. Call the police and file a complaint for car theft. Provide as many details as possible, such as your car’s vehicle identification number (you can find it on your insurance card), license plate number, make, model and color. If your car is equipped GPS technology, tell the police immediately as it can help them track your vehicle in time. Remember, your insurance company won’t file a claim unless you have filed a report with the police.
2. It’s now time to get in touch with your insurance company. Keep the police report number, vehicle title and copy of your lease (if applicable) ready with you. They are likely to ask you specific questions such as: number of keys you have and their location, how many people have access to these keys and their names and addresses; and list of all the items and documents inside the vehicle. While this is an important step in kick-starting your car insurance claim process, this can also safeguard your interest in case the stolen car is used further to cause serious damage.
3. Contact the lender and notify them of the theft if your car is financed or leased.
4. Call a residential locksmith and get your home locks rekeyed in case you keep your spare keys in the car. You can Racine’s Lock & Key at (262) 509-0366 for lock rekeying and other locksmith services. We are available 24/7.

Be proactive and prevent car theft with these tips

1. Always park your car in a busy, monitored and a well-lit parking spot.
2. Make sure you have locked your car doors and windows before your leave.
3. Never leave your keys inside the car.
4. Don’t leave valuables and important documents in the car.
5. If you have to leave a laptop in your car, make sure it is not lying in plain sight. Lock it in the trunk where it is not visible to anyone.