What to do if your car is stolen

What to do when your car has been stolen



Discovering that your car is missing can be a panic-inducing experience.

Your mind races with thoughts of car theft and the sense of violation that comes with it. But, before you jump to conclusions and assume the worst, take a deep breath and consider other possibilities.

According to the Metropolitan Police, cars can go missing for reasons other than theft.

Perhaps your car was towed for illegal parking, or maybe you parked it in a different location and simply forgot. It's even possible that someone borrowed your car without your knowledge.

We understand how stressful and overwhelming this situation can be, but don't panic just yet.

Contact the police on the non-emergency 101 phone number to find out if your car has been impounded and how you can retrieve it. Take comfort in the fact that there may be a simple explanation for your missing car.

Remember, you are not alone in this experience. Stay calm, assess the situation, and take action to recover your car. Together, we can navigate through this challenging process to find a resolution.

We put together this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on what to do if your car is stolen, from reporting the incident to your insurance company, to contacting the police and tracking down your stolen vehicle.


Step 1: Seems obvious but report the theft to the police, Contact your local police station and provide them with as much information as possible about your stolen vehicle, including the make, model, and registration number. The police will provide you with a crime reference number, which you will need to give to your insurance company.

Step 2: Report the theft to your insurance company. You will need to provide them with your policy details and a description of your vehicle, including the make, model, and registration number. Your insurance company will then start the process of investigating the theft and may ask you to provide additional information, such as the location and time of the theft, any witnesses, and the police report from step 1.

Step 3: Track down your stolen vehicle There are several ways to track down your stolen vehicle. One option is to install a GPS tracking device in your car, which can help you locate your stolen vehicle quickly. Another option is to use social media platforms to spread the word about your stolen car, such as Facebook and Twitter. You can also use online resources such as stolen vehicle databases to keep an eye out for your stolen vehicle.If your car has a blackbox to reduce your car insurance, it also has a tracker device within it so if your car is stolen they may be able to locate it for you. Remember to report it to the police first though.

Step 4: Notify the DVLA It is important to notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) when your car is stolen. This will prevent anyone from using your vehicle's registration number for illegal purposes.

Step 5: Consider additional security measures To prevent your car from being stolen in the future, consider investing in additional security measures, such as a steering wheel lock, immobilizer, or an alarm system. These measures can help to deter potential thieves and increase the chances of recovering your stolen vehicle.