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If your car has been stolen, you'll need to report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. This is usually within 24 hours of the theft.
To start the insurance claim process, you'll need to provide your insurance company with a police report, which will help them investigate the claim. The police report will also give you a reference number, which you'll need to give to your insurance company.
Your insurance company will then ask you to provide additional information, such as the make and model of your car, its registration number, and any distinguishing features. This will help them identify your vehicle and track down any potential leads.
Being prepared with all the necessary information will make the claims process smoother and faster, so it's a good idea to keep a record of your car's details and any relevant documents, such as the vehicle logbook.
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What to Do If It's
If your vehicle has been stolen, contact the police immediately and file a stolen vehicle report. This is a crucial step, as GEICO cannot honor a claim for vehicle theft unless you've done so.
You'll need to file a police report to initiate the claims process. Don't worry, it's a straightforward process that will get your claim moving.
Coverage for upgrades and custom items may be limited, so be sure to ask your claims examiner for more information. This will help you understand what's covered and what's not.
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What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen
If your car is stolen, the first thing you should do is contact the police and report the theft as soon as possible.
File a police report and obtain a copy of the report, as this will be required by your insurance company to process your claim.
A stolen car is typically considered a total loss if the cost to repair it exceeds 75% of its actual cash value.
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The police will likely ask you for a detailed description of your car, including the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Keep a record of the make, model, year, and VIN of your car, as well as any distinctive features or markings.
Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the scene and determine the circumstances of the theft.
The adjuster will also review your policy and determine the extent of your coverage.
If your car is recovered, you may be able to recover some of your losses, but this is not always the case.
In some cases, the police may be able to recover your car, but this is not a guarantee.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If your car is financed or leased, report it to the financing or leasing company first. They'll need to contact your insurer directly to start the claims process.
You'll need to provide your insurance company with as much information as possible about the theft, including the make, model, and VIN of your car.
This will help your insurer move quickly and efficiently to process your claim.
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Vehicle Recovery
If your car is stolen and then recovered, you'll want to act quickly to ensure a smooth claims process. Notify your GEICO claims examiner right away so they can help resolve your claim.
Check if any personal property has been taken from your car, such as a phone or a laptop, as comprehensive coverage won't cover stolen items that weren't part of the vehicle.
Have your car examined by a claims adjuster to determine if any damage was done while it was stolen. You won't be liable for this damage if you contacted the insurance company after the vehicle was stolen.
You'll receive a payment reflecting the cost of the damage, minus your deductible, once the deductible is reached. This amount will be paid to the financing or leasing company if your car is financed or leased.
Having a third-party assessment record of the vehicle can help you negotiate with your insurer for a higher value than the initial offer. You can also find comparable cars online to determine the value of your stolen vehicle.
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Investigation and Results
Our investigators met with Mr G and his family at his mother's house to discuss the issues they were facing. They obtained a detailed statement from Mr G about his experience with the police and the outstanding court warrant.
Mr G provided an account of being stopped by the police and arrested for a drug driving offence, which led to his vehicle being left parked up and the key being with him even while in custody.
The Insurer received a claim from a Third Party who said they had been involved in an accident with the driver of the insured vehicle, but the description of the driver as a white female with black hair ruled out Mr G.
Indemnity issues were identified with the claim, including expired vehicle tax, which Mr G tried to explain away by saying his partner had "set it all up for him".
A background search on the phone number provided at the scene found it to be "unregistered", but when the Insurer's colleagues rang the number during an interview with Mr G's partner, they could hear the unmistakable buzz of a vibrating phone.
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The Police confirmed that the vehicle had been seized due to being untaxed, and it wasn't stolen. Mr G was given the opportunity to walk away from the theft claim, which he chose to do.
The actions of our investigator resulted in a sizeable saving for the Insurer in relation to the claim for the "stolen" car.
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Insurance and Coverage
If your insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, it will cover you in case of vehicle theft. Comprehensive insurance is meant to cover damage caused by non-collision events, such as vandalism or flooding. This type of coverage is an optional add-on, and not offered in most standard insurance policies.
It's essential to check with your insurer to find out if you are covered in case of car theft. If your insurance policy offers only liability and collision, it will not protect you if your car is stolen.
Report to Insurance Company
Reporting a stolen car to your insurance company is a crucial step in the claims process. You'll need to provide detailed information about the theft, including the location where you last parked your car, whether you filed a police report, and if you have a tracking device installed.
To expedite the claims process, have the following information ready: your leasing or financing company's contact information, a description of your vehicle, the last known whereabouts of your vehicle, a list of personal items that were in the car at the time of the theft, the location of all the keys to the vehicle, and your vehicle title.
It's essential to be consistent and truthful in your claim, as insurers will investigate the theft and may launch an investigation if there are any inconsistencies between your police report and auto insurance claim.
If you have rental reimbursement coverage, your insurer will cover some of the cost of a rental car. Check with your insurance company to see what the maximum coverage per day is and how many days they'll cover.
Here's what you'll need to do to report your claim to your insurance company:
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
- Provide detailed information about the theft
- Have the necessary documents and information ready
- Be prepared to answer questions about the theft
- Follow up with your insurance company to ensure the claims process is moving forward
Remember, reporting a stolen car to your insurance company is a critical step in the claims process. By being prepared and providing accurate information, you can help ensure a smooth and efficient process.
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Things You'll Need
To file a claim with GEICO, you'll need to have some important information ready. This includes your Certificate of Title for the vehicle.
Having all keys to the vehicle accounted for is crucial. Make sure you know the location of all keys before and after the theft.
You'll also need to provide contact information for anyone who had access to the vehicle. This includes names and contact details.
A detailed description of your vehicle is necessary, including mileage, options, service records, and any upgrades you've made. If you have receipts for these upgrades, be sure to have them available.
If your vehicle was stolen, you'll need to make a list of personal property that was taken with it. Coverage for personal items varies by state, and your homeowners or renters insurance policy may provide additional coverage.
To finalize the claim, you may need to provide finance or leasing company contact information and your account number, if applicable.
Is Theft Covered by Insurance?
Comprehensive insurance will cover you in case of vehicle theft, but it's an optional add-on and not offered in most standard insurance policies.
You should check with your insurer to find out if you're covered in case of car theft. If your insurance policy only offers liability and collision, it won't protect you if your car is stolen.
Claim Payment
Claim Payment is a crucial step in the insurance process. Your insurance company should explain how they calculate the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your car during the claims process.
The ACV is usually the market value of your car minus depreciation. Insurance adjusters will always start at the low end of their range, so never accept the first offer.
You can do your own research to understand the market value of your car. This will help you make a more informed decision when reviewing your insurance company's offer.
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Police Report
Contacting the police is a crucial step in the stolen car insurance claim investigation process. You should call the police as soon as possible and file a stolen vehicle report. GEICO cannot honor a claim for vehicle theft unless you first file a police report.
You'll need to provide the police with information about your stolen vehicle, including any distinct features, color, license plate number, make, model, and year. A GPS device can also be helpful in tracking down the stolen car.
The police department's procedures may vary, so you may need to file your report online or over the phone. Be prepared to tell the police everything you know about your stolen vehicle.
To expedite the process, have the following information ready:
- Any distinct features
- Color
- License plate number
- Make, model, and year
- Vehicle identification number
Frequently Asked Questions
How do insurance investigators know if something is really stolen?
Insurance investigators determine the legitimacy of a claim by examining evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing records to verify the authenticity of the stolen item. They use this information to conclude whether the claim is legitimate or not.
Sources
- https://www.geico.com/claims/after-theft/
- https://www.brehnelaw.com/stolen-vehicle-and-theft-claims/
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/car-insurance/what-do-if-your-car-has-been-stolen
- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/surviving-car-insurance-claims-under-investigation-4143322
- https://davies-group.com/case-study/investigation-uncovers-fraudulent-motor-claim/
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