What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen

Having your car stolen can be a frustrating and even frightening event. As overwhelmed as you may be feeling right now, it is very important to remain calm and focused on the next steps. If you act quickly, your car has a high chance of being found and back in your possession. In the case it is not, your insurance company will compensate you for your loss, and you may be able to get a shiny new car. At Car Search Brokers, we want to help you through this unfortunate circumstance and get your life back to normal. The following outlines a few simple ways you can get on track after a car theft. 

Get The Police Involved

Firstly, if your car is stolen, you need to call PoliceLink on 131 444. Unless you have just witnessed your car being stolen, do not call 000. Before you call the police, make sure you have all of your vehicle’s details ready. The police will require your car’s make, model, colour, year, rego and VIN. If you are unsure of this information, you may be able to find it in your latest car registration or insurance bill. Once you notify the police, your car will be on their radar for officers to keep a lookout. 

You also need to alert the police if you had left any valuables in your car. This may include documents containing personal information, wallet, phone etc. Now is also the time to pass on any other information you may have to assist the police in their search. This may include details of witnesses to your car’s theft or even features that make your vehicle unique. 

After alerting police of your car theft, keep a copy of the report or your police incident number in a place you can easily access, as you will need to have this handy for your next few calls. 

Call Your Car Insurance Provider

The second most important phone call you will make today is to your car insurance provider. They need to be informed of your car’s theft in case anything happens while it isn’t in your possession. For this phone call, you will need to have your insurance policy number and police report number ready. Starting your insurance claim early will make your life easier. Depending on your insurance cover, you may be eligible for a temporary hire car to get you back on track.  

It is important to confirm with your insurance provider what you are covered for in the event of car theft. In any case, you want to be prepared for the next steps if your car is found or in some cases it is not. 

If your car was purchased with financial assistance, you need to make your loan provider aware of the theft and put them in touch with your insurance company. That way, if your car is written off, your insurer will be able to pay your lender directly and avoid any further stress on you. 

What Else Was Stolen With Your Car?

When speaking to the police, you would have alerted them of any items stolen along with the car. If these possessions include credit cards, house keys (garage remotes), documents with your address, it is important to make sure you take precautionary steps to prevent unwelcome charges on your credit card, or guests in your home. 

Call your bank, let them know of your situation and cancel your credit cards. You may also want to call a locksmith to have your locks changed if your house keys were left in your car. This may seem dramatic, however, it may save you from potential further thefts to your property. 

Although your car theft was completely out of the blue and entirely not your fault, we recommend following a few steps to help reduce the risk of becoming a car theft victim again. This includes investing in smart security systems like GPS tracking, not leaving anything in your car and parking in busy, well-lit areas. 

Think Future

It would be wise to think about what you are going to do if you don’t get your car back or if it’s returned in a poorer condition. Depending on your insurance policy, they may be able to assist you in the purchase of a new car or replacement of your stolen car. Either way, if your car is written off, you will be able to use those funds toward your next car. 

Car Search Brokers are here to provide you with a hassle-free way of finding your next car. If you have particular features in mind, such as enhanced locking features and GPS tracking, we will do the research and find the perfect car to suit your needs. If your car is retrieved and not one you want to keep anymore, we can also assist you with selling or trading in your vehicle. 

For more information about how Car Search Brokers can help you, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team today.