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What happens when a stolen car is recovered?
My car just got stolen—I already filed a report with the police and notified my insurance company. What will happen if a stolen vehicle is recovered?
Shannon Fitzgerald · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Filing a police report and notifying your insurer are the two smartest moves you can make after your vehicle’s been stolen—kudos to you for taking the right steps!
Here’s what typically happens when a stolen car is recovered:
- Police will notify you if your vehicle has been located and arrange for you to repossess the vehicle.
- If you are unable to take possession due to distance or scheduling, your car will be impounded. Unfortunately, you will be responsible fortowing and storage fees.
- Once you repossess your car, make note of any objects that don’t belong to you: You may need to report these items to the police.
- Notify your car insurance company that the vehicle is recovered: If it is damaged, your insurer will assess the costs they will cover.
- Notify your homeowners or renters insurance of any missing property: Car insurance will not cover this, so you will need to make a separate claim with these insurers.
- Notify your lender, if applicable: They can communicate directly with your car insurance company.
If your vehicle is missing for a significant amount of time, the insurance company may pay you the market value for your car. In this scenario, should the vehicle be recovered, the insurance company possesses ownership and you will need to negotiate repossession with them.
Remember: In order to collect damages for your recovered vehicle, you will need to have
comprehensive coverage
. As an optional add-on, comprehensive coverage takes care of damages from non-collision acts—this includes vehicle theft.View full answer
- Gregory R.
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