Stolen Vehicle Situation: Next Steps to Take
Oops, looks like your ride has vanished! If it's not likely that your car was just towed, it's high time you contact several places – here's a simple guide for those who've been hit by this unfortunate situation.
Step 1: Reach out to the authorities
If it's highly unlikely that your vehicle got towed, it's crucial to promptly inform the authorities about the suspected theft and submit a report, as suggested by ADAC. This will get your car on their wanted list. Don't forget to secure a copy of the report – you'll need it for your insurance and traffic department.
When disclosing information about your car, stick to facts you're 100% certain about. Don't guess the current mileage, say experts at ADAC. And if it's possible that your car might have been parked illegally and towed away, the authorities are the ones to contact to find out.
Step 2: Secure your digital assets
Can you recall what was in your car? Particularly, if your smartphone and cards were stolen as well. In such cases, block your phone and payment cards straightaway.
Step 3: Inform your insurance and bank
Promptly tell your insurance provider about the theft, ideally in writing, as per ADAC guidelines. According to GDV stats, they'll need a few documents to cover the damages:
- The police report copy
- Original car keys and documents
- Deregistration certificate from the motor registry (and do check out step 4 as well)
- Written damage report from the customer
- Vehicle value info
In case you leased or financed the stolen vehicle through a bank, make sure to notify them, too.
Step 4: Deregister your car
You should deregister your stolen vehicle at the traffic office. ADAC suggests needing the theft report copy, along with the vehicle registration certificate and vehicle registration document (parts 1 and 2). Make sure to complete this within 14 days of the theft to avoid further vehicle tax and insurance premiums.
After reporting the incident to the authorities, it's essential to contact the drivers of motor vehicles in the area where your car was last seen. They might have witnessed something that could help in finding your vehicle. Additionally, if your leased or financed car was stolen, promptly informing the bank is crucial to avoid any penalties related to missed payments.
