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stolen vehicle

What To Do If Your Vehicle Is Stolen

Vehicles are popular targets for criminals. In fact, on lists of global vehicle theft statistics, Canada consistently ranks near the top. In the event that your vehicle is stolen, react quickly in order to have a smooth insurance claims process and recover from the loss.

If you suspect your vehicle has been stolen, do the following:

  • Call the police. The sooner you notify the proper authorities, the more likely you are to recover your vehicle. You will want to share everything about your car that you can, including its: make, model, licence plate and VIN number.
  • Report the stolen car to your insurer. Once you’ve completed a police report, you should contact your insurance company. You can often file a report using your insurer’s claims hotline. You should also consider contacting your local motor vehicle department, as they typically maintain a database of stolen vehicles.
  • Report the theft to your finance or leasing company. If you still owe money to a financing or leasing company, you will want to inform them that your vehicle has been stolen. Often, these companies work directly with insurers following vehicle thefts.

While there’s a chance authorities may recover your stolen vehicle, it’s best to try to prevent thefts altogether. Make sure you always lock your car and take your keys with you. Never keep a spare set of keys hidden in your car or leave the vehicle running unattended. Park in well-lit areas and hide valuables that might attract thieves.

How Insurance Can Help

The right auto policy can be invaluable following a vehicle theft. If you have comprehensive coverage on your policy, your insurer can help pay to replace your car. Most policies can even provide rental car coverage until your stolen vehicle is recovered or considered lost.

For more information on car insurance, contact Access Insurance Group Ltd today.