When your car gets stolen, it could be a frustrating time for you. The resultant restricted mobility and getting your routine disturbed can be very upsetting. It is very important to keep a grip on the situation and act very coolly. There could be many things or valuables that would have been stolen. So you need to assess the situation carefully and put together the necessary information before filing a complaint with the police. First and foremost, once you realize that your car has been stolen, you need to call the police and file a report. Try to make things for them as easy as possible. Give them the list of things that you have lost. Police might ask for documents like insurance documents, driving license copy, registration copies or any other receipts relating to the car. Always provide full information to the police. The police will advise what should be your next move.
Reporting to insurance company for insurance claim
Once you have filed a police report, you need to submit the police report to your insurance company for filing insurance claim. In case of stolen vehicles, most insurance companies can not process insurance claims with out having police report.
You can contact your insurance agent or company and notify them about your car being stolen. In case you are dealing directly with your insurance agent, have a word with him and he will be able advise you on what should be your next step.
Documents required for claiming auto insurance
Provide your agent or insurance company the necessary documents like vehicle registration number, license details, loan paper work, contact information of people who had access to your vehicle, copies of your license, identity proof, description of the car, police report, variables or things or property kept inside the car, insurance documents and car accessories that were there in the vehicle.
The most important thing is to ensure that you had parked the car in a safe area and locked it before being stolen. There are some rules and regulations that need to be followed in order to get full payment from the insurance company.
When you find that your car is stolen, check if your auto insurance covers rental car coverage. If you have comprehensive coverage you are entitled for a rental car till your car is replaced. In most cases of car thefts, rental coverage is usually provided. The insurance company will arrange to make payments for the costs involved to rent a vehicle. In case you have brought your car under a car loan, it is important to report the matter to your finance or lease company.
Tips to avoid car being stolen
It is important to always lock your car doors. Park your cars in safe parking areas and not out-of-the-way. Always remember to take your keys and do not leave it in the car. Vehicle Documents, Bags, Keys, wallets, CD’s, mobile phones, credit cards or debit cards, costly valuables should be never left in the car. In case you have a garage, put your car in the garage at night and lock it.
A car getting stolen is a very distressing situation for any individual and it could lead to emotional disturbances also. Whenever you are dealing with car insurance, one of the most important things is to ensure that you obtain a policy that covers car thefts. It is always better to go for auto insurance policy like comprehensive coverage that provides cover for theft and damages.