21/07/2014
Losing your vehicle to theft is a deeply unsettling experience, leaving you feeling vulnerable and violated. However, understanding the correct procedures and your rights can make a significant difference in the outcome. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take if your car is stolen, how to navigate the recovery process, and what to do if you inadvertently purchase a stolen vehicle.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a staggering 129,159 vehicle thefts in the UK between April 2023 and March 2024, highlighting that this is a unfortunately common occurrence. Acting swiftly and knowledgeably is paramount to improving the chances of a positive resolution.
Initial Steps When Your Car is Stolen
Before you jump to the conclusion that your car has been stolen, it's crucial to perform a few checks to ensure it hasn't been misplaced or lawfully removed.
Double-Check the Location
It might sound obvious, but the first step is to meticulously retrace your steps and check all possible parking locations. You might have parked it in a different spot than usual or forgotten a specific area. If you share your vehicle with family or friends, contact them immediately to confirm they haven't borrowed it without informing you.
It's also possible that your vehicle has been clamped or towed by the local council or DVLA due to parking violations, such as being illegally parked or untaxed. A quick call to your local council or the DVLA can clarify this.
Report to the Police
If, after these checks, you are certain your car has been stolen, your immediate priority is to contact the police. Dial the non-emergency number, 101, to report the theft. Be prepared to provide essential details such as the vehicle's make, model, registration number, and colour. The police will issue you with a crime reference number. This number is vital, as you will need it for your insurance claim.
Notify Your Insurer
Once you have the crime reference number, contact your car insurance provider to initiate a claim. Having your policy number, relevant documents, and the crime reference number readily available will streamline the process. The more information you can provide upfront, the smoother the claims process will be.
Inform the DVLA
If your insurance claim is settled and you no longer own the vehicle, it is imperative to inform the DVLA. As you are no longer the registered keeper, updating them is a legal requirement. The DVLA may also refund you any remaining vehicle tax.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage for Theft
Your car insurance policy dictates whether you are covered for theft. Generally, there are three main types of car insurance:
- Third-Party Only: This is the most basic level of cover and does not provide any protection if your car is stolen. It only covers damage or injury to other people or their property.
- Third-Party, Fire, and Theft: This policy offers cover for your car if it's stolen or damaged by fire.
- Comprehensive: This is the most extensive cover and typically includes protection against theft.
If your car is stolen, the terms of your policy and the circumstances of the theft will determine how your insurer handles the claim. If your car is not recovered, or it's recovered but deemed a total write-off due to damage, your insurer should compensate you with the market value of your vehicle, allowing you to purchase a replacement.
What Happens If My Stolen Car is Found?
If your stolen car is located, the police will typically contact you. They can arrange for the vehicle's recovery. However, be aware that you may be liable for statutory removal and storage charges. Fortunately, these costs can usually be claimed back through your insurance. It's important to arrange for the collection of your vehicle as soon as possible, as the police may dispose of it after 14 days.
Upon recovery, you must inform your insurance provider immediately. They will assess the car for any damage, determine its roadworthiness, and check if it has been used in any criminal activities. Based on this assessment, your insurer may return the car to you, arrange for repairs, or declare it a total loss.
Recovery and Inspection
If your vehicle is recovered, it is strongly recommended that you have it inspected by a qualified garage before driving it yourself. Thieves may have caused damage to the vehicle while it was in their possession.
Dealing with Stolen Cars on Finance
If your car was purchased using finance, you must still follow the same reporting procedures: contact the police and your insurance provider. Crucially, you also need to notify the finance company that your car has been stolen. In such cases, any payout from your insurance company will be directed to the finance company, as they are the legal owners of the vehicle until the finance agreement is settled.
Preventing Car Theft: Proactive Measures
While it's impossible to guarantee complete protection against determined thieves, implementing various security measures can significantly deter them and reduce the risk of your car being stolen:
Invest in Security Devices
Visible deterrents like steering wheel locks, handbrake locks, and immobilisers can make your car a less attractive target. These devices not only make it harder for thieves to drive away with your vehicle but also signal that extra effort is required, potentially leading them to seek easier targets.
Secure Your Valuables
Never leave valuables, such as laptops, mobile phones, or shopping bags, visible inside your car. Even if they are not particularly valuable, they can attract unwanted attention. Always take them with you or at least hide them securely out of sight before leaving your vehicle.
Protect Your Keys
Always double-check that your car is locked, even if you used the key fob. Thieves can use sophisticated methods to intercept key signals. For vehicles with keyless entry, keep your car keys a good distance away from your vehicle and store them in a signal-blocking pouch (also known as a Faraday pouch) to prevent relay attacks.
Utilise Tracking Devices
Fitting a GPS tracking device can significantly increase the chances of recovering your car if it is stolen. While it won't prevent the theft itself, it allows for real-time location monitoring via satellite. This information can be passed to the police, aiding in the swift recovery of your vehicle and potentially the apprehension of the culprits.
Consider Telematics Insurance (Black Box)
Telematics insurance, often referred to as 'black box' insurance, involves a small device fitted to your car that monitors your driving habits. Some of these devices include GPS tracking capabilities. If your car is stolen, this tracking data can be used by your insurance provider to help the police locate your vehicle. However, it's essential to compare quotes, as not all telematics policies include this feature.
Buying a Used Car: Essential Checks
Before purchasing a used car, it is absolutely vital to verify its history, particularly whether it has ever been reported as stolen. A standard DVLA vehicle check will not reveal if a car is listed on the Police National Computer (PNC) as stolen. You need to perform a specific stolen vehicle check.
Stolen Vehicle Check Services
Services like CarAnalytics offer comprehensive stolen car checks that can identify:
- Theft Records from the Police National Computer (PNC): This confirms if the vehicle is officially flagged as stolen.
- VIN and Reg Mismatches: Discrepancies between the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the registration number can be a significant red flag.
A thorough stolen car check will typically provide details such as:
- Stolen Record Count: How many times the car has been reported stolen.
- Reported Date: The date the theft was last reported.
- Is Stolen: Indicates whether the car is currently flagged as stolen.
- Police Force: The police force handling the case.
- Police Contact Number: For verification purposes.
Important Note: A 'Stolen Marker' indicates an active PNC flag, meaning the car is currently listed as stolen. A 'No marker' means the PNC shows the car as clear, even if it has a past, resolved theft record. Ensure your check reflects whether the vehicle is still actively considered stolen or has been recovered.
Seller Verification
Always ensure that the V5C logbook (vehicle registration certificate), the seller's identification, and their address all match the results of your vehicle check. If anything feels amiss, such as missing documentation or the seller being evasive about questions, it is best to walk away from the deal.
What to Do If You Accidentally Buy a Stolen Car
If you have already purchased a car without performing a stolen vehicle check and later discover it is stolen, the consequences can be severe. The vehicle will be seized by the police. You will not be able to claim the purchase price back from the seller if they were unaware the car was stolen. If the seller knew the car was stolen, you may have legal recourse, but this can be a complex and lengthy process.
Stolen Van Contents
The procedure for a stolen van is largely the same as for a stolen car, with reporting to the police being the immediate priority. However, a key difference arises if the contents of the van are also stolen, such as tools for tradespeople. Standard van insurance typically covers the vehicle itself but not the contents. Cover for contents is usually an optional extra. It is crucial to check your policy documents to see if you have this cover. Van contents insurance often has specific conditions, such as not covering items left in the van overnight. Always review your policy details to understand your protection and any exclusions.
If you want to read more articles similar to Car Stolen: Your Essential Guide, you can visit the Automotive category.