According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 800,000 cars are stolen in the US every year. This amounts to around $600 million in losses for car owners and insurers. The most commonly stolen vehicles are older model sedans and SUVs, which can be easily sold or stripped for parts.

When a car is stolen, the police are tasked with investigating what happened. This can be a complex process, and there are many steps that need to be followed in order to find the car and bring the perpetrators to justice. In this blog post, we will take a look at what happens when a car is reported as stolen. We will also discuss some tips for what you should do if your car is stolen, and some other things to keep in mind if you are ever in this situation.

What Should You Do If Your Car is Stolen?

If you notice that your car has been stolen, there are a few steps you should take to ensure the best possible outcome. First, report the theft to the police as soon as possible. This will help create a paper trail and give the authorities a better chance of finding your vehicle. Next, reach out to your insurance company to file a claim. Be sure to have all relevant information handy, such as your policy number and contact information.

What Process Does The Police Follow When Investigating A Stolen Car?

When a car is reported stolen to the police, they will begin their investigation by gathering information about the vehicle. This includes taking photographs of the car, recording the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and checking for any outstanding warrants or tickets that may be associated with the car.

The police will also attempt to track down the owner of the car. They can do this by looking for registration records or contacting the manufacturer of the car in order to find out who purchased it. If they are unsuccessful in locating the owner, they will release a bulletin listing all of the details about the stolen car to other law enforcement agencies.

If someone is caught driving a stolen car, they can be charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. The penalties for this crime can range from a fine to imprisonment. In addition, the car can be seized by the police and may be sold at auction.

The police will continue to investigate a stolen car until they find either the owner or the thief.

What Happens When The Police Recover A Stolen Car?

When the police recover a stolen car, they will try to find the rightful owner. If they are unable to find the owner, they may auction off the car. The proceeds from the auction will go to the police department or agency that recovered the car. In some cases, if there is no clear evidence of who stole the car and it cannot be returned to its rightful owner, the police may keep the car for their own use. This is rare, however, as most stolen cars are eventually returned to their owners.

What Happens In The Case A Car Cannot Be Recovered?

If the police are trying to recover a stolen car, but they can’t find it, they will likely try and contact the owner of the vehicle. If the owner cannot be reached or does not want to cooperate with the police, the next step may be to seek out help from local businesses or individuals who may have seen the car.

If all else fails, the police may release details about the make and model of the car in an attempt to generate leads from members of the public. Ultimately, if a stolen car is not recovered by law enforcement officials within a certain timeframe, it may be classified as a cold case. In some instances, private investigators may be hired to try and locate the missing vehicle.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) releases an annual report on the recovery of stolen cars. The latest report, from 2017, shows that a total of 68 percent of all reported stolen vehicles were recovered. This is down from the previous year’s recovery rate of 71 percent.

Breaking this data down by type of vehicle, we see that pickup trucks have the highest recovery rate at 81 percent, while passenger cars have the lowest recovery rate at 63 percent. It’s worth noting that these are national averages; your local area may have different rates.

In What Cases Will Insurance Companies Pay Out On Stolen Vehicles?

How Does The Insurance Process Work? Is It Different?

When a car is reported as stolen, the insurance company will investigate to determine if the car was actually stolen or not. If it is determined that the car was in fact stolen, then the insurance company will pay out on the claim. The process of investigating a car theft can take some time, so it is important to file a police report as soon as possible after your car has been stolen.

If you are wondering how long it takes for an insurance company to process a vehicle theft claim, the answer varies depending on the insurer. Some insurers may take several weeks to process a claim, while others may take only a few days. However, it is important to note that the insurance company will not payout on a claim until the investigation is complete.

Tips On Car Theft Prevention

It’s important to take precautions to prevent your car from being stolen. Here are some tips that can help:

• Never leave your car running when it’s not in use. This is an easy way for thieves to steal your car. Instead, turn off the engine and remove the key.

• Thieves are less likely to steal cars that are in well-lit areas. Keep your car locked at all times . This includes when you’re driving it and when it’s parked.

• Don’t leave valuable items in plain sight . If you don’t need them, don’t bring them with you. Put away any electronics or other valuables.

• Install a tracking device . A tracking device can help authorities track down your car if it’s stolen.

• Be aware of your surroundings . Pay attention to what’s going on around you, especially in parking lots or garages. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your car from being stolen. Keep yourself and your belongings safe by being proactive about car security. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take precautions!

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