Acting in an orderly way is hardest under the shock of a stolen car – yet the first day's steps can shorten the claims process by weeks. This list is the calm sequence: point by point, from the moment of discovery to the case's closing.
In brief:
- The first step is ALWAYS the police report – every further step builds on its case number.
- The second round is the insurer (via the claims line) and blocking cards/documents (if any were in the car).
- Until the payout, keep paperwork discipline: keys, documents and certificates in one folder.
The First Hour
- ☐ Check: is it definitely theft? (Towed away for illegal parking; taken by a family member ruled out?)
- ☐ File a police report immediately – ask for the confirmation and the case number.
- ☐ If documents, a bank card or keys (including house keys!) were in the car: immediate blocking – notify the bank, start replacing documents; consider changing the locks if a house key was inside.
- ☐ For a car with a tracker: notify the tracking provider.
The First Day
- ☐ Report it via the insurer's claims line – with the police case number.
- ☐ Gather your keys: check that ALL keys and remotes are accounted for – the insurer will ask for these.
- ☐ Documents: find the registration certificate and title (if they weren't in the car), service book, extras list, photos of the car.
- ☐ For a financed car: notify the lender – they're a party to the case because of the assignment.
- ☐ Take stock of parking permits, stickers and company devices (toll tag, etc.).
The Following Weeks
- ☐ Registration-office step: deregistering the vehicle using the police documents.
- ☐ Complete the insurer's document list – follow-ups submitted on time.
- ☐ Track the progress of the investigation: the payout is typically tied to the suspension/closing decision.
- ☐ Settle the MTPL contract (termination of insurable interest) – a topic for kotelezo.biz.
- ☐ If the car turns up: notify the police AND the insurer immediately – the terms govern this separately.
- ☐ For a disputed valuation: how the broker helps. The background article: after a theft, step by step.
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This article is for information purposes only, contains general information and does not constitute an offer or insurance advice. The exact content of insurance contracts is defined by the insurers' terms and conditions in force.
