How to Respond If Your Vehicle Is Stolen: A Step-by-Step Guide
For many of us, a vehicle is more than just a mode of transportation, it’s a vital part of our daily life, whether that’s commuting for work, taking the kids to school, going to see friends or just sheer driving pleasure, we rely on our vehicles in so many ways. So, discovering that your car, bike, motorhome or van has been stolen can be an incredibly stressful and disorienting experience.
However, knowing what to do in this situation can significantly improve the chances of recovery and minimise the disruption to your life.
In this blog, I wanted to walk you through the steps to take if your vehicle is stolen and explain how Infiniti Tracking’s cutting-edge solutions can assist.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Verify the Situation
Before you leap into action, take a moment to confirm that your car is indeed missing./
Could it have been towed due to parking violations or if you’re in a very large car park like an airport or shopping centre, could you just be on the wrong level or in the wrong area? Check with local Police and / or council or private towing companies to rule out this possibility.
Alternatively, consider whether someone with authorised access to your vehicle might have moved it. If you’re certain your car has been stolen, move on to the next step without delay.
Step 2: Contact the Police
The first official step is to report the theft to the police. Here in the UK, you can do this by dialling 101 (the non-emergency line) or 999 if the theft is in progress or you feel at immediate risk. When filing your report, be prepared to provide:
- Your car’s registration number
- Make, model, and colour of the vehicle
- Distinctive features (e.g. dents, stickers / decals, etc.)
- The approximate time and location of the theft
Once the police that those details, you’ll receive a crime reference number, which is crucial for insurance claims and communication with other agencies.
If you already have a vehicle tracker installed, make sure you notify the manufacturer’s call centre immediately after reporting to the police. This can often be done through their dedicated smartphone app. The sooner they start tracking, the higher the likelihood of recovery.
Bear in mind that it’s easy in these stressful situations to forget even the simplest of details, so it might be worth having a pre-written note in your phone with all the aforementioned details included, but also those listed below (i.e. your insurance company, their claim telephone number, policy number, etc).
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Provider
After reporting to the police, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
Most insurers will require immediate notification of vehicle theft. Have your policy number and the crime reference number from the police ready when you call.
Your insurer will guide you through the claims process, which may involve providing additional documentation and a timeline of events. Keep in mind that delays in reporting the theft to your insurer could affect your claim.
Step 4: Leverage Vehicle Tracking Technology
One of the most effective ways to recover a stolen vehicle is by using a vehicle tracker. Here at Infiniti Tracking we offer some incredible tracking systems designed to locate and recover vehicles quickly, often before they’re taken too far.
Step 5: Spread the Word
The more people looking out for your car, the better. Share details of the theft on social media and with local community groups. Include clear photos of your vehicle and mention any unique identifiers.
Social networks often serve as powerful tools for spreading information quickly. It’s not uncommon for stolen vehicles to be spotted by neighbours or community members who recognise them from online posts.
As more and more people have security cameras on their homes or doorbell cameras fitted to the front of their home, often vehicles can be tracked through these so get the word out.
Step 6: Secure Replacement Transportation
Being without a vehicle can disrupt your routine, but there are options to mitigate this inconvenience:
- Courtesy Cars: If your insurance policy includes provision for a courtesy car, arrange one through your insurer.
- Public Transport or Rentals: Rely on public transport or hire a car temporarily while waiting for updates.
Planning ahead with alternative transport ensures you can continue your daily activities with minimal interruption.
Step 7: Take Preventative Measures for the Future
There’s no denying that experiencing vehicle theft is unsettling, but it also highlights the importance of proactive security measures to prevent future incidents.
Invest in Infiniti Tracking’s Security Solutions
- High-Tech Vehicle Trackers: From covert installation to advanced geofencing features, Infiniti Tracking offers solutions tailored to your needs.
- Enhanced Security Systems: Combine tracking with immobilisers and alarms for an added layer of protection.
- Driver Behaviour Monitoring: Many of our systems can also track driving habits, which is particularly useful for businesses managing fleets.
Step 8: Stay Informed
Finally, keep in touch with the Police, your tracking company via their control centre and your insurance company for updates on the investigation. Be patient, as vehicle recovery and claim processes can take time.
If your car is recovered, inspect it thoroughly for any damages and report these to your insurer. You may need to pay an excess fee for repairs, depending on your policy.
How Infiniti Tracking Can Help
When you buy from us, there are a number of ways our products and our team can help. They include:
- Real-Time Location Updates: Many of our devices provide precise, real-time tracking, enabling authorities to pinpoint your car’s location.
- Tamper Alerts: These trackers can notify you immediately if someone tampers with your vehicle, giving you an early warning.
- Rapid Recovery Assistance: The manufacturer’s dedicated team often work closely with law enforcement to expedite the recovery process.
Why Choose Infiniti Tracking?
Here at Infiniti Tracking we are proud to stand out as a leader in vehicle security with:
- Reliable Technology: Our trackers boast exceptional accuracy and durability.
- Professional Support: A dedicated team ready to assist you in choosing the best system for you and your circumstances.
- Seamless Integration: Once installed by our professional team, the easy-to-use app will help you manage your vehicle’s security.
By integrating our products into your vehicle, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing you have robust tools to deter theft and aid in recovery. It’s worth remembering that:
- Infiniti Tracking is 1 out of 17 best companies in the category Car Security System Installer on Trustpilot
- Infiniti Tracking is also 1 out of 14 best companies in the category GPS supplier on Trustpilot.
Discovering that your vehicle has been stolen is undoubtedly distressing, but knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference. Acting swiftly, involving the authorities, and leveraging Infiniti Tracking’s advanced technology significantly increase your chances of recovery.
Investing in preventative measures like GPS trackers is not just about security, it’s about ensuring peace of mind and minimising the impact of potential future thefts.
Remember, with the right tools and a clear plan of action, you can navigate this challenging situation effectively and safeguard your vehicle for the future.
Don’t wait to become a victim of car crime, give our dedicated customer service team a ring on 0330 043 3993 and we’ll be happy to help find the right tracker for you. Once ordered, we can come to you anywhere in the UK at a time and place that suits you to install your tracker and keep your vehicle secure!
