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Anytime someone takes your personal property there is a feeling of invasion and being victimized. Even while you have these feelings, there are specific actions that must take place to protect yourself, so suck it up.

Notify The Police

If your car is being stolen right now, by all means dial 911 or your emergency contact line for the police. Otherwise, look up the non emergency line for the police department and call. This is an important step to take because you want to make it official that your car was in fact stolen and not in your possession, especially if it is later used in a crime. If it is used in a crime, it can cause you alot of grief if it is not reported in time.

After you notify the police, they will make a report of it and provide you with a case number. Don’t lose this because you will use this to reference your case when dealing with your insurance company.

If you happen to find the car yourself don’t go near the car. Contact the police because if they spot the car with anyone in it, they will approach with guns drawn.

Try to Remember What Was In Your Car

Criminals are typically opportunists. So if a car thief sees that you left documents that compromise your identity, you may also become a victim of fraud or identity theft. Try to recall what, if any documents are in your car, and call the appropriate agencies if you feel that your identity may be compromised. You can place a 90 day fraud alert on your equifax credit file by calling 1-800-525-6285. If your identity is compromised, this step will help you to get your name cleared.

Call Your Insurance Company

Last but not least, notify your insurance company. My insurance company offered to make an official note that my vehicle was stolen and freeze the account for 10 days to see if the car turns up. That way if you need to you can drive it with no lapse in coverage. Otherwise, if the car is not recovered your insurance will be cancelled effective the day of the call and your premium refunded to you.

It truly is a pain to have your car stolen, but by notifying the police, protecting your identity and notifying your car insurance, you can reduce the chance that this will turn into a major headache.

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Source by chris rubenstein