aving your car stolen is horrible. It can be even worse when your stolen car is involved in an accident. Knowing what to do will put your mind at ease.
Stay calm and remember that it isn’t your fault. After all, you didn’t do anything wrong. You cannot be held liable for the hit-and-run accident. Here are a few critical steps to take.
- When and where you last saw it
- The make, model, color, and year of your stolen car
- Your license plate number
- Details of your tracking system
- Any distinct features your vehicle may have
Even if you don’t get your car back, no one will blame you in case of an accident.
Contact your insurance provider
After contacting the police, reach out to your insurance provider within 24 hours. Let them know about the theft and that your vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run accident. If they need any extra information, avail it to them as soon as you can. Your insurance provider may ask for the following information:
- A copy of the police report
- The location of your car keys
- The contact details of your leasing or financing company
- A description of any valuables that may have been in your car. They may include workout gear, electronic equipment, work tools, and books.
Although there is no such thing as ‘stolen car insurance,’ your comprehensive auto insurance policy may cover you. Even without this insurance coverage, you’ll be protected if someone is injured, or property is damaged when your stolen car gets into an accident.
Since you didn’t give the thief permission to drive your car, whatever they do with it isn’t your fault. You aren’t at fault for any accidents that they may get into.
When submitting your claim, you’d be wise to remain honest and consistent. Any inconsistency between your claim and the police report may be a red flag.
You’ll need a good lawyer to prove that your car was indeed stolen. Having filed a police report and being willing to press charges is strong evidence. In the unlikely event that the thief is tracked and found to have had their own car insurance, a claim can be made against their insurance provider. You may be able to file a civil lawsuit if the thief is caught.
Get legal answers
If you have any legal questions, get answers as soon as possible. Speak with a lawyer and find out if you have taken the most helpful steps. They’ll let you know whether your claim is valid and whether it is strong enough to pursue. Choose an experienced and committed lawyer. They should have a history of success.
Protect your car in the future
When everything is settled, it’s time to protect your car from being stolen in the future. There are plenty of ways to keep your vehicle safe and reduce the risk of theft. They may even reduce the cost of your auto insurance premiums. Simple tips to keep your car safe include:
- Always lock your vehicle
- Avoid parking in unsafe areas
- Keep your windows closed
- Install a GPS tracking system and car alarm system
- Keep your valuables out of sight
It is easy to panic and do the wrong things when you find out that your stolen car has been in a hit-and-run accident. However, you need to remain calm and take the appropriate steps. They include contacting the police, contacting the insurance company, and getting advice from an experienced attorney.
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