Haris Ashley
If you've had something stolen, it's important to report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. The process for reporting theft to an insurance company can be complicated and time-consuming, and insurance companies often scrutinise theft claims more than any other type of claim. To make a claim, you'll need to provide a lot of information, including a list of what was stolen, when, where, and how much it cost. You'll also need to provide proof that you owned the items in question, and that they were worth what you claim. It's a good idea to keep a digital or physical inventory of your belongings, along with receipts, to make this process easier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if your car is stolen | Call the police and your insurance company, which begins the process of investigating the theft and opening a claim |
| How insurance companies cover theft | Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. |
| What to do before filing a theft claim | Make an inventory checklist of items, keep the original sales receipts, take pictures of your things, and make a video of your items |
| Filing a theft claim | Contact the police and file a police report, call your insurance company promptly and report the claim |
| What insurance companies demand | Multiple years' worth of tax returns, employment records, cell phone records, bank records, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Report the theft to the police
If your car has been stolen, you should report the theft to the police immediately. Call the non-emergency line to make your report, and not 911. You will need to provide detailed information on the vehicle, including the VIN and license plate number, as well as the location it was last seen. The police will then file a stolen vehicle report, which you will need when making an insurance claim. The report will also allow law enforcement officers to watch out for your stolen vehicle.
In the case of a home break-in or stolen property, you should also report the crime to the police as soon as possible. You will need to file a police report, which will be required by your insurance company when making a claim. You should also take photos of any structural damage or personal content damages, as well as any property damage or loss.
It is important to note that, in the case of a stolen vehicle, your car insurance will only cover the theft if you carry comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. It is subject to a deductible. If your car is not recovered within 30 days, the insurance company will declare it a total loss and pay you its actual cash value, minus your deductible.
When filing a theft claim for stolen property, it is recommended to have a pre-made inventory sheet of your belongings, including receipts, to help quickly discern what is missing or damaged. For valuable items such as jewelry or collectibles, you may need to add extra coverage to avoid sub-limit surprises.
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Notify your insurer
If your car has been stolen, you should notify the police immediately and file a stolen vehicle report. You will need to provide detailed information on the vehicle, including its make and model, VIN, license plate number, and the location it was last seen. After contacting the police, your next step should be to notify your insurer.
When you call your insurer, have your policy number and the police report number to hand. You will also need to provide details about the vehicle, including its make and model, VIN, license plate number, and any identifying features. You should also be prepared to provide information about when and where the theft took place, as well as any other relevant details.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your policy will cover the theft of your vehicle. In this case, your insurer will cut you a check for the car's current value, minus your deductible. If you do not have comprehensive insurance, your policy may still provide some coverage for the theft. It is important to review your policy contract to fully understand your coverage.
In the case of home theft, it is important to notify your insurer as soon as possible. You will typically need to submit a police report and a full inventory of lost items. It is helpful to have a pre-made inventory sheet to quickly discern what is missing or damaged. For valuable items such as jewellery or collectibles, consider adding extra coverage to avoid sub-limit surprises.
When you contact your insurer, be clear and honest, and have all your documentation ready. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be. This includes police reports, photographs, and receipts for any stolen items. An adjuster may be assigned to inspect your home and review any damaged property. Your insurer may also conduct an investigation to verify your claim and identify any additional documentation that may be required.
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Provide proof of value of stolen items
When filing an insurance claim for stolen items, you will need to provide proof of ownership and value. This is because insurance companies regularly deal with fraud, so they will demand proof before paying out a claim. Without proper documentation, they might delay, reduce, or even deny your reimbursement.
There are several ways to prove ownership of an item to an insurance company, and the methods they will accept will depend on their policies, the situation, and the value of the stolen item.
Receipts are the most straightforward and widely accepted way to prove ownership. If you do not have a receipt, you can usually retrieve a digital copy if you purchased the item online or with a credit or debit card. If the item was a gift, you can ask the giver if they still have the receipt, or you can contact the company to ask if they can generate one for you. If you paid in cash, check if the store can reprint your receipt.
If you do not have a receipt, a credit card statement or bill can also be used as proof of ownership. For some inexpensive items, no proof is required, as long as they add up to reasonable sums.
If you had an appraisal for your expensive items before they were stolen, that document can serve as proof of ownership and value. If your stolen item was insured separately (e.g., jewelry insurance), use that policy’s records to strengthen your claim.
Written statements, text messages, or emails from people who can vouch for your ownership can also be used as proof. You can also strengthen your claim by providing a detailed written description (brand, model, color, unique markings), estimating the purchase date, and gathering any circumstantial evidence (e.g., a box, accessories, or an old warranty). Some insurers may allow a signed affidavit stating that the item belonged to you, though this may not be enough on its own.
Regularly taking photos or videos of your belongings can also serve as strong proof of ownership. If you have pictures of your stolen items, they can demonstrate ownership. If you don’t have pictures, check old social media posts or family photos—you might find accidental evidence! If your stolen item came with a warranty, instruction manual, or product registration, these documents prove ownership. Many manufacturers allow online registration, so check your email for confirmation emails. Most online retailers keep purchase records indefinitely, so you can log into your account, check your order history, and download invoices or email receipts.
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File a claim
If your vehicle has been stolen, you should contact the police immediately and file a stolen vehicle report. You will need to provide detailed information on the vehicle and the location it was last seen. Getting in touch with your insurer should be your next move after the police. Call the claims line or file a theft claim online or through a mobile app if you have that option.
If you have comprehensive insurance, your car insurance will cover the theft of your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. It is subject to a deductible. If your car is not recovered within 30 days, the insurance company will declare it a total loss and pay you its actual cash value, minus your deductible.
If you have custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage, it can cover stolen parts or equipment. Comprehensive coverage will insure up to a certain amount in repair or replacement costs for custom parts and equipment. Repairs or replacements above this amount require CPE coverage, which is typically inexpensive.
If your home has been broken into and items have been stolen, you should also contact the police immediately and file a report. You will likely need to provide the police report to your insurance company in order to make a claim. You should also have emergency repairs done if necessary, saving your receipts for reimbursement by your insurance company.
Before a theft occurs, it is a good idea to speak with your insurance agent about what type of security systems qualify for a discount. You can also ask if you already qualify for certain discounts, such as living in a gated community protected by security guards. Maintaining a digital or physical inventory of your belongings, keeping receipts, and understanding what your policy covers will help you to get the most out of your claim.
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Get reimbursed for repairs
If your vehicle has been stolen, you should contact the police immediately and file a stolen vehicle report. You will need to provide detailed information on the vehicle and the location it was last seen. After contacting the police, you can report the theft to your insurance company.
If your vehicle is not recovered, your insurance company will pay you for your loss if you have comprehensive coverage. This payout will be the vehicle's actual cash value (ACV) minus your deductible. If you have custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage, you may be reimbursed for these stolen parts.
If your vehicle is recovered but has sustained damage, repairs should be covered by your comprehensive coverage. You will need to provide proof of the damage before the repairs were made, and your collision deductible will likely be subtracted from any payout you receive. Having pictures from the accident scene and all the paperwork associated with your repair will help your case in getting reimbursed.
It is recommended that you get an estimate for the repairs prior to filing a claim. If the value of the repairs is less than the rate increase you would receive plus your deductible, it may be cheaper to pay for the repairs yourself.
If you choose to pay for the repairs yourself and seek reimbursement afterward, you run the risk of the insurance company not covering all your repairs. The company has the right to inspect the vehicle and determine what was damaged and how much is owed. If they have a shop that would do the same work cheaper, you may be out of pocket for the difference.
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Frequently asked questions
File a police report immediately. You will need to provide detailed information on the vehicle, including the VIN and license plate number, as well as the location it was last seen.
Contact your insurance company to file a car theft claim. You will need the police report number, a copy of the report, vehicle details, and the last known location of your vehicle.
Comprehensive coverage is the only type of insurance that covers car theft. It will pay for the car's actual cash value minus your deductible.
Your comprehensive coverage will cover any resulting damages, such as broken windows and other vandalism.
You should report any stolen items to your insurance company and provide a full inventory of lost items. You should also submit a copy of the police report and any receipts for the stolen items.
