What to do if your car is stolen
Learn the essential steps to take if your car is stolen, from reporting the theft to the police to filing an insurance claim.
Key points
- If your car is stolen, you should report it to the police as soon as possible and obtain a crime reference number. You’ll need this when you contact your insurer to start a claim.
- After contacting the police, you should notify your insurance provider and follow their claims process. If you’re an Aviva customer, you can make a claim through your MyAviva account. Whether your policy covers theft will depend on your level of cover. Third party insurance won’t cover a stolen car, so you should check your policy documents to understand what is included.
- There are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of theft, such as keeping valuables out of sight and making sure your car is locked.
If your car is stolen the steps below can help guide you through the process of filing a claim with your insurer.
Report it to the police
Once you’ve realised your car has been stolen your first port of call is to let your local police know.
To do this you just need to call 101 and ask to be transferred to your local police station.Footnote [1]
You’ll need to make sure you have:
- Your vehicle registration number
- The make and model
- The colour
You’ll then get a crime reference number, and you’ll need this when you call your insurance company.
Does car insurance cover stolen vehicles?
This depends on your level of coverage. Check your policy document for details about your coverage.
To cover your car against theft, you'll need one of these types of insurance:
- third party, fire and theft
- comprehensive car
Whilst third-party only insurance is the minimum requirement for the UK, this won't cover you if your car gets stolen. It only covers you if you injure someone or damage their car or property.
Do I need to tell the DVLA or my insurer?
After you’ve reported it to the police, they’ll let the DVLA know. You’ll then need to call your insurance company who will then explain how you can make a claim.
If you have your car insurance with us, then you can make a claim through your MyAviva account.
If your insurance provider pays out a claim for your stolen vehicle, then you’ll need to let the DVLA know as you’ll no longer own the car. They will usually also refund you any remaining vehicle tax.
How to help prevent car theft
There’s no foolproof way to stop your car from getting stolen, but there’s a few things you can do to help prevent it:
- Remove all valuables or make sure they’re hidden in either the boot or the glove box. Anything can be of value to someone so even if it’s something simple, make sure it’s hidden.
- Fit a Thatcham-approved alarm system with tracking. Things like tracker and anti-grab sensors can help with tracing your car if its stolen and deter thieves.
- Always go with potential buyers on a test drive if you’re selling your car.
- Keep your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch if your car has keyless entry system.
- Double check your car is locked before you leave it, even if you’re only nipping into a shop or are at home.
- Watch where you park. If you’re parking on a street avoid secluded areas, make sure it’s well-lit or try and find a manned car park.
- Attach a physical anti-theft device, such as a steering or pedal lock to your vehicle when it is parked.
Learn more about helping to prevent car theft with our guide.
Help protect your car with Aviva Signature car insurance
With our car insurance you can choose between comprehensive and third party, fire and theft.
Both will cover you if your car gets stolen but comprehensive has a few more bells and whistles. There’s also a range of optional add-ons you can choose from. Exclusions and limitations apply.
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