When your car is stolen

Immediately

• Report to the police and get the report number
• Report to your insurer
• Notify any lender or lessor
• Check whether a tracking system can locate it
• Gather the title, registration, and your keys — all of them

The keys question

Insurers routinely ask for all keys to the vehicle. It's a standard anti-fraud step rather than an accusation, and being unable to produce them can slow a claim considerably.

If a key is genuinely missing, say so plainly and early rather than letting it surface later.

Why settlement waits

A meaningful proportion of stolen vehicles are recovered, often within days. Insurers generally hold before settling a total theft claim for that reason.

If it's recovered damaged, the claim becomes a damage claim under comprehensive. If it's recovered intact, there may be little to settle at all.

What was inside is usually not covered

Personal belongings stolen from a vehicle are generally not covered by the auto policy. Home or renters insurance typically covers personal property away from home, subject to its own deductible and sub-limits.

Equipment permanently fitted to the vehicle is a different question, and may fall under the auto policy or custom equipment coverage.