What Happens When a Vehicle Is Stolen?

Auto · Originally published May 25, 2016 · Updated November 2026

If your car is gone and you know you didn't get towed, the next few hours matter. Acting quickly gives police the best chance of recovering it and gets your insurance claim started on the right foot.

Here's what usually happens, step by step.

First, make sure it was stolen

Before you call it in, rule out the obvious:

• Check whether it was towed by a parking lot or the city.
• Ask anyone else who drives the car if they moved it.
• If you're behind on a loan, check with your lender about repossession.

Once you're sure, act quickly.

Report it to police and your insurer

Call the local police department and file a stolen vehicle report. Have this ready:

• Year, make, model and color
• License plate number
• VIN, if you have it (it's often on your insurance card or registration)
• Any distinctive features, like stickers, damage or aftermarket wheels

Ask for the report number. Your insurance company will need it. If your car has a GPS tracker or a connected app, tell the officer.

Then report the theft to your insurer as soon as you can. You can call us, too, and we'll help you get the claim started. Our payments and claims page has contact information for the carriers we work with.

Which coverage pays for theft

Theft of your vehicle is generally covered under comprehensive coverage. If you carry only liability, your policy generally won't pay for the stolen car itself. This is one of the biggest reasons people with older cars still keep comprehensive. Our article on what full coverage means explains how the pieces fit together.

A few other coverages can come into play:

• Rental reimbursement, if you added it, may help pay for a rental car while the claim is open.
• Gap coverage may help if you owe more on your loan than the car is worth. See gap insurance explained.
• Personal belongings inside the car usually aren't covered by your auto policy. A homeowners or renters insurance policy may cover them, subject to its deductible.

How the claim usually works

Every insurer handles theft claims a little differently, but the general pattern looks like this:

• Waiting period. Many companies wait a set amount of time before settling, since stolen cars are sometimes recovered.
• If the car is found, comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs to theft-related damage, minus your deductible.
• If it isn't found, the insurer typically pays the car's actual cash value, minus your deductible. If you have a loan, the payment generally goes to the lender first.

Keep records of your loan, recent repairs and any upgrades. They can help support the value of your car.

Reduce the odds next time

Simple habits help: lock the doors, take the keys and fob with you, don't leave the car running unattended, and park in well-lit areas. Keep your title and spare keys out of the vehicle.

Talk to a local agent

If you're not sure whether your policy includes comprehensive coverage, call us at 417.865.4800 and we'll check. You can also review our auto insurance options.

Common questions

Does liability-only insurance cover a stolen car?

Generally no. Theft of the vehicle is usually covered under comprehensive, which is optional unless a lender requires it.

Are items stolen from my car covered?

Usually not by your auto policy. Homeowners or renters insurance may cover personal belongings, subject to that policy's deductible.

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