PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What happens when a stolen car is recovered?
My car just got stolen—I already filed a report with the police and notified my insurance company. What will happen if a stolen vehicle is recovered?
Shannon Fitzgerald · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Filing a police report and notifying your insurer are the two smartest moves you can make after your vehicle’s been stolen—kudos to you for taking the right steps!
Here’s what typically happens when a stolen car is recovered:
- Police will notify you if your vehicle has been located and arrange for you to repossess the vehicle.
- If you are unable to take possession due to distance or scheduling, your car will be impounded. Unfortunately, you will be responsible for towing and storage fees.
- Once you repossess your car, make note of any objects that don’t belong to you: You may need to report these items to the police.
- Notify your car insurance company that the vehicle is recovered: If it is damaged, your insurer will assess the costs they will cover.
- Notify your homeowners or renters insurance of any missing property: Car insurance will not cover this, so you will need to make a separate claim with these insurers.
- Notify your lender, if applicable: They can communicate directly with your car insurance company.
If your vehicle is missing for a significant amount of time, the insurance company may pay you the market value for your car. In this scenario, should the vehicle be recovered, the insurance company possesses ownership and you will need to negotiate repossession with them.
Remember: In order to collect damages for your recovered vehicle, you will need to have
comprehensive coverage
. As an optional add-on, comprehensive coverage takes care of damages from non-collision acts—this includes vehicle theft.MORE: Can you switch insurance companies with an open claim?
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies