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How do you report a car stolen in California?

I was visiting my brother in California and my car got stolen while we were away from his apartment. How do I report a car stolen in California?

avatar
Holden Easterbrook · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Dealing with the aftermath of having your car stolen can be overwhelming, so it’s good to know that your brother is there to help you through it all.
To
report a stolen car
in California is very similar to the process in any other state with a minor difference:
  • Call CAL-HEAT—Exclusive to California, this toll-free hotline will refer you to the appropriate local and state law enforcement agencies to report your stolen vehicle.
  • Contact your insurance provider—If you have coverage against theft, your insurance provider can begin the process of filing a claim for your lost vehicle.
  • Inform your auto loan company—If you had to take out a loan to purchase your car, you’ll need to inform your lender that the vehicle was stolen. They will tell you about any additional steps you need to take.
While you may never see your car again, this will give you the best chances of recovering your vehicle or moving on from its loss. While you wait for more news, however, you can use this time to find a more affordable insurance policy with
coverages for car theft
. Just be sure to get the
Jerry
app first.
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