Log in
Claims Pay a bill
You can file a claim by phone or mobile app. Call us at 1-800-421-3535.
To track a claim, log in.

What to do if your vehicle is stolen

  • Call the police to file a report. They’ll likely add your information to national theft databases that will make it harder for the thief to sell or re-title your car.
  • Give police the location of the theft, as well as a description of your vehicle and license plate number. If possible, include your vehicle identification (VIN) and registration numbers.
  • Let police know if your vehicle has a device that helps track and recover a stolen vehicle through GPS. Popular services include LoJack®, OnStar® and Safety Connect®.
  • Locate & secure your title. If your vehicle is leased or financed, also alert the lender or leasing company

Are you covered for an auto theft claim?

The comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy typically covers you for a stolen vehicle loss. It may also help cover repairs to your vehicle if it is recovered damaged. You’d be responsible for your deductible in either situation.

However, some personal belongings that were in your vehicle (such as a removable GPS, car seat or laptop) may not qualify for coverage under your auto policy. Instead, you may need to file a claim under your homeowners or renters insurance policy or other applicable policies. Talk to your agent to make sure you have adequate coverage. To be covered for both your stolen vehicle and any belongings inside, you may need to file two separate claims and you may be responsible for two deductibles.

Handling your auto theft claim

You may start a claim online or by calling us at 1-800-421-3535. We’ll need the information you gave police, as well as the location of all your keys and a list of any personal property inside the car.

You’ll be assigned a Nationwide claims associate, who will gather any essential information, review your insurance policy, and explain coverages in your policy and your deductible. The associate will confirm the following information:

  • The information you gave police
  • The location of all your keys
  • A list of any personal property inside the car

Your associate typically will:

  • Walk you through the claims process
  • Answer any questions related to your claim
  • Let you know whether you’re eligible for rental car or transportation reimbursement while you’re without your car
  • Review the circumstances and details surrounding the theft
  • Take statements from you and any witnesses
  • Request location of title
  • Review police reports

If your vehicle is recovered, but damaged

If your vehicle is found and is damaged, you’re free to choose your own repair shop or a facility from our On Your Side Auto Repair Network® to complete any repairs from the loss.

If your vehicle is not recovered

If your vehicle is not recovered or recovered with extensive damage, it may be considered a total loss. Your claims associate will work closely with you throughout the process to provide a fair market value for your vehicle.

If you have a loan on your vehicle your claims associate will assist you in working with your lienholder where appropriate.

Tips to help deter vehicle thieves

  • Always lock your vehicle, take your keys with you and avoid keeping a spare set hidden in your vehicle.
  • Park in a well-lit area and hide any valuables that might attract thieves.
  • If your vehicle doesn’t have a factory-installed anti-theft or alarm system, consider having an after-market device installed. (In some states, we provide auto insurance discounts for anti-theft devices or alarms.)
  • Avoid leaving your vehicle idling unattended.

Each claim is handled on the basis of its individual facts and circumstances, in accordance with policy language, including applicable exclusions, conditions and limitations, as well as applicable controlling law.

Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which control coverage determinations. Such terms may vary by state, and exclusions may apply.