Insurance: steps to be taken in the event of vehicle theft

Verified 02 July 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

If you notice theft, attempted theft or willful damage to your vehicle, you must file a complaint with the police or gendarmerie. You must then notify your insurer within the time limit set out in your contract. This period must be at least 2 working days since the disaster. You will then have to provide your insurance company with the documents that will allow them to assess your damage and compensate you.

In the event of theft, attempted theft or willful damage to your vehicle, you must lodge a complaint as soon as possible. You have to go to a police station or a gendarmerie brigade.

If your vehicle documents or identity documents were stolen with the vehicle, you must notify the officers.

You will receive a receipt for filing a complaint and, at your request, a copy of the minutes of filing a complaint.

This will allow you to avoid liability if your stolen vehicle is involved in an accident, for example.

Who shall I contact
Who shall I contact

You must then report the claim to your insurer within the time limit set out in your contract. This period must be at least 2 working days. You must provide the following to the insurer:

  • Last name, first name, address
  • Insurance Contract Number
  • Circumstances of the disaster (place, date and time...)
  • Damage sustained (theft, attempted theft or damage)
  • Copy of the receipt for filing a complaint

If you don't meet the deadline, your insurance company may refuse to compensate you.

You can make this statement yourself or ask a third party to do so on your behalf.

The procedure can be done in one of the following 3 ways:

  • On site, in an office of the insurer, or a broker or general agent who represents the insurer
  • Online, if it's on the insurance company's website
  • By mail (it is best to send a registered letter or an e-mail registered mail)

Warning  

check your contract because some insurers also require proof of theft protection systems.

The declaration to the insurer will release you from liability if the thief causes an accident or damages property with your vehicle.

The insurer will take care of the damage caused and will take care of defending you in court if you are personally involved.

Please note

if the theft occurred on your property with break-inHowever, you will also have to report this break-in to your home insurer.

To assess the damage of the vehicle, gather the elements that can justify the condition of the vehicle and its accessories (photo, video, maintenance or repair invoice...).

These documents may be requested by the insurer's expert to assess the value of the vehicle or the amount of repairs.

For the purposes of compensation, insurers shall take into account whether the vehicle has been found and, if so, when and in what condition.

FYI  

in case of attempted theft or damage, you should not have your vehicle repaired before obtaining an agreement from your insurer, as it may require an expertise.

FAQ