Vehicle theft abroad: what to do?

Vehicle theft abroad: what to do?


Car theft is a painful ordeal, but isn't the situation even more difficult and destabilizing abroad? Who to contact? Where to file a complaint? Matmut tells you all about the steps to take in the event of a car being stolen abroad.
What to do in case of car theft abroad?
 If you witness the theft of your vehicle, from a distance or because you have been the victim of car-jacking, call 112 immediately. The number 112 concerns all emergencies requiring the intervention of the police or a ambulance when traveling in a European country. As soon as you are notified, the police will be able to launch a search to try to find your vehicle.
 
Read also: How to react if you are the victim of car-jacking? The attitude to adopt during and after a car-jacking
Stolen car complaint
Regardless of the country where the car theft takes place, it is necessary to file a complaint and have a report of theft recorded. This complaint should be filed with the nearest police services in the country where the theft took place. You will need to provide as much information as possible about the vehicle (registration, make, model, color) as well as the place where you parked it or the place where the attack took place, if applicable. It is also important to specify whether the registration certificate (grey card) of the vehicle and/or the insurance certificate have also been stolen. Once back in France, we also advise you to go to the police station or the gendarmerie brigade closest to your home to file a second declaration of theft. This step is necessary for your insurer.
Read also: How to react in case of car theft? Steps to take in the event of theft
Notify your insurance
It is essential to notify your insurance as soon as possible after the theft of your vehicle. This will allow you to be relieved of all liability for any offenses committed with your vehicle by thieves, or in the event of an accident. If your auto insurance contract includes coverage against theft, you have 24 hours to report it to your insurance.
When you return to France, your insurer will probably ask you to hand over the registration certificate and the keys of the stolen vehicle if they are still in your possession. The guarantees of the insurance contract are generally exercised in the territories of the States for which an international insurance card (green card) has been issued. It is advisable to contact your insurer before your departure to find out about your coverage depending on the country or countries you are going to visit.
How to avoid the risk of theft?
 In France and abroad, certain measures make it possible to reduce the risk of theft. It is therefore recommended to:
do not let the engine run when stationary, even for a fast run
check that the vehicle is closed when you leave it when parking
do not leave the keys in the ignition when parking, even in a closed place such as a garden or courtyard, garage or box
Avoid parking your vehicle in a poorly lit and low traffic area. Favor closed car parks, often equipped with video surveillance cameras which deter thieves
lock the doors and roll up the windows even when you are driving, in order to avoid car-jacking. And be vigilant: if certain situations seem suspicious to you (false accident, etc.), do not stop. But in case of aggression, do not try to resist the assailant.
In any case, do not leave valuables in your vehicle, nor your papers (registration certificate, insurance certificate, driving licence, etc.). It is also recommended that you keep a copy of these documents at your home to facilitate the work of the police in the event of a stolen car.