Know the steps and documents for a car theft insurance claim, from FIR to non-traceable report and settlement. Read the guide and get help with claims.
If your car is stolen, file an FIR with the police at once, then inform your insurer quickly. After that, you submit documents, and usually a "non-traceable" report from the police is needed before final settlement. Theft is covered under own-damage cover in a comprehensive policy, as per policy terms.
A third-party-only policy does not pay for theft of your own car. Here is what to do, step by step.
Is car theft covered by insurance?
Theft is covered under the own damage part of a comprehensive car insurance policy. Own damage covers accident, fire, theft, natural calamities and man-made events for your own car, per policy terms.
A third-party policy covers only injury, death or property damage to another person. It does not pay if your own car is stolen.
In a theft claim, the most you can get is the IDV (Insured Declared Value), which is the market value agreed with the insurer. Read more in what is IDV in car insurance.
What to do right after the theft
Act fast. Time matters.
- Check carefully that the car was not towed or moved by someone you know.
- Go to the police station and file an FIR.
- Get a copy of the FIR.
- Inform your insurer as soon as you can. Late intimation can cause rejection.
- Share your policy number, vehicle number, place and time of theft.
- Block your FASTag if the car has one, and inform your finance company if you have a loan.
Keep a record of the date and time you informed each party.
Documents usually needed
Documents can differ by insurer, but you will usually need:
- RC copy of the car.
- Driving licence of the owner or driver.
- Previous and current policy copy.
- ID and address proof.
- Claim form, filled and signed.
- FIR copy.
- All keys of the car, original and spare, as the insurer may ask for them.
- Other papers asked by the insurer, such as the purchase invoice.
Keep photocopies and digital scans of everything.
The non-traceable report
The police will try to find your car. If they cannot, they usually give a non-traceable report (also called an untraced report) after investigation. Insurers usually need this report before final settlement.
This can take time. Stay in touch with the police and the insurer, and do not give up. Our claim support page can help you with next steps.
How the claim is settled
After you submit documents, the insurer checks the case. A surveyor or investigator may look into the details. If the claim is accepted, the settlement is usually made on the IDV, after any deductible.
If you took an add-on like return to invoice cover, the amount may be closer to the invoice value, as per policy terms. Check your wording.
If a loan is running, the insurer may pay the finance company first, and the rest goes to you.
Why theft claims get rejected
Be careful about these common reasons:
- The policy was expired on the date of theft.
- You gave late intimation to the police or insurer.
- Keys are missing and there is no clear explanation.
- Wrong or hidden facts were given.
- The car was used commercially under a private policy.
- The theft is not proved or the story does not match.
Read our full guide on why car insurance claims get rejected for more.
How to lower your theft risk
- Park in a safe, well-lit, secure place.
- Do not leave keys or documents inside the car.
- Lock the car and close all windows.
- Fit a good anti-theft device or tracker, if you can.
- Keep copies of your RC and policy on your phone.
- Make sure your policy is always valid. Renew on time.
Does a theft claim affect NCB?
Yes. If you make a claim in a year, your No Claim Bonus for that year is lost. An NCB protection add-on may help in some cases, with limits. Check your policy.
You can also read our general guide on the car insurance claim process for the full flow. If you want to review your cover, you can get a quote.
Insurance rules and claim steps can change, and each insurer has its own process. Your policy document is the final word on what is covered.
FAQs
How soon should I report a car theft?
As soon as you find out. File the FIR first, then inform your insurer quickly. Late reporting can cause the claim to be rejected.
Will the insurer pay the full price of my car?
Usually the insurer pays up to the IDV, after any deductible. This may be less than what you paid. An add-on like return to invoice can help in some cases.
What if the police cannot find my car?
The police usually issue a non-traceable report after investigation. The insurer usually needs this report before final settlement.
Does third-party insurance cover theft?
No. Third-party insurance does not cover your own car. Theft is covered under own damage in a comprehensive policy.
This guide is for information only. Rules and policy terms can change, and the policy document is final. Please read your policy wording.