What To Do After Your Gets Stolen
Car theft is every driver’s nightmare. Beyond the shock, what you do in the first 24-48 hours can directly affect your insurance claim outcome.
If your car gets stolen, here’s exactly what you need to do, step-by-step.
Lodge a Police Report Immediately
Your first priority is to report the theft to the police.
You should file your report to the nearest police station as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours). This document is mandatory for any insurance claim.
Make sure your report includes:
Exact location and time of theft
Last known use of the vehicle
Vehicle details (plate number, model, colour)
Any suspicious activity or witnesses
Note: The more detailed your report, the stronger your claim documentation.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once the police report is done, contact your insurer immediately.
Most insurers require notification within a reasonable timeframe (typically within 7 days).
Prepare these documents:
Copy of police report
Vehicle registration car (or a copy)
Insurance policy details
Car keys (both sets)
Delays or missing documentation can slow down your claim, or worse, lead to rejection.
Understand What Your Policy Covers
Not all policies automatically cover theft. You’ll need:
Comprehensive car insurance
If you’re unsure, check your policy schedule or contact your insurer.
Wait for the Investigation Period
After submission, your insurer will typically wait for a police investigation period (often between 30-90 days) to confirm the vehicle is not coverable.
During this time:
Authorities may attempt to locate your vehicle
Insurer assess your claim documents
Only after this period will your payout be processed.
Know How Your Payout Is Calculated
Here’s where many get caught off guard.
Your payout is based on market value at the time of theft, NOT what you originally paid.
What affects your payout:
Current market value of your car
Depreciation
Sum insured stated in your policy
If your sum insured is:
Higher than market value, you’ll still receive market value
Lower than market value, you risk underinsurance (average clause)
Note: This is why keeping your sum insured updated is crucial.
Loan Settlement (if Applicable)
If your car is under hire purchase (loan):
The insurer will pay the bank first
Any remaining balance goes to you
If the payout is lower than your loan balance, you’ll need to cover the difference.
Make Future Claims Less Stressful
Car theft is unpredictable, but your recovery process doesn’t have to be.
Having the right support can make a huge difference, especially when dealing with claims, paperwork, and unexpected costs.
What Is Drive+ and Why It Matters
Drive+ is PolicyStreet’s car-owner membership program created to help Malaysians save money and reduce hassle when renewing car insurance and road tax online.
When renewing your car insurance with PolicyStreet, you can choose from three Drive+ membership tiers, starting from RM39.90, depending on how much you want to save.
Each Drive+ tier gives you a road tax discount every year:
Drive+ Lite: Up to RM50 off
Drive+ Standard: Up to RM90 off
Drive+ Premium: Up to RM120 off
Higher tiers offer bigger savings, making them especially worthwhile for drivers with higher road tax amounts.
Beyond road tax discounts, Drive+ members enjoy exclusive renewal discounts when using Atome or EPP payment options for car insurance. Members also benefit from waived road tax processing fees and access to exclusive member vouchers and perks. These benefits help drivers reduce upfront costs, avoid extra fees, and manage rising car expenses more effectively.
In short, Drive+ turns a routine insurance and road tax renewal into a smarter, more affordable car ownership experience.
Drive+ Membership Tiers and Bateriku Benefits
Beyond the headline savings, Drive+ comes with practical perks that make everyday car ownership easier.
One standout benefit is the RM40 Bateriku voucher you receive with every Drive+ renewal. This voucher can be used for car battery replacements through Bateriku, Malaysia’s on-demand battery service.
Typically, the RM40 value is structured as:
RM20 off a new battery
RM20 trade-in rebate
You can redeem it via the Bateriku app or at selected Bateriku service points. Drive+ vouchers can also be stacked with Bateriku promo codes available on their app or website (such as seasonal campaigns like CUTI40, subject to terms and conditions).
It’s a simple way to reduce hassle, especially when the unexpected happens.
Your Next Steps Matter Most
A stolen car is stressful, but acting quickly and correctly can make your claim process smoother.
Focus on:
Report fast
Submit complete documents
Understand your coverage and payout expectations
Being prepared today can save you from a bigger headache tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I claim insurance if my car is stolen but I lost one key?
It depends on the insurer. Many require both original keys. Missing keys may raise fraud concerns and affect your claim.
2. How long does a stolen car insurance claim take?
Typically 1-3 months, depending on the police investigation period and documentation completeness.
3. Will I get the full amount I insured my car for?
Not necessarily. You’ll receive the current market value even if your sum insured is higher.
