Having a hire car stolen is one of those situations no one plans for, but it can happen. As well as the shock of it, many drivers immediately worry about how much they might be charged and what they are expected to do next.
This guide explains what to do if your hire car is stolen, who needs to be contacted, what paperwork you will need and how car hire excess insurance can help protect you from a large bill. Ready to get covered? Get a quote now.
First things to check before reporting a theft
Before jumping immediately to conclusions and reporting the car as stolen, take a moment to rule out the obvious. Cars are sometimes moved or towed due to parking restrictions.
If you’re unsure:
After ruling out every other option and you feel confident the vehicle has been taken, treat it as a theft.
Reporting a stolen hire car
Contact the police
Report the theft to the police in the country where it happened as soon as you can. Make sure to ask for a copy of the police report or a crime reference number. This is essential for both the hire company and any insurance claim.
Inform the hire company
Call the hire company’s emergency or roadside assistance number, which should be listed in your rental agreement. They will explain the next steps and confirm what they need from you.
Depending on the situation, they might:
Will you be charged if your hire car is stolen?
In most cases, you’ll likely be charged. Hire companies usually charge the driver up to the excess amount in the rental agreement if it’s stolen. The excess is the amount you’re financially responsible for and it can be a substantial amount. This applies no matter the circumstances – even if the theft was not your own fault.
This is where ReduceMyExcess steps in. A standalone excess rental car insurance policy like the ones we offer are designed to reimburse eligible excess charges after you have settled the bill with the hire company..
How excess insurance helps after theft
If a hire car is stolen and you’re charged the excess, car hire excess insurance can help reimburse eligible costs back to you, subject to policy terms and conditions. It doesn’t replace the hire company’s insurance and doesn’t stop the initial charge. It works by helping you recover the excess amount once everything has been properly reported and documented.
What documents will you need?
When it comes to making a claim with us, making sure you keep a copy of the following can help avoid delays:
For more details on the claims process, head to our dedicated claims page.
Anna’s top tip
If a hire car is stolen, I always say the paperwork matters just as much as the timing. Get the police report straight away and keep every email or message from the hire company. In my experience, having everything in one place makes the whole process far less stressful.
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