Car thefts have increased over the last several years, with the number of stolen vehicles swelling from about 800,000 cars in 2019 to nearly 875,000 in 2020, and ten states have seen a 25%-plus increase in these crimes over the last decade, according to a report from QuoteWizard. Comprehensive coverage on your auto is a must if you would want your car to be replaced if it is stolen, but filing this kind of claim can be an overwhelming, lengthy process. If you're confused about where to begin if you find someone has swiped your vehicle, these tips from can help you get things rolling as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Contact the police

When you call local law enforcement to report your stolen vehicle, have as much identifying information about the vehicle on-hand as possible. This includes information on the type of vehicle, VIN, license plate number, custom add-ons and any identifying dents or scratches. Having up-to-date photos of your vehicle on your phone can help this process, as well.

Step 2: File a claim

In addition to filing a claim with your auto insurer, it is also a good idea to contact your local DMV to ensure the information your insurer and law enforcement have on your vehicle is accurate. You will most likely need to provide your insurer with a copy of the police report you filed about the theft.

Step 3: Report lost items

If your car contained any personal items, make sure you report those to your homeowners or renters insurance company, and be sure to report any missing credit or debit cards to your financial institution. If your vehicle is leased or financed, report the theft to the financial or leasing company.

Step 4: Prepare for what's next

To start, make sure you have the appropriate funds set aside to pay your insurance deductible. Most insurers won't declare your vehicle a lost cause for at least 30 days, so use that time to make a plan for all possible scenarios going forward — whether your car is found, or if it will need to be replaced. In the slideshow above, we look at the ten states which, according to QuoteWizard, have seen the highest increases in auto theft over the last decade.

Related:

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• NICB: 2020's most stolen vehicles
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