If you came out to your driveway or parking lot and found that your car was missing, there are a few things that you need to do. With a stolen vehicle, there are essential steps you need to take after your vehicle is stolen.

#1: Track Your Car

First, you need to see if you can track your car. If your vehicle has a vehicle tracking system (VTS), you can turn on the tracking system to see where your car is. Or you can turn on a GPS tracking device if you have it installed in your car to find it. Or, if you left your phone in your car, you can activate the find your phone feature to find the location of your phone and your vehicle.

This will allow you to see where your car is located. A tracking device may also help you ensure that someone you know didn't borrow your vehicle. For example, if your vehicle is at your spouse's workplace, you may realize that they borrowed your vehicle.

#2: Check on Towing

Second, you are going to want to check where you parked. If you parked anywhere where your vehicle could have possibly ended up towed, you are going to want to call any towing companies that are listed on any signs nearby.

Your vehicle could also have been stolen, abandoned, and towed. If you call around to different towing companies, you may find your car.

#3: Call the Police

Once you are sure someone you know didn't take your car and that your vehicle wasn't towed for a legitimate reason, it is time to call the police. You are going to want to call the police as soon as possible. If your tracking showed your vehicle in an unusual or unexpected place, share this information with the police.

The sooner you call the police, the sooner they will be able to register it as a stolen vehicle in their system. You are going to need to file a police report to file an insurance claim.

#4: Contact the National Insurance Crime Bureau

After you put in a call to the police, you will want to call the National Insurance Crime Bureau. You will want to provide them with information such as VIN, license plate, model, make, and color of your vehicle. This is a national database that insurance companies and law enforcement use. If someone runs a VIN check on it, they will see it is stolen by reporting your vehicle.

#5: Call Your Insurance Company

Finally, you are going to want to call your insurance company. If you have comprehensive damage, you can make a claim and get paid for your vehicle if it doesn't show up.

When you call your auto insurance company, you are going to need your VIN and title of ownership. They will want to know where you last left your car and where you last left your keys. They are going to want to know if you let anyone else use your vehicle. They are also going to want to make sure they have an accurate description of your vehicle and anything special inside the vehicle.

Depending on the type of insurance you have, your insurance company may provide you with a rental vehicle until they settle your claim. It is common for the insurance company to give a little time to see if your vehicle shows up before settling the claim.

If your car is stolen, try and track it, make sure it wasn't towed, and then call the police. Contact the National Insurance Crime Bureau and report your vehicle missing, and report it to your insurance company as well.