Article: Before you report your car as stolen, you want to make sure it's actually been stolen. If you parked in a garage or parking lot, look for a sign that provides a number to call if your car has been towed. You might also call the local police impound lot to find out if your car is there. If you don't see any signs, ask a lot attendant, building manager, or a shop employee or resident nearby if they saw your car being towed. If your car is being financed, check your payment history and contact your finance company to make sure your car hasn't been repossessed. If you let someone borrow your car and they fail to return it as agreed, you typically can't immediately report it stolen. You must first send the person written notification that they no longer have permission to drive your car. You may not have to do this, provided you both sign a document before you lend your car that states exactly when and where the person must return it. Include a specific description of your car in the letter, listing its make, model, year, color, license plate, and VIN number. Write "Park the vehicle legally and notify me of its location so I can recover it." Don't tell them to return it to you, because that implies continued permission to drive the car. Add that if you don't recover your car by a specific date (such as 24 hours from receipt of the letter), you will report the car stolen. Some police departments have forms you can use to make sure you've used the right language and included all the necessary information. Mail your letter using certified or registered mail with return receipt requested, so you'll know when the person has received the letter. Only after that can you report the car stolen. In some areas, you may have to wait up to 10 days after you get the mail receipt to report your car stolen before law enforcement will take a report or investigate. You also must be willing to press charges against the person for auto theft. When you report your car stolen, you will need your car's vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and proof that you are the registered owner of the car, such as the car title or a registration document. You will also have to provide your driver's license information. If you don't know your vehicle's VIN, your insurance company can provide it to you. It may also be listed on your insurance statement or in your account information online. Only the registered owner of a car can report it stolen. If you routinely drive a car owned by someone else, contact them to file the report. If you had any personal items of value in your car when it was stolen, make a list of them. Even if your car isn't recovered, some of these items may be found at pawn shops or thrift stores. Include any personal items in your glove box, as well as anything in your trunk. If you had a roadside emergency kit, list that as well. It had tools in it which could be valuable to a thief. In most cases, use a non-emergency police number to report a car stolen. If the theft is in progress, or if you are stranded and feel you are in immediate danger, use the emergency number instead. Tell the officer that your car has been stolen, and provide the location where the car was last seen. Let the officer know of any efforts you've made to ensure the car was not towed or repossessed. Give the officer as much information as you have about your car. Tell them if there are any distinguishing characteristics about your car, such as bumper stickers, tinted windows, or after-market rims. If you have a GPS tracking system or other anti-theft device in your car, let the officer know. Your written report may not be immediately available, particularly if you filed your report over the phone. The officer who took your report will let you know when and where to get a written copy. They will also give you a case number. Take your case number and photo ID with you when you go to pick up your police report. You may have to go to a local precinct, or to a central records office. If you learn anything about your car while the police are investigating, call the detective assigned to your case and let them know as soon as possible. They will update your police report and case file with the information. For example, if a friend tells you they spotted your car on the side of the road, find out the exact location where the car was spotted and call the police. Don't attempt to go to the location and recover your car on your own it may be a trap. If your car is recovered, the detective typically will contact you and let you know where you can pick up your car. However, don't expect routine status updates. Don't go overboard and call the detective every day. Remember that it's likely they're working on a lot of cases. Do call them once or twice a week to check in. Be polite and have patience. Don't vent your frustrations on the detective, it won't do you any good.

What is a summary?
Find out if your car has been towed. Withdraw your permission if you let someone borrow your car. Gather information about your car. Inventory personal items in the car. Call local police. Get a copy of the written police report. Follow up with additional information. Contact the detective to check the status of the investigation.