My car was stolen, I know where it is… what’s the best way to handle this?

Questions
1

I think I left my only set of keys in the car, and someone stole it. I have an AirTag in the car, and I tracked it to a spot about five blocks away. Now, I’m not sure if I should stake it out myself or call the police.

If the police tow it to an impound yard, I probably won’t be able to afford the fees or a new key. But if I wait and try to ask the person getting into my car to give me my keys back, I might avoid those costs.

I have comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage with Geico. What would they cover in this situation?

2

Call the police. Don’t confront the person or try to get your car back yourself. Do you think the person who stole your car is just going to say, “Oops, my bad. Here’s your key back”? You could end up in a worse situation.

3

Comprehensive will cover the theft, but you’ll need to report it to the police. Seriously, don’t try to handle this on your own. If the thief feels cornered, they could get violent.

4

Is this a real post? The best action is obvious: Call the cops.

5

Glenn said:
Is this a real post? The best action is obvious: Call the cops.

It’s valid. Sometimes cops just say, ‘We’ll file a report and let you know in five years.’

6

Glenn said:
Is this a real post? The best action is obvious: Call the cops.

A lot of people think the cops won’t help. They’ve been let down before. If I wanted to be disappointed, I’d schedule a lunch with my dad.

7

@Harlan
This happened to my family too. The cops didn’t look for the stolen car, so we had to. We found it, confronted the thief, and got the car back.

8

@Harlan
Even if the police don’t recover the car, you’ll need a police report for your insurance claim.

9

Do you really think asking the person who stole your car to kindly return the keys will go well?

10

Vesper said:
Do you really think asking the person who stole your car to kindly return the keys will go well?

Criminals are the nicest people. ‘Oops, my bad, I’ll just steal another car for my meth habit!’ /s

11

Vesper said:
Do you really think asking the person who stole your car to kindly return the keys will go well?

You can’t afford impound fees but you’re willing to risk a hospital bill after getting shot? lol

12

Seriously, is that a real plan? How are you still alive with ideas like this? Call the police already.

13

Step one: Post it on Reddit. Step two: Call the police.

14

You should call the police and tell them where your car is.

15

> I should call the police.

Fixed that for you.

16

Anyone stupid enough to steal a car and keep it just down the street is stupid enough to get violent. Call the cops and let them handle it so you don’t get hurt.

17

Kai said:
Anyone stupid enough to steal a car and keep it just down the street is stupid enough to get violent. Call the cops and let them handle it so you don’t get hurt.

The only way I can see this making sense is if OP knows the person who took the car. Otherwise, yeah, this is wild.

18

Get off Reddit and call the police already!

19

Lyle said:
Get off Reddit and call the police already!

Then come back and ask what to do when that doesn’t work.

20

> If I wait and ask the person entering my car to kindly give me the keys, I won’t encounter any cost.

That might not go as smoothly as you think. If you have proof of ownership, you can ask the dealership to make a new key for you. You might also be able to claim the cost of a tow, a replacement key, and any damage under your insurance policy.