What Happens When You Find Your Reported Stolen Vehicle?

It's a scenario many of us dread: you report your vehicle as stolen, only to come back later and find it. But what exactly happens in these situations? Is there any legal action you should take? It's crucial to understand your rights and the procedures involved.

Tracking Down Your Stolen Vehicle

First, if you find your vehicle before the police do, you should immediately contact the authorities. The police will likely be eager to hear from you, but at the very least, you need to inform them of the vehicle's location. They will then update their records to reflect that the car has been recovered.

However, there's a catch. If your vehicle was reported stolen and then subsequently dumped and towed before your report was entered into the system, it could be sitting in a storage yard, accruing towing and storage fees. In some states, these fees can be so significant that they can reach a point where the towing company can seize the vehicle due to non-payment of lien. This could potentially lead to the vehicle being sold to a new owner.

In-Depth Scenario and Legal Ramifications

A real-life example illustrates the potential complexities. My mother-in-law, who passed away recently, once experienced a similar situation in a small mountain town in Appalachia. She had reported her vehicle as stolen while shopping at a local Piggly Wiggly grocery store. Within half an hour, the police were alerted and began a search, patrolling the roads with sirens blaring. The entire town was alerted to the police's efforts.

As my mother-in-law was shopping, she noticed her vehicle in the parking lot. She informally confirmed that she hadn't driven her truck to the store, and identified a car instead. The store manager quickly called the police, and the search continued. When the vehicle was found, the police had to work through the legalities of claiming it was her vehicle and updating their systems.

Contacting the Right Authorities

If you find your vehicle, it's important to notify the police department that initially handled your stolen vehicle report. They will guide you through the next steps and ensure the information is updated in their records. Additionally, you should notify all towing agencies within your area to prevent any unauthorized actions on the vehicle.

Next Steps After Discovery

Here's what typically happens after you find a reported stolen vehicle:

Contact the police department and inform them of the vehicle's location. Notify any towing agencies to avoid any potential seizure of the vehicle. Proceed with legal action if necessary, such as petitioning the Secretary of State for a new title if the towing company has taken possession of the vehicle.

Conclusion

Discovering your reported stolen vehicle is a fortunate event, but it's important to act quickly and appropriately. Following the correct procedures ensures that you can reclaim your property without undue complications. Always stay in touch with law enforcement and towing agencies to ensure your vehicle is handled correctly.