Your car was stolen. That sinking feeling hits hard. You feel violated and angry. Then, reality sets in. How are you going to get to work? Who’s going to pick up the kids? What do you need to do to get back on the road?
The good news is you’re not alone. There’s a network of support for auto theft victims. Here’s a state-by-state rundown.
Arizona
Victim Services Compensation Program
Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
https://www.azcjc.gov/Programs/Victim-Services/Compensation-Program
This program provides monetary assistance to victims of crime who suffered a direct financial loss because of that crime. The thief does not need to be caught for the victim to qualify for assistance. However, all other sources of financial support must be exhausted before victims can be considered for this program.
California
California Victim Compensation Board
https://victims.ca.gov
The Board can help pay bills and expenses that result from violent crimes. Therefore, you must have a physical injury or be a victim of a hit-and-run to qualify.
Crime Survivors Resource Center
This nonprofit offers helpful resources for victims of crime by county.
Colorado
Victims Assistance Grant Application
Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority
https://lockdownyourcar.org/resources/victims-assistance/
You can receive support such as reimbursement for storage and tow fees, vehicle cleaning, limited repairs, and alternative transportation methods. The authority may also cover catalytic converter theft. You will need to provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance declarations page, and a copy of the police report. A victim’s advocate also is available to help crime victims and their families.
Idaho
Crime Victims Compensation Program
https://crimevictimcomp.idaho.gov/
This compensation program is related to victims who have suffered personal injury because of the crime. Reimbursable expenses include medical bills, wage loss, death benefits, funeral expenses, and counseling.
Kansas
Property Crimes Compensation Fund
https://www.douglascountyks.org/district-attorney/property-crimes-compensation-fund
This fund covers financial losses from a property crime not covered by insurance for incidents in Douglas County, KS. The thief does not need to be caught for the victim to qualify for assistance.
Oregon
Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victim and Survivor Services
This program was created to help victims of violent crime with expenses associated with the crime. While the program cannot replace stolen items, it can help with mental health counseling and medical expenses.
Wyoming
Wyoming Division of Victim Services
https://dvs.wyo.gov/compensation
This program helps victims of violent crime deal with the mental, physical, and financial aftermath.
National
National Center for Victims of Crime
This nonprofit organization works with local, state, and federal partners to help victims rebuild their lives. It offers attorney referrals, confidential helplines, and information.
National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
NOVA can put victims of crime in touch with local and state resources that can help.
Victim Connect
Crime victims can learn their rights and options through this referral hotline service. Hotline services are offered in over 200 languages, and victim assistance specialists provide emotional support, information, and referrals.
Does insurance protect you if your vehicle is stolen?
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you will be covered in case your car is stolen. Insurance will cover the cost of a replacement car, minus any deductibles or rental car costs that you may need to pay. Drivers who are paying loans on their vehicles are required to have comprehensive insurance. However, once you have paid off your car, this insurance is optional. Check with your insurer to see what is covered in the event of theft.
You can often save on your insurance premiums if you install anti-theft devices. Ask your provider for more information.
It typically takes 30 days before a vehicle is considered gone forever. Work with your insurance provider to get your claim paid, so you can get back on the road.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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