The Insurance Information Institute, which ranks motorcycle and vehicle theft in the same class, reports that only 12.7 percent of vehicle thefts were cleared in 2009 -- meaning the violator was found and prosecuted. Without motorcycle insurance, you won't have to call an insurance company to submit a claim but you also won't receive a payout for your motorcycle's market value. Instead, it becomes your financial loss. Expect to provide proof of ownership and your motorcycle's information so your police department can identify the motorcycle if it's found.
Call your local police department immediately. Or call "911" to be transferred to your local sheriff or state trooper, whichever handles your area.
Gather your motorcycle information while you're waiting for an officer to arrive. Find your title, it lists the identification number. Gather any pictures you have of the motorcycle to provide the officer. If you don't have pictures, write down a detailed description of your motorcycle, including color, aftermarket add-ons or identifying marks, such as scratches or dents.
Write down any details you can remember from around the time your motorcycle was stolen. Try to remember if you saw an unfamiliar face or anything out of the ordinary over the days prior to the theft.
Give the officer all of your motorcycle information. Answer any questions and provide your personal information. Give the officer the phone numbers to where you can be reached.
Follow up with the department that's handling your theft. Your case will be transferred to a detective. Make sure you have the detective's name and number and follow up often.
Warnings
If you see your motorcycle, call the police immediately. Don't attempt to handle the matter yourself.
References
- Insurance Information Institute; Auto Theft; June 2011
- Esurance. "Motorcycle Theft: Facts, Stats, and Prevention." Accessed April 5, 2020.
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "FBI Releases New Auto Theft Numbers — Nearly 750,000 Motor Vehicles Stolen in 2018." Accessed April 5, 2020.
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. "2018 US Motorcycle Theft and Recovery," Page 1. Accessed April 5, 2020.
- Progressive. "Motorcycle Insurance 101." Accessed April 5, 2020.
- Farmers Insurance. "Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover Theft?" Accessed April 5, 2020.
- The Lancette Agency. "The Claims Process After a Motorcycle Theft." Accessed April 5, 2020.
- Progressive. "Motorcycle Claims." Accessed April 5, 2020.
- California Department of Insurance. "Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations." Accessed April 5, 2020.
- Progressive. "Total Loss." Accessed April 5, 2020.
- Nationwide. "What Does Motorcycle Insurance Cover?" Accessed April 5, 2020.
- Allstate. "What Do Collision And Comprehensive Motorcycle Insurance Cover?" Accessed April 5, 2020.
- Pemco Insurance. "Understanding Total Loss Claims." Accessed April 5, 2020.
Warnings
- If you see your motorcycle, call the police immediately. Don't attempt to handle the matter yourself.
Writer Bio
Shanan Miller covers automotive and insurance topics for various websites, blogs and dealerships. She has extensive automotive experience, including auction, insurance, finance, service and management positions. Miller has worked for dealer sales events around the United States and now stays local as a sales and leasing consultant for a dealership.