Quick Summary
- If your rental car is stolen, your priority is safety, then a prompt report to the police and the rental company.
- Expect to provide detailed information, complete paperwork and possibly pay an excess while insurers and suppliers process the claim.
- Booking with Hola Car Rentals helps you understand cover, limits and support before you travel, so a theft does not completely derail your trip.
Imagine collecting your car rental at Miami Airport, loading the boot, driving to a beach restaurant and then coming back to an empty parking space. It is a horrible moment, but knowing what should happen next makes it easier to stay calm and protect both your holiday and your finances.
Stay safe and confirm the car is really gone
The first step is always your personal safety. Move to a secure, busy area such as the restaurant entrance or hotel lobby so you can think clearly. Check that nobody has simply moved the car to another bay to clear space, that you did not park in a different row or that the vehicle has not been towed due to local parking rules.
Once you are sure it has been stolen, avoid chasing anyone or confronting anyone near the scene. The car is insured and replaceable. You are not. Focus on looking after any passengers, especially children, and getting ready to make a clear report.
Call the police and make a detailed report
In the United States the emergency number is nine one one. In some situations a non emergency local police line may be more appropriate, for example when you discover the theft long after it happened. The operator will tell you what to do next and where to wait. Expect to share the make and model, colour, licence plate, the address where you last parked and the time you noticed the car missing.
Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report or the reference number that confirms you filed one. Rental suppliers usually need that document when they deal with their own insurance and will not treat the vehicle as stolen without it.
Contact the rental company or Hola Car Rentals support
As soon as you have spoken to the authorities, contact the rental supplier using the emergency number on your rental agreement. If you booked through Hola Car Rentals, our confirmation email and voucher will include the supplier details plus our own support channels. You will usually be asked for the police report number, your contract number and a clear description of what happened.
Do not worry about the exact brand of supplier, whether it is a local firm or a big name such as Alamo or Hertz. What matters is that you follow their instructions carefully, keep copies of all documents and avoid admitting fault before anyone has investigated the case.
If the theft happened far from your original pickup location, staff may help arrange a replacement vehicle so you can continue your journey, subject to availability and your willingness to continue with that supplier. In some cases the rental will simply be closed and you may need to make a fresh booking through Hola Car Rentals to keep travelling.
How payment, excess and insurance usually work
When a rental car is stolen, the supplier remains responsible for dealing with their own vehicle insurance. As the renter, you are normally liable up to an excess amount that is clearly stated in the contract. If you chose an All Inclusive plus rate with Hola Car Rentals, that package is designed to reduce or remove this excess on many itineraries, making a stressful event much less expensive.
Suppliers may temporarily charge an amount on your card while the claim is investigated. Once insurance is settled, that amount may be adjusted according to the cover and evidence. Keep every receipt, email and report so you can challenge any charges that do not match the conditions you agreed to.
Personal belongings inside the vehicle are usually not covered by the rental insurance. Instead, your travel insurance may help with stolen luggage, subject to your own policy limits and evidence such as the police report.
For a deeper dive into what happens behind the scenes when a vehicle disappears on hire, you can read this step by step stolen car guide written for Hola Car Rentals customers.
Preventing theft before it happens
You cannot eliminate risk entirely, but you can make your rental car a less attractive target. Park in well lit, busy areas rather than deserted side streets, especially at night. Avoid leaving visible bags on the seats and use the boot whenever possible. Try not to store the car for long periods at remote trailheads or in open air car parks with little surveillance.
Keep the keys safe and separate from valuables. Never leave them on a beach towel, in an unlocked locker or in an open bag at a cafe table. At hotels, use room safes when available and resist the temptation to hang the keys on easy to grab hooks near the door.
FAQ
What is the very first thing I should do if my rental car is stolen? Once you are in a safe place, contact the police to report the theft and then call the rental company using the number on your contract. Having both reports in motion quickly makes the rest of the process much easier.
Will I have to pay for the full value of the stolen car? In most standard rentals you are liable only up to the excess defined in your contract, not the full value of the vehicle. Choosing All Inclusive plus coverage with Hola Car Rentals on eligible routes usually reduces that excess significantly.
Can the rental company charge me for lost days after the theft? Suppliers sometimes keep charging the daily rate until the vehicle is recovered or the insurance process is complete, then adjust the bill when everything is clarified. The exact rule depends on the contract, which is why it is important to read conditions before you travel.
Will a stolen rental car affect my personal car insurance? In many cases a stolen hire vehicle is handled through the rental policy rather than your own car insurance, but some personal policies include secondary cover. Checking your documents before the trip helps you understand who needs to be informed.
For peace of mind before you even land, book through Hola Car Rentals. You can choose All Inclusive plus cover on many US routes, benefit from maximum liability protection on selected itineraries and rely on clear conditions that explain exactly what happens if the unexpected occurs.
