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How to Report a Vehicle Stolen

What to do if your TripCity vehicle is unreturned or the driver becomes unresponsive.

When to Report a Vehicle as Stolen

Reporting a stolen vehicle is a last resort and should only be done when:

  • The driver is unresponsive after multiple contact attempts.
  • You’ve confirmed the vehicle is not in your possession or returned to the agreed location.

TripCity provides automated tools to help before this point — including late-return notifications and reminders to both the driver and owner.

Automated Late-Return Messaging

  • TripCity automatically sends late-return reminders to drivers once their booking passes the scheduled end time.
  • These automated messages continue until the driver either:
    • Returns the vehicle, or
    • Extends the rental successfully.
  • Despite these reminders, it remains the owner’s responsibility to follow up directly with the driver and take recovery steps if the driver does not respond.
  • Automated messages are a support feature, not a replacement for owner action.

Step 1: Attempt to Recover the Vehicle

Before reporting theft, take all possible recovery actions:

  • Contact the driver through TripCity chat and by phone multiple times. Keep records of every attempt (screenshots, timestamps, or call logs).
  • Use your vehicle’s GPS unit to locate the car.
  • If equipped, disable or shut off the vehicle remotely through your GPS system or fleet management tool.
  • Retrieve the vehicle yourself only if it is safe to do so.

TripCity recommends attempting to locate and recover the vehicle first whenever possible before filing a police report.

Step 2: File a Police Report

If the driver remains unresponsive and the vehicle cannot be recovered:

1. Go to your TripCity dashboard and download the rental agreement.
    • This serves as proof that the driver had authorized possession of the vehicle.
    • Take the agreement and any communication logs to your local police department.
2. File a formal stolen vehicle report and obtain a copy for your records.


Note: Some states or counties require a waiting period before an official stolen vehicle report can be filed. Your local authorities will advise on these timeframes.

Step 3: Keep the Rental Open

  • The rental must remain active and open in TripCity until the vehicle is recovered.
  • Do not close out the booking — doing so marks the trip as complete and may affect claim eligibility.

Step 4: Send a Demand Letter

  • After filing a police report, you must send a formal demand letter to the driver requesting the vehicle’s return.
  • TripCity does not provide demand letters.
  • Keep a record of the letter and proof of delivery (email or certified mail).

Step 5: If the Vehicle Is Not Recovered

  • If the vehicle is still missing after 30 days from the police report filing date, you may be eligible to file a total loss claim.
  • Contact claims@tripcity.com for next steps (after 30 days have lapsed)
  • Include your police report, claim documentation, and proof of ownership.