Has your two-wheeler disappeared and you’re panicking? Are you wondering what to do in case of theft of your motorcycle or scooter? It’s a fact, two-wheeler thefts are crimes that do not weaken. They are also among the most feared scourges by motorcyclists! Whether the thief acted on the street or in your garage, you should only think of one thing: act quickly! Especially if you haven’t equipped your two-wheeler with a GPS tracker. Are you ready to do anything to find your faithful road companion? Filing a complaint at the police station, reporting the theft to the insurance company, tips to protect your two-wheeler: discover now all the steps to take in case of theft of your motorcycle or scooter.
Motorcycle thefts: which models are most affected in France? #
Vespa, maxi scooter, roadster, off-road: in 2021, 194,552 two-wheelers and scooters were sold in France! But before discovering what to do in case of theft of your motorcycle, do you know how many vehicles were stolen that same year? Statistics indicate the disappearance of 122,700 motorcycles and scooters… that’s one two-wheeler stolen every four minutes! Moreover, the recorded loss rates clearly show that the figures concerning two-wheelers are considerably higher than those for cars:
- Car: 2.3 thefts per 1000.
- Motorcycle: 53 thefts per 1000.
- Scooter: 63 thefts per 1000.
Want to know if your speedster is among the most coveted by criminals? According to the Mutuelle des Motards, the most stolen two-wheeler models in France in 2021 are as follows:
- The 750 X-ADV from Honda;
- The 125 PCX from Honda;
- The 1250 GS and 1250 GS Adventure references from BMW;
- The 530 and 560 T-MAX models from Yamaha;
- The MT-07 Tracer from Yamaha;
- The 125 Liberty from Piaggio;
- The Tracer 900 GT from Yamaha;
- The 125 Forza from Honda;
- The 1000 and 1100 AFRICA-TWIN from Honda;
- The 125 Duke from KTM.
As you can see, thieves spare no type of vehicle as this ranking includes:
- Trail and off-road motorcycles;
- Maxi scooters;
- Urban scooters;
- Touring bikes;
- Roadsters.
And then? Once the crime is committed, criminals generally have two options: resell your vehicle or quickly dismantle it to supply the spare parts network.
According to the latest figures, criminals hide 44% of two-wheelers in basements or under cover (such as in boxes or containers, for example). Moreover, it should be noted that the burying of two-wheelers is a practice that continues to increase. Indeed, according to 2021 figures, this process reaches 54% of cases, an increase of 9% compared to 2020! These statistics clearly show the interest of placing a GPS tracker to limit the risk of theft and be able to find your vehicle.
What to do in case of motorcycle theft? The 2 steps to take urgently #
Filing a complaint at the police station #
In case of theft of your motorcycle, the first step to take is to file a complaint with the police. However, it should be noted that the formalities may vary slightly depending on how the break-in occurs. Here are the different steps to follow depending on the type of crime you encounter.
The theft of your two-wheeler occurs before your eyes #
Are you seeing your motorcycle or scooter being taken away by a criminal before your eyes? If so, contact 17 immediately by phone. By dialing this number, you will be put in touch with the police to report the crime in progress or just committed. Once your call is received, the police or gendarmerie can then deploy an intervention team on site to arrest the thief.
You notice the theft of your motorcycle after the break-in #
You go to your garage or parking spot to find your motorcycle and realize that your two-wheeler is no longer there? In this case, head immediately to the nearest police station or gendarmerie to alert them of your situation.
Upon your arrival, the police will record your complaint and forward it to the public prosecutor. Indeed, it should be noted that it is the latter who is responsible for the follow-up. Depending on the elements, he may then decide to launch an investigation or dismiss your complaint, for example.
Note: after receiving your complaint for the theft of your motorcycle, the gendarmes or police will give you:
- A receipt of the complaint;
- A copy of the complaint (upon request).
These two documents should be kept carefully.
Motorcycle theft and filing a complaint: 5 things to know #
Filing a complaint and liability in case of an accident #
If there is one essential step to take when wondering what to do in case of theft of your motorcycle… It is to file a complaint. Indeed, filing a complaint protects you in case your stolen two-wheeler causes an accident. Thus, if your scooter is involved in a pile-up, you will not be held responsible.
Filing a complaint and registers #
Filing a complaint automatically registers your two-wheeler in two registers:
- The File of Reported Objects and Vehicles (FOVeS): this register helps the police when they conduct searches or checks on public roads. Consequently, it facilitates the detection and return of stolen motorcycles.
- The Vehicle Registration System (SIV): this register blocks new registration requests related to stolen two-wheelers. Police and gendarmes can consult it freely for checks.
To recover your motorcycle, the gendarmes and police can also query the Register of impoundments and immobilizations. This file includes all records of two-wheelers impounded or vehicles immobilized following an offense. It also lists all vehicles (motorcycles, scooters, cars) recovered in a wrecked state. Therefore, this register is very useful for the police, as it allows them to ensure that your two-wheeler is not in the impound.
What to do in case of theft of my motorcycle and my personal documents? #
ID card, passport, registration certificate, insurance, driver’s license: by stealing your motorcycle, the thief also took your personal documents? If so, be sure to mention it when reporting to the police or gendarmes. This will allow you, for example, to redo your identity papers without having to return to the police station.
Theft of two-wheelers at home #
What to do in case of theft of your motorcycle when it occurs in your garage or inside your home (outbuilding, for example)? To avoid hindering potential scientific evidence or clues, take care not to touch anything before the police arrive. However, consider taking photos (still without touching anything) to send to your insurance.
Motorcycle theft and GPS tracker #
Have you equipped your motorcycle or scooter with a GPS tracker? Congratulations on this good reflex! Indeed, the presence of this device on your two-wheeler significantly improves your chances of recovering your vehicle after the crime. To this end, be sure to inform the police of the presence of your equipment. And to facilitate their searches and interventions, be sure to:
- Communicate the GPS positions of your motorcycle.
- Provide the identifiers of your application (for example, the Invoxia GPS application) so they can track the vehicle’s movements if needed and/or ensure the vehicle’s position at a given time.
Reporting the theft to your insurer #
Are you wondering what to do in case of theft of your motorcycle after filing a complaint at the police station or gendarmerie? The second step to take quickly after this type of crime is to contact your insurance company. To do this, you generally have a minimum legal period of two working days.
However, we invite you to be careful! Indeed, the deadline granted by insurers may vary from one motorcycle contract to another and from one company to another. We therefore strongly advise you to check the one listed in your personal contract or contact your insurance in case of doubt. Why? Because if you exceed the imposed deadline, your insurer will be entitled to refuse any compensation!
To process and validate the theft report of your two-wheeler, insurers require a number of elements and documents, such as:
- Your name, first name, and address to justify your identity.
- Your motorcycle insurance contract number.
- The circumstances of the theft of your two-wheeler, such as the place, date, or even the time.
- The exact nature of the damage suffered (theft, attempted theft, and any damage).
- A copy of your complaint made to the police.
In some cases, you will also need to report the theft of your motorcycle to your home insurance. This step is often necessary when the crime occurs within your home (when your motorcycle is parked in your garage, for example). It will allow you to be compensated in case of broken glass, forced door, or broken lock. Of course, this will depend on the guarantees you have subscribed to when joining your contract.
How to report the theft of your motorcycle to your insurer? #
You don’t know how to report the theft or attempted theft of your two-wheeler to your insurer? You have several ways to contact your insurance company and carry out your procedures:
- By phone;
- Via your insurer’s website (nowadays, most companies offer you the possibility to make a theft report online);
- By sending a registered letter;
- By going directly to the agency.
Why should you report the theft of your two-wheeler to your insurance? #
Reporting the theft of your motorcycle to your insurance company is a very important step for the future. Indeed, your report will serve to:
- Obtain compensation for the damage suffered.
- Clear your responsibility regarding the vehicle in case it is involved in an accident, crime, or offense.
Moreover, reporting the theft of your motorcycle or scooter makes it possible to cover:
- potential damages caused;
- your legal defense in court, when your responsibility is questioned.
Motorcycle theft and insurance compensation: what are the conditions to meet? #
To receive compensation from your insurer in case of theft or attempted theft, your insurance contract must include a specific guarantee against theft. Indeed, it should be noted that this guarantee is not automatically included in all motorcycle or two-wheeler insurance contracts. Did you decide not to take this option when you signed your motorcycle contract? In this case, unfortunately, you will not receive compensation from your insurer.
Is the theft guarantee present in your motorcycle insurance? If so, you may be eligible for compensation. However, to be sure, we advise you to contact your insurance company and/or consult the clauses of your contract. Indeed, the damages covered by insurance and the conditions to be met may vary from one company to another.
Attention! Although you have subscribed to a theft guarantee, it is still possible that your insurer refuses to compensate you. This usually happens when the insurance finds that the theft of your motorcycle is the result of negligence on your part. If this is proven, your insurer will have every right to refuse to pay you compensation following the crime.
Were you wondering what to do in case of theft of your motorcycle? Now you know all the steps to follow if your vehicle disappears. However, to avoid such unpleasant situations, you will find at the end of this article practical tips to protect your motorcycle daily.
My motorcycle is not found: what will happen? #
Days go by and the police still haven’t found your two-wheeler? Unfortunately, it is difficult for the police to track a stolen motorcycle without a geolocation device. Moreover, it should be noted that the more weeks pass after the crime, the more your chances of recovering it diminish. Insurers have therefore provided a legal period of 30 days after which you can make a compensation claim.
This period may vary slightly from one company to another, so we invite you to check the one provided by your insurance. You will find it by reading the clauses of your motorcycle contract or by contacting your insurer.
To receive compensation following the theft of your motorcycle, your insurance will ask you to complete a compensation file. Several supporting documents will be required, such as:
- The keys or badges of your stolen motorcycle;
- The registration certificate;
- The invoice proving the purchase of the two-wheeler;
- A copy of the complaint;
- The up-to-date technical inspection of your motorcycle.
We invite you to check, in your contract or with your insurance advisor, the exact number of documents to provide. This way, you will avoid any errors and delays.
My insurance company refuses to compensate me #
What to do in case of motorcycle theft if your insurer categorically refuses to compensate you? If this happens to you, know that all is not lost and that you have one last resort. Indeed, the Commission for the Compensation of Victims of Offenses (CIVI) can grant you compensation following the crime you have suffered if you request it. However, for your request to be accepted, you must meet the following two conditions:
- The compensation being granted under resource conditions, your personal income must not exceed certain ceilings.
- If the theft of your motorcycle did not trigger serious psychological and/or material repercussions in your life, you will not receive financial assistance.
Whatever the outcome of your request, take care to store your motorcycle papers (such as the registration certificate) in a safe place. This way, if the police recover your two-wheeler in the following weeks, your documents will still be valid.
My stolen two-wheeler is found after the legal deadline #
The 30-day period imposed by insurance companies is sometimes insufficient to find your motorcycle. Therefore, after the crime, you generally carry out all the necessary steps with your insurer. You can thus quickly obtain your compensation and buy a new two-wheeler for your daily trips.
However, it happens that the gendarmes or police find your two-wheeler two, four, or six months later. If this situation happens to you, your insurer will then offer you two solutions:
- Take back your stolen two-wheeler. If you choose this option, you will be obliged to reimburse the amount paid by your insurance company. However, if your scooter or motorcycle is damaged, it will be possible to deduct the estimated amount of the damage.
- Give your stolen motorcycle to your insurer. Have you already spent your compensation amount to acquire a new two-wheeler? Do you not wish to recover your previous vehicle? In this case, you have the option to give your stolen scooter to your insurance company. If you choose this solution, your insurer will be free to resell your two-wheeler or send it to the scrapyard.
Two-wheeler thefts: how to protect your motorcycle or scooter? #
Now you know what to do in case of theft of your motorcycle. However, you will agree: the ideal is especially to know how you can avoid this scourge. It’s true that you certainly don’t want a thief to steal your precious two-wheeler during the night or while you’re working! Here are our practical tips and tricks that will allow you to protect your motorcycle and scooter against theft.
6 vigilance tips to avoid motorcycle theft #
Before talking about the technical means you can implement to protect your motorcycle, it seems important to remind you of some vigilance tips. Free and very simple to apply, they will help you reduce the risk of theft without too much effort.
Keep your ignition key with you #
Who hasn’t already left their keys in the ignition of their motorcycle for a minute to fetch a forgotten item in their house? However, leaving your keys on your two-wheeler is a more than tempting invitation for criminals. Yes, what could be better than an easy and trouble-free theft?
However, if this happens to you, know that your oversight can be cataloged as an act of negligence. Consequently, you will not be compensated by your insurance!
So take care to always keep your ignition key with you. Likewise, avoid leaving the vehicle’s papers in the trunk of your two-wheeler.
Lock your motorcycle’s steering #
In case of a short or prolonged absence, always remember to engage the steering lock system of your motorcycle. Present on most two-wheelers, this device can still be bypassed. However, it remains an excellent obstacle to demotivate or slow down the less experienced thieves. To disrupt novice motorcycle criminals, you can also engage the first gear or activate the vehicle’s kill switch.
Park your two-wheeler in a secure place #
The ideal to protect against theft is to park your motorcycle or scooter in a closed garage. That said, it is not always possible to have one, especially when you live in an urban area. If this is your case, preferably park your vehicle in secure areas, such as:
- Boxes with a reinforced door:
- Private parking lots monitored by a guard;
- Busy and well-lit streets;
- Areas equipped with surveillance cameras.
During the day, try, if possible, to park your vehicle near you, so you can keep an eye on your motorcycle if needed.
Attach your two-wheeler to a fixed point #
This basic rule is essential to limit the risk of theft: attach your motorcycle to a fixed and sturdy point whenever possible. Preferably secure your two-wheeler by the frame. Indeed, it is interesting to note that thieves can easily dismantle the wheels. If your vehicle makes this operation impossible, opt for:
- An attachment by the front wheel if you own a motorcycle.
- An attachment by the rear wheel if you own a scooter (it should be noted that it only takes a few gestures to dismantle a scooter’s front wheel).
Be cautious at intersections #
Stops and red lights are prime locations for criminals adept at “bike jacking.” As motorcyclists, you must therefore be very attentive to protect yourself from this type of theft:
- Avoid stopping between two cars to avoid being “sandwiched” by a door.
- Try to maintain a safety distance of at least three meters from the vehicle in front of you (in case of a problem, you can thus react and bypass it).
- You can also stay with the first gear engaged to quickly escape.
- Attach your ignition key to the handlebar with a carabiner to prevent its theft and/or keep a spare on you.
Do not let a stranger handle your motorcycle’s handlebars #
Are you considering selling your motorcycle or scooter to an individual? If so, there is a good chance that your buyers will want to try your vehicle, and this is quite legitimate. If you cannot accompany the buyer by riding on the back of the vehicle, be cautious by following these few rules during the test:
- Keep your registration certificate and insurance certificate with you;
- Refuse to let your buyer ride with a companion;
- Request an ID that you will keep during the ride;
keep the key or badge of your motorcycle if it is equipped with a “keyless” system.
5 technical means to protect your motorcycle against theft #
In addition to our vigilance tips, you can also use technical means to protect your two-wheeler against theft. Here are our 5 favorite tools to prevent the disappearance of your scooter or motorcycle.
Use a quality anti-theft device #
One of the first means to use to prevent the theft of your two-wheeler is the anti-theft device… But not just any! Say goodbye to weak cables and opt instead for a much more solid U-lock. For maximum protection of your motorcycle, we advise you to invest in an SRA-approved or NF FFMC-certified device.
Do you find U-locks too bulky? Nowadays, more and more brands are developing solutions adapted to transport these accessories. Enough to make life easier for motorcyclists without compromising the security of their vehicle!
Install an alarm #
To steal your two-wheeler in peace, thieves need a calm environment and a lot of discretion. By installing an anti-theft alarm on your motorcycle, you will take away these magical ingredients! Indeed, the thunderous noise of the alarm will attract the attention of passersby to the criminal and make him visible to everyone. Enough to stir up a wave of panic on the criminal and make him abandon his crime.
Engrave the parts of your two-wheeler #
Engraving (also called “tattooing”) involves marking the parts of your motorcycle with a personal serial number. This number is then recorded in a database intended for the police, gendarmes, and insurers. The interest of this technique is that it complicates the work of bandits, as it makes it difficult to resell spare parts. Its little plus for motorcyclists? Thanks to the marking, the police can more easily find the owners of stolen vehicles!
Cover your motorcycle #
A shiny roadster or a trendy scooter can quickly attract the attention of malicious people on the street. To make your two-wheeler more discreet, consider using a neutral cover. This accessory will limit covetousness and may demotivate less experienced thieves. In addition, it will have the advantage of protecting your motorcycle from rain and cold. That said, do not hesitate to cover your two-wheeler even if you park your vehicle in a covered parking lot. Of course, we advise against flashy covers that will arouse curiosity and have the opposite effect of what is sought.
Hide a GPS tracker in your motorcycle or scooter #
Some will say that a GPS tracker is useless because it does not prevent thefts. It’s a fact: a tracker will not deter a criminal who wants to steal your two-wheeler (especially since this device is generally well hidden). However, this accessory still has the power to significantly increase your chances of recovering your motorcycle!
Why? Because it is the only device that allows you to track the geolocation of your vehicle! Thanks to the GPS data they provide, the police can act more quickly and target the right place. Moreover, some tracker models, like the Invoxia GPS tracker, alert you in real-time as soon as a theft attempt or suspicious movement is detected. Ideal for acting without delay!
What steps to take in case of motorcycle theft with an Invoxia GPS tracker? #
Are you afraid that a criminal will steal your two-wheeler and have you equipped it with an Invoxia tracker? Are you wondering what to do in case of theft of your motorcycle in this situation? Despite this somewhat unpleasant event, this security gesture will be of great help in your procedures. Why? Because through the Invoxia GPS application, installed on your iOS or Android smartphone, you will be able to:
- Be alerted in real-time as soon as suspicious movement is detected.
- Track the movements of your motorcycle or scooter, anywhere in France and without distance limits.
- Download the Theft File to facilitate searches and recovery.
Using your Invoxia GPS tracker after a motorcycle theft #
The Invoxia application signals suspicious activity? If you are near your two-wheeler, you will be able to quickly move to the place where you parked your vehicle and see if a theft has indeed occurred. Has your motorcycle or scooter indeed disappeared? Go as soon as possible to the police to report the theft of your two-wheeler and inform them of the presence of your GPS tracker.
Thanks to the Invoxia GPS application, you will be able to visualize the movements of your motorcycle at intervals of 3, 5, or 10 minutes. Therefore, do not hesitate to communicate your account identifiers to the police and gendarmes. This will allow them to track the movements and position of your vehicle at a given time, and thus find it more quickly.
Moreover, our entire team is at your side to help you recover your scooter or roadster as soon as possible. Therefore, you can count on our technical support to:
- Undertake an in-depth analysis of your GPS tracker’s activity.
- Answer all the questions of the gendarmes or police to help them in their investigations
Car, scooter, bicycle: Invoxia trackers have already found several thousand stolen vehicles. Moreover, the testimonials of our users always warm our hearts!
Attempted theft: what to do with my Invoxia tracker? #
In case of an attempted theft of your motorcycle before your eyes, you will most likely be tempted to intervene alone. However, we advise you to avoid any altercation with the criminal to avoid putting yourself in danger. Instead, visually identify the thief (height, clothing color, etc.) and immediately contact 17. The police will tell you what to do and will intervene quickly. If the thief has fled with your two-wheeler, inform the gendarmes or police of the presence of your tracker.
Were you wondering what to do in case of theft of your motorcycle? Now you know all the steps to take as soon as you notice the disappearance of your two-wheeler. Also, consider applying several of our tips at once to avoid being a victim of theft as much as possible. Have you invested in an Invoxia tracker and are looking for ideas to hide it in your vehicle? Check out our two articles without delay to discover how to hide your tracker like a pro:
- Where to place a GPS tracker in a car.
- Where to place a GPS tracker in a motorcycle.
Also, be surprised by the unusual uses of Invoxia GPS trackers! You’ll see: our users are really ingenious!
Do you own an Invoxia Tracker and have an unusual story to share with us? Feel free to write to us and tell us your adventures at: marketingteam@invoxia.com or on our social networks.