How Data Transforms Auto Theft Insurance Investigations

After years of increasing vehicle thefts, the U.S. saw a 17% decline from 2023 to 2024, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. This drop brought thefts back to pre-pandemic levels, falling below 1 million for the first time since 2021.While a positive shift for the auto insurance industry, rising premiums and repair costs make it more important than ever to ensure accuracy in all auto claims, including theft. 

Onboard vehicle data has emerged as a gamechanger for these investigations. Understanding what information vehicles can offer, as well as which investigative strategies are effective, can make it easier for carriers to reach accurate auto claim resolutions in instances of reported theft.  

Vehicle data and investigative intelligence are powerful tools for validating auto theft claims and determining when such crimes have occurred.  

Location Data 

Some vehicles keep track of location data, which can help provide answers as to where a car has been or verify reported statements. 

Certified technicians can often access the vehicle’s saved locations, active routes, and previous destinations through an infotainment download. This process extracts raw data from the infotainment system module, which is admissible evidence in court. The data can reveal where a vehicle was driven or parked, allowing investigators to either confirm a witness’s account of events or identify discrepancies. 

In one investigation, Component Testing Laboratories (CTL), part of Alpine Intel’s suite of services, used tracklogs from an infotainment download to trace a vehicle’s journey. The data showed that the car was driven from the reported theft location through a warehouse district before being abandoned in a park—details that matched the owner’s account. This example underscores that investigations don’t always uncover fraud but instead focus on verifying the facts. 

Connected Device Data 

Infotainment systems also frequently store a record of connected devices, including call logs, text messages, and contact lists. By turning to experts to download and analyze this data, carriers may learn about devices that were connected to a vehicle around the time of an alleged theft, as well as whether those devices had previously been linked to the vehicle. This information can help uncover connections between individuals and the vehicle in question. 

In another of CTL’s investigations, a vehicle that was reported stolen was recovered with no visible signs of a break-in. The carrier had questions, so CTL used call logs and device data from an infotainment download to establish a link between the alleged thief and the policyholder. This ultimately revealed the thief’s identity and showed that the policyholder had tried to conceal contact with them from their insurance company. You can read all the details in this case study. 

Vehicles reported stolen and later recovered without obvious signs of a break-in—such as shattered glass or damaged door lock cylinders—may warrant further investigation through an infotainment download.  

Adjusters may also be able to get information about gear shifts, odometer readings, ignition cycles, and speeding readings via infotainment downloads. This data can help them understand the driver’s behavior during a theft, including excessive speeding or other reckless actions. 

Pairing Data With Investigative Strategies in Auto Theft Claims 

Staying vigilant for red flags in auto theft claims can guide carriers on when to combine vehicle data collection with investigative strategies. While these red flags don’t confirm auto claim fraud, they may signal the need for a deeper investigation: 

• Previous theft claims by the same policyholder 
• Delays or avoidance in communication with the adjuster 
• The vehicle was recently added to the policy or the policy itself is new 
• The policyholder struggles to provide specific details about the vehicle 
• Late reporting of the theft to the insurer or police 
• Recent mechanical problems with the vehicle 
• Significant life changes, such as a divorce 
• The vehicle is leased and nearing the end of its lease term 

When these indicators arise, insurers should conduct thorough interviews with the vehicle owner and retrieve relevant data through an infotainment download if the vehicle is recovered. But other forms of evidence can be invaluable, too. Video footage from sources like CCTV, cell phones, private security cameras, government entities, or onboard cameras or dashcams can bring new facts to light. 

It’s essential, however, to ensure that video evidence is obtained legally and ethically. Partnering with experienced investigative professionals can help carriers maintain the integrity of the evidence and ensure it’s admissible in potential litigation. These experts can also conduct field investigations, social media checks, canvassing, and surveillance to verify the facts of the claim. 

Video sources, like CCTV, can provide crucial evidence for deciding and litigating auto theft claims.

See The Full Picture in Any Auto Claim 

Infotainment data and investigative intelligence are critical for vehicle claims beyond theft. For pedestrian strikes and collisions, this information provides objective evidence that clarifies liability and the sequence of events. 

In these scenarios, other forms of vehicle forensics may also answer central questions. The same certified technicians from CTL who conduct infotainment downloads can use a process called Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) to pull data from a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (sometimes colloquially referred to as a vehicle’s “black box”). This provides a snapshot of the moments immediately before a crash, including recorded speed before impact, steering, brake input, seat belt status, and more. CTL can also memorialize a claimed vehicle’s condition using 3D scanning. This technology allows carriers to maintain a precise record of damage, which can be revisited and used in litigation. 

Alpine Intel also offers investigative solutions for auto claims through VRC Investigations. Their skilled team of investigators delivers comprehensive reports that confirm claim details, disclose potential misrepresentation, and enable clients to make confident and timely decisions.  

To work with either or both of these service lines to achieve an accurate auto claim resolution, submit an assignment. 

Alpine Intel’s content is meant to inform and educate readers using general terms and descriptions. They do not replace expert evaluations that determine facts and details related to each unique claim.