Are You a Victim of a Carjacking or Stolen Vehicle?

Carjackings in Chicago significantly increased after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. There were more than 1,400 carjackings in 2020 alone. A study found that between 2017-2021, the Chicago Police Department recovered less than one in five carjacked cars. Beginning in 2023, lawmakers approved a bill that states that “a person shall now be liable for violations, fees, fines, or penalties during the period in which the motor vehicle was reported to the appropriate law enforcement as stolen or hijacked.” The only way to be reimbursed for any fees paid after the vehicle was reported stolen or hijacked is if the owner submits proof that a report of the stolen vehicle was filed with a law enforcement agency in a timely manner. Take note that any fees paid for the stolen vehicle can only be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,000.