Can I sue for a stolen car?
Asked by: Russell Boehm | Last update: September 19, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (59 votes)
How much can you sue for a stolen car?
If your insurance does not fully compensate you for this issue, then you can sue the person who stole the car from you. You can sue for up to $12k in small claims court in your state. If you need to sue for more, you would sue in state court, which is a similar procedure, just a different court.
What happens when you file a claim for a stolen car?
Your car insurance will cover a stolen car if you carry comprehensive insurance; you will have to pay the deductible. If your car is not recovered within 30 days, the insurance company will declare it a total loss and pay you its actual cash value.
Who is responsible if your car is stolen?
Explanation of Liability
When your car is stolen, the thief usually takes on the liability for any accidents they cause. However, certain situations might complicate this general rule, making it essential to know the specifics.
What usually happens when a car is stolen?
After you've filed a report with the police, the next call you need to make is to your insurance company. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim. Be prepared to provide them with information such as your policy number, the police report number and any other relevant details they may require.
How insurance works when your car is stolen: 2 Wants to Know
Do police do anything about stolen cars?
Once the police receive the report, they will investigate and check for any leads or surveillance footage that could help identify the thief. They may also notify surrounding law enforcement agencies and other organizations specializing in stolen vehicle recovery, such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
What are the odds of getting your stolen car back?
According to Progressive Insurance's report, the US average rate for car theft recovery is 46%, but the rate varies greatly among states. For example, the stolen car recovery rate in Washington was 71%, in Utah was 63%, but only 28% in Alabama. All in all, the chance of finding a stolen car is quite high.
How much will insurance pay for a stolen car?
Car Theft Insurance: When Am I Entitled to Coverage? Downey drivers whose cars are stolen in Califonia will have car theft insurance if they have comprehensive coverage. That should cover you up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. If your car is damaged due to a break-in, you'll also be covered.
How long does it take police to find a stolen car?
If you report your car as stolen immediately to police, there's a better chance it will be recovered. In fact, according to NICB data, 35% of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days.
What happens if my financed car is stolen?
Unless you take out GAP insurance when financing a car, you will have to continue making monthly payments when the vehicle is stolen. However, you will be free to sign a new agreement once you have paid off the remaining balance on your auto loan.
How long until insurance pays for a stolen car?
The average timeframe for a stolen car insurance claim payout falls within 30-45 days, but several factors can influence this, such as the complexity of the investigation, the availability of the police report, and whether your car is recovered.
Does your insurance go up after your car is stolen?
Claiming a stolen vehicle becomes a part of your insurance claim history. While comprehensive claims are generally not viewed as negatively as at-fault accidents, multiple claims, including theft claims, can still affect your premiums. Location Matters: The area where your car was stolen may influence your rates.
Does insurance cover money stolen from car?
Comprehensive auto insurance generally covers theft and vandalism. Car insurance typically doesn't cover theft of personal property inside the car—for that, you'll need to check your homeowners or renters policies. File a police report and an insurance claim as soon as possible after a theft happens.
Do you get reimbursed if your car is stolen?
Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy, auto insurance can help pay for your stolen vehicle if you don't recover it.
How much value does a stolen car lose?
The car's next title will be referred to as a salvage title, even if the car is in perfect condition. Previously stolen cars with a salvage title can lose anywhere from 20% to 40% of their original value.
Is it worth pressing charges for theft?
Legal Implications of Pressing Charges
Restitution: Pressing charges could lead to financial recovery for you if the court mandates restitution. Future Consequences for the Offender: Your decision could impact the future of the person who committed the theft—it's essential to weigh this carefully.
Do cops investigate stolen vehicles?
Vehicle Tracking and Identification: With insights gained from forensics and initial investigations, law enforcement agencies then proceed with tracking down and identifying stolen vehicles.
How are most stolen cars found?
Police Notification: The police are generally the ones who locate and recover stolen vehicles. They will contact you to inform you that your car has been found. The condition of your car when it's found can vary.
How do police track a stolen car?
The Police Tracking Computer provides the police officer, via the dispatcher, all pertinent information about the stolen vehicle. The LoJack monitor installed in patrol cars has a strength indicator that tells the officer if he is within one mile of the stolen vehicle, allowing time for back-up help to be called.
Do you still have to pay for your car if it gets stolen?
Easy answer. You still owe the money. Your theft insurance should cover most of the replacement cost. All loans require collision and theft insurance for the vehicle that you DO NOT own but are paying for.
Do I have to pay a deductible if my car is stolen?
If the vehicle is declared a total loss, your insurance company pays the actual cash value, just as they would if the car was stolen and not recovered. In both situations, your deductible would apply and be deducted from the claim payout.
How does insurance determine the value of a stolen car?
Insurance companies generally use your car's ACV to determine whether it's a total loss after an accident. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, most auto insurance policies will also largely base your payment on the car's ACV after it's totaled or stolen.
Where do most stolen cars end up?
According to the FBI, a car is stolen in the U.S. about once every 40 seconds. Many of them end up at ports like the Port of Baltimore, where they are put on cargo ships headed to West Africa.
Can a dealership track a stolen car?
GPS tracking devices allow dealerships to monitor these vehicles, ensuring they know where each asset is at all times. In cases where vehicles are stolen, dealerships can rapidly recover them thanks to SVR (Stolen Vehicle Recovery) systems.
What happens if my stolen car is found?
If you have already received compensation for an auto insurance claim, your insurance company assumes ownership of the returned stolen car. If you recovered your stolen vehicle while a claim remains open, your insurance company stops the claims process until your vehicle receives a thorough inspection.