What happens if your car gets stolen from a dealership?

Asked by: Jules Towne  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (61 votes)

Generally, you can sue the dealer if they were negligent. Since you have insurance then normally that would be how it's resolved. If that doesn't make you whole (financially) then you can sue the dealer as well.

What happens when your car is stolen from a dealership?

The car dealers generally tell the car owners to file the theft claim with their own insurance and you might have to pay a deductible when you did nothing wrong. In this situation your insurance company may go after the car dealer's insurance company to cover the cost.

What happens if your financed car is stolen?

If your financed car is stolen, you will not get your down payment back. You will also need to continue making car payments because you are still obligated for the debt under the loan contract. That contract does not care if you have the car or not, it was for making payments on a loan.

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.

Do you get reimbursed if your car is stolen?

Yes, insurance will cover a stolen car if you carry comprehensive coverage on your policy. If the car is a total loss, which means it is either not found or it is found damaged to the point where it would cost more to repair than to replace, insurance will pay the actual cash value of the vehicle.

Thieves steal $100K BMW, luxury cars from dealership showroom!

19 related questions found

How much money do I get if my car is stolen?

If someone steals your car and you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance provider will pay out based on your vehicle's actual cash value. This doesn't mean they give you the amount you paid for your car. Instead, they pay out the cost to replace it minus depreciation.

How long until insurance pays for 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.

Will my insurance go up if my car was 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.

How long does it take to recover 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 after someone steals your car?

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 do I track my car if it's stolen?

How to Find a Stolen Car: 10 Effective Ways
  1. File a “Car Stolen” Report to the Police. ...
  2. Track Stolen Car with VIN Number. ...
  3. Use GPS Device to Track Your Stolen Car. ...
  4. Check Security Camera Footage to Find Your Stolen Car. ...
  5. Contact Your Insurance Company. ...
  6. Inform Your Leasing Company If Your Rented Car Is Stolen.

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.

What happens if your car gets stolen and no insurance?

Unfortunately, if your car is stolen and you don't have insurance coverage, you may be responsible for the full cost of replacing your vehicle. When a car is stolen, the owner typically files a police report and notifies their insurance company.

Are dealership cars tracked?

Yes, many dealerships install GPS trackers on their cars.

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 do thieves do after stealing a car?

Chopping up cars and selling the parts

Many criminals send stolen cars to chop shops, which provide lucrative opportunities for car thieves. Once a car is stolen, chop shop operators strip them for parts and sell them to other people who need parts for crashed cars.

What are the chances of getting your stolen car back?

The nature of that discussion will change considerably, as is the case with around 85% of stolen vehicles, yours is eventually recovered. If your stolen vehicle has been found, you and your insurance company will have to make important decisions about how to proceed.

How much does 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.

Where do stolen cars usually 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.

Do I have to pay to get my stolen car back?

If your stolen vehicle is recovered, you may have to pay impound lot fees to get it back. These costs depend on your location and the base fee of the impound lot, but expect to see at least a $250 base fee plus about $60 per day for the time the car sits on the lot.

Does a car lose value if it was stolen?

A clean title is what guarantees the same resale value as before the car was stolen. However, if your car doesn't meet these conditions, it will depreciate, and it may even become a salvage vehicle.

How long does a stolen car stay in the system?

How long does a stolen car stay in the system? Unrecovered stolen vehicles stay in the National Crime Information Center records for four years after the year of the reported theft.

What happens if your car is stolen and you still owe money on Reddit?

You'll still owe the remainder of the loan. With theft coverage? If you had GAP insurance, you'll get whatever is owed on the loan. If you didn't have GAP insurance, you'll get the actual cash value of the car, and you'll owe whatever the difference is between what is owed on the loan and the ACV.

Does insurance investigate a stolen car?

Insurance companies investigate stolen property claims with scrutiny and skepticism. Insureds must jump through many hoops to prove they played no role in the theft or loss of their own property.

How does GAP insurance work if your car is stolen?

So, if you took out a loan or leased a car, and the car is totaled or stolen before you can pay off the loan, GAP insurance will cover the difference between what you owe on the loan and the car's resale value.