What happens when a stolen car hits your car?

Asked by: Cecilia Shields  |  Last update: May 21, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (49 votes)

If a stolen car hits you, getting money for damages can be tough. You can't usually get money from the stolen car's owner, but you might be able to sue the thief or the police if their chase led to the accident. A car accident lawyer can help you understand your choices and deal with insurance companies.

Who pays for damage caused by a stolen car in California?

In most cases of car theft that causes injuries or property damage, the thief is liable to pay for costs.

Who is responsible if a stolen car hits you?

The thief is almost always the liable party and their insurance will become involved, or a personal injury lawsuit could result.

Will my car be totaled if stolen?

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.

How long does it take for insurance to pay out on a stolen vehicle?

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.

Who pays for damage caused by stolen car?

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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.

Does insurance pay off your car if it's stolen?

Stolen vehicles are protected by comprehensive coverage

If someone steals your vehicle and it's not recovered, your insurer will cut you a check for your car's current value if you have comprehensive coverage. This may be true even if the car was stolen with the keys in 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.

Should I call my insurance if my car was stolen?

If you have a tracking device on your vehicle, this could help you recover it, but after contacting the police, you'll want to call your car insurance company next.

Do you have to accept a stolen car back?

The outcome of the legal process will determine the fate of your car. Return to the owner. If the ruling is that the vehicle should be returned to you, you must provide proof of ownership and pay any impound fees or storage fees before the vehicle can be released.

Can you report a car stolen if the person is on the insurance?

ANSWER: The answer to your question is yes. If the vehicle is titled in a person's name, no matter whether they make the payments or not, they can report the vehicle as stolen. I hope this information helps you. Please let me know if you have any other questions or need further clarification.

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.

Will gap insurance cover a stolen car?

GAP insurance is optional car insurance that can help pay off your loan if your car is totaled in an accident or stolen and you owe more than the car's depreciated value.

Can I sue for a stolen car?

The answer to “Can I sue for a stolen car?” is yes, depending on the situation. The truth is that you can file a lawsuit for just about any theft. But it's important for you to understand the difference between a civil lawsuit and criminal proceedings.

What are the chances of recovering a stolen car in California?

These vehicles and equipment are popular targets because of their high resale value, popularity, and availability. Of the 202,893 vehicles stolen statewide in 2023, 85.4 percent were successfully recovered, representing 173,354 recovered vehicles.

How does an insurance company determine the value of a stolen vehicle?

The Bottom Line

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.

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.

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 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 are the odds of finding my stolen car?

Interestingly, although California has a relatively high stolen car recovery rate (60%), the state also ranks fourth in the worst states for car theft nationally.

Do stolen cars ever get returned?

The quicker you report the theft, the higher the chances of recovering your vehicle. According to the Insurance Information Institute, cars reported stolen in the first 24 hours have a 34 percent same-day recovery rate. More than 85 percent of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered.

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.

How long does a stolen vehicle remain on file?

Unrecovered stolen vehicle records (including snowmobile records) which contain VIN's or OANs will remain in file for the year of entry plus 4. b. Unrecovered vehicles wanted in conjunction with a felony will remain in file for 90 days after entry.

Do I cancel my insurance if my car is stolen?

No, keep your car insurance for at least 30 days after the car is stolen. Here's why: The police may recover it and return it to you in the same condition as before, and you won't want to start a new policy to drive it. Most car insurance companies will extend your liability coverage to a rental car if you use one.

How to get a stolen car back?

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.