Who is responsible if your car is stolen?

Asked by: Wilson Howe  |  Last update: April 2, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (61 votes)

Explanation of Liability Liability refers to being legally responsible for something. In car accidents, it involves determining who is at fault and who should pay for the damages. When your car is stolen, the thief usually takes on the liability for any accidents they cause.

What happens when someone steals your vehicle?

If the individual that stole your vehicle has been located, they can pursue criminal charges against them for the vehicle theft. As part of the criminal case they could also be ordered to pay restitution which would include repaying you for the impound fees and any other damages to your vehicle.

Do you still have to pay for a car that is 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.

Am I liable if my car is stolen?

The general rule is the owner of a vehicle is responsible for their vehicle whether driven by them or not - however, if someone takes the vehicle without your permission, ie a theft - you would not have liability for the accident.

What is the law on car theft in Illinois?

Theft of a vehicle worth less than $500 is a Class A misdemeanor. All other vehicle thefts are felonies with penalties ranging from 2 to 15 years' incarceration. It's a Class 3 felony to steal a vehicle valued between $500 and $10,000 and a Class 2 felony when the vehicle is worth $10,000 to $100,000.

How insurance works when your car is stolen: 2 Wants to Know

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Can I report my car stolen if I let someone borrow it in Illinois?

In general, if the owner of a vehicle agrees to let another person borrow a vehicle for a certain amount of time, this is not considered theft. However, if the owner requests the vehicle be returned and the person borrowing refuses to return the vehicle or disappears with the vehicle, this can be considered theft.

What do thieves do when they steal a car?

Cars become difficult to sell for a high price once stolen, so many criminals look to dispose of stolen cars overseas. Often, stolen cars are shipped to other countries and sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Will insurance pay out for a stolen car?

Yes, if you have comprehensive coverage on your policy, auto insurance can help pay for your stolen vehicle if you don't recover it. Depending on your policy, you may also have coverage for custom parts, paint, rims, and other aftermarket additions.

Can I sue the person who stole my 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 happens if your car gets stolen from a dealership?

The dealer's insurance should cover this loss. While the car is in their possession they must take care to prevent damage or theft. So, Monday morning make a claim to their insurance and if they do not offer a reasonable settlement then you will have to sue them.

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 happens if my financed car gets 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 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.

How long does it take for a stolen car to be found?

Most cars are recovered within 48 hours. It's the police's job to try and track down your car and you'll need a police report to provide to your insurance company.

What happens if your car is stolen and you don't have 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.

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

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 happens when 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 much does it cost to press charges for theft?

A victim of a crime does not have to pay a fee for a prosecutor to press charges. Instead, taxpayer money will fund any further investigations and trials.

Can someone sue me and take my car?

If you've been sued for a debt and you're worried about whether the judgment creditor can take your car, here's the short answer: It's possible, but very rare. Creditors usually only pursue a car if it has significant value and isn't already tied to a loan.

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.

How long does a stolen car claim take?

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.

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.

Will the police find my stolen car?

Locate a Stolen Car By License Plate Number

When a car is reported as stolen, the police will request the vehicle's make, model, and license plate number. It's flagged to local patrol cars and surveillance cameras for them to spot if it passes by.

What type of car is stolen the most?

Here are the 10 most stolen vehicles of 2023 by make and model:
  • Kia Optima.
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
  • Kia Soul.
  • Honda Accord.
  • Honda Civic.
  • Kia Forte.
  • Ford F150 Series Pickup.
  • Kia Sportage.

What time do most car thefts occur?

Car thieves tend to steer clear of highly-visible areas, especially if there are security cameras or nosy neighbors around. This is especially important at night between 2 and 5 a.m. Since most people are asleep, that's the most common time for cars to be stolen.