Legal Question in Insurance Law in California

stolen and recvered vehicle

my vehicle was stolen and recovered striped, insurance company wants to repair damages(about $5000), but my vehicle was brand new, and now i am going to get ''new'' repaired vehicle that probably lost its value(new seats, new stereo system, mufler, etc.), they have spare key and know my address, what can i do to make them consider it totaled, so i can purchase new car.


Asked on 3/13/08, 9:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Steven Murray Steven W. Murray, APC

Re: stolen and recvered vehicle

Go to your dealer who surely has a repair shop, or an independent repairer who you trust. Get an estimate from them to repair and put back into new shape. Re-key to change locks, which is no big deal.

If the price to repair is much lower than new car price, there is very little you can do if your repair persons say that repair is appropriate. If they say repair is not appropriate, that is a different story.

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Answered on 3/17/08, 3:51 pm
Lowell Houghton Law Offices of Hagop Chopurian

Re: stolen and recvered vehicle

The insurance company has to right to determine if it is a total loss. $5,000 worth of damage is not that much on a new car. Be sure and complain about any repairs or replacements that do not measure up. You can have the locks changed. Worst case you can sell the car after it is repaired.

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Answered on 3/18/08, 9:22 pm


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