My car was parked outside my house when I heard a loud noise. I looked out and saw my car was badly damaged, and the police were arresting someone. They told me my insurance should cover it. I filed a claim with the insurance of the person who hit my car (Geico), but they said they don’t cover stolen car incidents. I also contacted my own insurance (Progressive), but because I only have liability coverage, they said they can’t help. Now I’m stuck with no idea what to do. I live in New York.
Sorry to hear that. That’s why people usually get collision coverage.
When you decided against collision, you were basically agreeing to cover any damage to your own car yourself, in exchange for a lower monthly cost. The Geico policyholder is also a victim here. Your insurance would do the same if your car was stolen. You could try suing the thief for damages, but it’s unlikely they’ll have much money.
@Kimberly
Insurance websites should really make this clear in big, bold letters so people know what they’re signing up for. Too many people think they have ‘full coverage’ when they really just have the minimum.
@Kimberly
Would UMPD help in this case?
EvansBrown13 said:
@Kimberly
Would UMPD help in this case?
Nope, UMPD doesn’t apply here. It’s mostly for bodily injury, and in New York, it’s not available for property damage.
EvansBrown13 said:
@Kimberly
Would UMPD help in this case?
Nope, UMPD doesn’t apply here. It’s mostly for bodily injury, and in New York, it’s not available for property damage.
Just so it doesn’t sound weird, the question used to ask about UIM, not UMPD.
EvansBrown13 said:
@Kimberly
Would UMPD help in this case?
Nope, UMPD doesn’t apply here. It’s mostly for bodily injury, and in New York, it’s not available for property damage.
Yeah, I meant UMPD, got it.
@EvansBrown13
Still wouldn’t help in New York. You’d need collision coverage.
Neely said:
@EvansBrown13
Still wouldn’t help in New York. You’d need collision coverage.
I was just thinking in general, not about this specific case.
EvansBrown13 said:
@Kimberly
Would UMPD help in this case?
It’s UIM property damage you’re thinking of.
EvansBrown13 said:
@Kimberly
Would UMPD help in this case?
In states where UMPD is offered, it could cover this type of scenario, but many states don’t offer it.
You’ll need to go after the person who got arrested to get your money back. They’re the ones responsible for the damage.
Kale said:
You’ll need to go after the person who got arrested to get your money back. They’re the ones responsible for the damage.
And then wait until they’re out of jail to try collecting anything. It’s not easy for felons to get jobs.
@Jesse
They’ll also have fines and other legal fees to worry about.
@Jesse
You might be able to get an order of restitution, which means their wages could be garnished to pay for your damages, both during and after they’re in jail.
You’ll need to sue the person who got arrested. Winning in court might be easier than collecting any money from them though.
Brook said:
You’ll need to sue the person who got arrested. Winning in court might be easier than collecting any money from them though.
If they’re locked up for a long time, you might get something after they’re released.
Sorry, but it sounds like you’re stuck with the bill. Hopefully, the damage isn’t too bad.
This is exactly why you need collision insurance, even if you’re a careful driver. You can sue the thief, but collecting anything from them will be tough. Time to start thinking about how to pay for a new car on your own.