Who pays if my stolen car causes property damage or personal injury?

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The person who steals my car gets in an accident—entirely his fault. The person he crashes into files a claim for damages and personal injury against my insurance company and me. Will my insurance company pay?”

Asked January 4, 2016

1 Answer


If your stolen car causes property damage or personal injury, the liability for the damages will depend on a number of factors, including the specific circumstances of the incident, the insurance coverage you have on your car, and the insurance coverage of the other parties involved. Here are some details on who may be liable for damages if your stolen car causes property damage or personal injury:

  • Insurance coverage: If you have comprehensive insurance coverage on your car, your insurance company may cover damages caused by a stolen vehicle. However, the amount of coverage may vary depending on the policy and the specific circumstances of the incident.
  • Negligence: If someone else was driving the stolen car and caused the damage, they may be held liable for the damages under the legal theory of negligence. In this case, the driver may be responsible for paying for the damages or may have insurance coverage that can be used to cover the costs.
  • Vicarious liability: In some cases, the owner of the stolen car may be held vicariously liable for damages caused by someone else who was driving the vehicle. This may be the case if the owner was negligent in leaving the keys in the car or failing to secure the vehicle properly.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If the driver of the stolen car is not insured or does not have enough insurance to cover the damages, the injured party may be able to make a claim under their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
It's important to note that liability for damages in a stolen car accident can be a complex issue, and the specific circumstances of the incident will need to be considered to determine who may be liable for the damages. If you are involved in a stolen car accident, it's recommended that you contact your insurance company and a personal injury lawyer for advice on your specific situation.

Answered January 8, 2016 by ilawson

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