What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen From A Repair Shop

[msearsvt]

I just bought a used car from a small used car dealer and about a week later there was a major problem so I called the dealer and he told me to bring it to his mechanic to fix it cheaply. It has been in the shop over a week now and this mourning the shop called and said it was stolen. I have reported it to the police. I do not have comprehensive coverage so my insurance will not cover it. The repair shop's insurance should cover it right? The owner of the repair shop has not been cooperative and I am afraid he will not follow through with this and get me my money. Any advice?

[Mr. Knowitall]

What was the nature of the mechanical problem - that is, was the car drivable?

What was the age and condition of the car as compared to other vehicles on the lot - why would somebody want to steal your (broken) car over other vehicles they could have stolen? Were any other cars stolen? Why didn't the dealership report the theft to the police?

Was the car parked inside the repair facility, or in a secure lot? How was the car stolen - that is, did the dealership fail to adequately secure the keys, such that somebody got the keys and drove away?

What state are you in?

[msearsvt]

There were transmission problems that were supposedly fixed and was parked in the secure lot (surrounded by a locked fence). The dealer did call the police and they were there when he called me. I live in Florida. The car is a 99 Volkswagen Passat. All i know about the theft is that they broke into the shop and there was some burglery and my car was stolen.

[msearsvt]

Also, my insurance company (progressive) is not helping with this at all since i dont have the coverage,

[Mr. Knowitall]

Right. If you don't have coverage, your insurance company will feel no need to help you.

I'm trying to figure out if there is a negligence angle by which you could pursue the dealership. There may be. Try making a claim with their carrier, if they'll tell you who it is.

[msearsvt]

So you do not think the repair shop can be held responsible for this? That seems outrageous to me. I will try to get the insurance information from the dealership, but I'm sure they will try to blow me off. SO this could be negligence on their part for referring the car to that repair shop and not making sure it was taken care of and kept safe? Thanks.

[Mr. Knowitall]

I said, I'm trying to figure out if there is a negligence angle by which you could pursue the dealership. There may be.

[msearsvt]

Thank you! I didn't realize you were actually looking into it. This situation is so frustrating and your help is much appreciated.

[cyjeff]

I would contact a lawyer and ask him to file a suit against the repair shop.

In reality, you don't care where the car is or what happened to it, you just care that you can't get it back.

That makes it a civil matter... and one that you sue the repair shop for.

[msearsvt]

The repair shop owner has told me that his insurance supposedly pays for the vehicle if it does not show up in 30 days. I should get a lawyer now anyway, right?