Car stolen insurance claim

[Jeff101]

I recently had my near brand new car stolen (they broke into my house, took the keys and drove it off my drive). I was about 3 weeks into the claim, I had sent the insurers the log book, spare key and statement documents. A couple of days ago the police called to say they had found my car, 2 streets away and it was being stored in a compund to be investigated. If the car is not visibly damaged can I reject it and get paid out. Not greedy or anything just dont like the idea that yobs have been driving round in it for a few weeks?

[factor-fiction]

No!

[woozer]

If the insurers have registered the vehicle as theirs and told the DVLC it is stolen not recovered I think you might be able to - but I dont think they would have done that within a 3 week period -so you will probably have to have it back, they will of course pay for any damage caused during the theft (if it exceeds your excess)and might be persuaded to valet the car for you if it is a bit mucky but this will all affect your no claims bonus.

[gouldc]

No you can't - until the point that you recieve a cheque from the insurers, the car is yours.

We never tell the DVLA ''we'' own the car at any point, only notify them that the car has been passed to a salvage company after the claim is settled.

[woozer]

Fair enough I stand corrected :-)

[gouldc]

Ah no biggee woozer - I only recently had this clarified by the ombudsman on a case I was looking at. Someone (we suspect) deliberately held back from telling us that the car was recovered until he had our cheque!