Anybody have there car stolen and got it back in good condition?

So my 2008 honda civic was stolen from my garage on thursday night when i went to put my garage door down obviously something happened and the door did not shut. I have always been bad about leaving the keys in the car (yes stupid me I know) and about 6:00am Friday morning I get woken up by the phone and it was my neighbor asking if I was home because my garage door was open but car was gone. I just about fainted. I called the police and reported it as stolen. This is a total disaster I don't have the money to replace a stolen car even though yes I do have insurance I fear it won't be enough. I know what I did was stupid. I also know that thieves don't tend to take good care of stolen cars and I just can't stop worrying. Any positive stories?

NO. And your insurance company is not going to pay you anything at all because you left the keys in the car so it was also not locked. They will say you did not take proper precautions to secure the car.

Andy C

Whatever you do, don't listen to Andy C. That car-must-be-locked thing was maybe kind of true 40 or 50 years ago, but today it's just a myth.

Stolen cars are usually not found in good condition, but it can and does happen. Not often, but also not so rare that it makes the news when it happens. It all depends on who stole your car and what happened next, and both of those are completely unknown. But honestly, your car is probably gone. Either it will be found totally trashed (it's true, thieves don't respect the cars they steal), or it won't be found at all. Nobody can say for sure, but you do need to prepare yourself for that.

If you have Comprehensive or Specified Perils coverage, now is the time to call your insurance provider. You bought the coverage against theft and your vehicle was stolen, so your policy will respond to the loss. Take a look at the specific wording of your contract for a minute. Does it (exactly) say you're covered aganst burglary and robbery, or does it say you're covered against theft? Because there's a huge difference.

Burglary must involve forced entry, and robbery must involve violence or the threat of violence. But just plain theft is all-inclusive. If someone took your vehicle without your permission, that's theft pure and simple.

Yes and no. Had my friends 87 ford pick up was lifted outside a dinner on our way home one night only took 25 mins for them to peel off. Found it 2 weeks later stripped two counties away on the side of the road. My 1991 Toyota pickup was stolen outside my work and was recovered three days later in some kids yard via craigslist add. Guy ran the vins thank god. But I got it back in decent condition. He replaced my cd player and took my smokes. Took twodays for police to do there investigating before I got my truck bak though… Heres hoping they don't chop it

Yes I'm sure someone has.

Yes, leaving the keys in your car is stupid, but, most likely insurance will cover this.

Now, if the car was on the street, or even in your driveway "in plain view" where anyone could see your keys in the car, then insurance might not cover this. Your car was in the garage, where the "average" person will not break in and steal a car.

You called the police as soon as possible, which is required.

Odds are, (IF) your vehicle is found, it will be damaged, either by vandalism, or, a lot of times, people joy ride, have an accident with another vehicle, or hit something.

If found, then insurance will fix, the cost to repair (minus) your deductible, or if the repairs exceed fair market value, then they will total it, and pay you that value minus your deductible.

I bet you will never leave the keys in your car again. Because, if you do, and it gets stolen a 2nd time, then most likely insurance might question and not pay.

One last thing. Your company will wait 30 days before they pay you, if not found.