Auto Insurance Claims: recovered stolen vehicle..., repair estimates, insurance companys

Question
My 2004 Ford Explorer was stolen and recently recovered.  There is some damage (front bumper and scratches on sides) however it is probably not enough damage for the car to be a total loss.  I have heard that once your vehicle is reported as s recovered stolen vehicle that the value of the car depreciates significantly and it will be hard to sell because it is listed in a database similar to cars that have been in accidents or had significant damage. Also, it is scary to me to drive a car that I do not know what was done with it (what problems could arise in the future as a result of driving it too hard...did the car stealers use it to transport dead bodies, drugs stolen things...etc. I just have an icky feeling)

A co-worker told my husband that you can demand that your insurance company declare it a loss due to the unknown condition of the car and the now lessened value.  Is this true?  If so, what are my options and how do I go about that?  
I prefer for the car to be declared a loss.  What are the chances of this?  
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Jennifer

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

Unfortunately this is not true. It is the insurance companys sole decision whether to repair or total the vehicle. The will generally only total the vehicle if the cost of repairs is more than about 70% of its value. If the damage is fairly minor as you stated, they will simply repair the vehicle.

You should request the shop that will do the repairs to check out everything, engine, transmission, brakes, etc.. to see if there are any potential problems. Althought the theft history will show up in CarFax, it is not as bad as an actual collision. You should keep a copy of the detailed repair estimates in the vehicle to sho any potential buyer the minimal nature of the damage.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh