Question I live in Florida. My truck was stolen. It was recovered a week later. I am concerned that there maybe mechanical damage. Do I have to accept the truck or can i refuse it.
AnswerThere is either mechanical damage or there is not.
Based on my experience specializing in theft claims, if an insured starts this kind of dialog, I would consider it a possible indicator of a known prior mechanical issue that, in fact, could be related to a staged theft. I'm not saying it's the case here, but considering that 20% of auto claims involve some element of fraud, I as an adjuster would be calling in a forensic automotive engineer. It's not hard at all to tell what is long term and what is not.
Please don't take offense to this,,,like my intro says, I'm honest and up front. There is a running joke though between insurance adjusters and body shops that only the perfect and flawless cars are ever stolen because that is what all of the owners seem to claim. More often than not, it is true. I look at hundreds of cars a year and every single one of them has a dent, scratch or ding somewhere unless they are brand new. However, most 10 year old vehicles that I've handled a recovered theft claim on was "flawless" according to the insured.
My best advise is if you are reasonable with the insurance company, they will be reasonable with you.
Good luck!
