Auto Insurance Claims: theft recovery, state of georgia georgia, talking to the police

Question
i feel a little strange asking this to an expert, but i have never had a car stolen from me until last weekend. my car is in the impound lot still, before being stolen it was in perfect condition. I am a car enthusiast. and there was one tiny scratch on it from a rock chip. talking to the police officer he says there are missing parts, (interior and exterior) and there was damage to the exterior also. just so you know whats going on. my questions would be 1. if i should go pick it up personally and take pictures at the impound lot, or if the insurance company should come with me. 2. the insurance company wanted me to give them the title before i have even seen the car. i was a little concerned with doing that. should i? 3. I can pick the shop where it goes, even if i worked there? (over a year ago) 4.my car is a theft recovery. Is this factored in to the deminished value? 5. if there is a problem down the road with the drivetrain, etc, will this be attributed to the theft, or am i all on my own? thanks much.

Answer
Hi Brian,

I will try to answer your questions in the order you asked them.

1) No. You should let the insurance company go do the inspection and then if they determine the vehicle to be repairable, you would have the body shop of your choice go pick up the vehicle.

2)Do not give the title to the insurance comany until after they have inspected it and then only if they determine the vehicle to be a total loss.

3)Yes. You have the right to select the shop of your choice. The insurance company may try to pressure you into using one of their "approved" shops. Your answer should be NO. You will pick the shop.

4)Diminished value will only come into play if you live in the state of Georgia. Georgia is the only state where you can collect diminished value from your own insurance policy. Otherwise it will not be considered.

5) The shop you select should complete a full examination of your vehicle. Problems or issues that are detected later will be difficult to prove are related to the theft. The more time that passes the easier it will be for the insurance company to deny future claims as being related to the theft.

I hope this helps
Richard HIxenbaugh