Auto Insurance Claims: hit & run from a stolen car, state plates, vehicle owner

Question
I live in NYS. My car was parked in my job parking lot when someone broke into cars and rear ended my car on there way out of our parking lot. The police found the car and found out it was reported stolen and had out of state plates. When I called the insurance company I found out that the person carrying the insurance policy did not pay the bill and it was cancelled a month ago.
I was not aware of this at the time. My car has rear end damage. Is there anyway to get my repairs covered from the insurance of the stolen car or NYS Crime Victims or MVAIC? Or am I out of luck and responsible to pay it myself. The person who stole the car has not been found.
Any advise would be great.

Answer
Hi Tiffany,

Unfortunately, even if the persons insurance was valid they would not pay your claim. An insurance company is only responsible to pay for things that the vehicle owner is legally responsible to pay for. Since the car was stolen, the vehicle owner can not be held liable for damage that was caused be the theif.

You should check with the state attorney handling the case to see if you qualify for payment from a crime victim fund. Otherwise you will have to claim this on your own auto policy if you have comprehensive coverage or pay for it out of pocket.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh