Auto Insurance Claims: Hit and run accident, model vehicle, knowlege

Question
Hello Barrett, last night a car that was stolen drove onto my yard and t-boned my parked car that was in the driveway. The drivers fled on foot and was not found. My car was an older model vehicle that has only liability insurance on it. I am attempting to contact the owner of the vehicle that was stolen. If they have insurance, will this cover my totaled vehicle? Thank you for your time. Sincerely Jared C.

Answer
Jared,

Thanks for the question and while I do not and cannot provide legal advice; based upon my knowlege and experience it boils down to one issue:

Was the driver driving the vehicle with the owner's knowledge or permission or did he live in the household and have normal and frequent use of the vehicle?

If not, and the vehicle was stolen or taken without the knowledge and consent of the owner....then the owner's coverage would likely not apply and the owner would not be liable for the damages caused through  the unauthorized use of their vehicle.
I can see where this is not what you’d want to hear and again, the law and/or policy in your particular state may differ.

Hope this helps in some small way.

Regards,

Barrett