Stolen car recovered - do I have to take it back?

I had my 2003 BMW 5 Series stolen three months ago and the police have just informed me that it has been recovered. They also informed me that the car has been involved in some offences in the UK.

Can you tell me if I have to accept the car, considering it has been missing for nearly three months? Can I insist on a full engine inspection as I'm sure the car would have been thrashed.

If I have to accept the car with damages repaired, can I claim back the financial losses I will incur for:

a) Having to pay a higher insurance premium for a stolen car.

b) Loosing value if I part exchange the car as it will hold a stolen/recovered tag against it.

c) Insuring any future cars as I will have made a claim?

Asked on 16 December 2013 by jrsodha

Answered by Honest John
This depends on the terms of your insurance policy which either they will have sent you when you originally took out the policy or will be on their website. See what your insurer decides. It could well be that there is more damage to the car than qualifies for Cat D.

Obviously you cannot claim financial losses from your insurer for having to pay a higher insurance premium for a stolen car and insuring any future cars because you made a claim. You could only do that against the third party who stole it. But you can claim for 'Diminution in Value' of the car as it will hold a stolen/recovered tag against it.
Similar questions
My car has recently been stolen and my partner has three points which she failed to tell me about. The insurance want codes for her licence as she’s a named driver and i’m worried this will invalidate...
Our car was stolen a couple of months ago. Unfortunately, it was during the icy weather so we were defrosting the car. We left the keys in it for a few seconds to retrieve gloves from the house. A car...
My car was stolen and I want to make a claim on the insurance. I'm a named driver on my wife's car, so if I make a claim on my policy will this have any affect on her policy?
Related models
Nicely balanced and enjoyable handling, sharp styling, modern-looking interior, great range of engines including impressively efficient diesels.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer