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Auto theft - twice in a month
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Auto theft - twice in a month

I have a few questions, but please let me introduce you to my situation. Also, please forgive any non-technical car language as I'm not an expert as far as some terms are concerned. My '02 Subaru Impreza was stolen and recovered a month ago, I didn't have comprehensive insurance. There were signs of forced entry: the driver door handle had been partially pried off, the steering column was cracked and the car would start with a screwdriver. The stereo and a few trim pieces were also stolen. I re-attached the door handle and re-assembled the igntition key-assembly as best I could. The vehicle would start with my key, but with the steering column cracked it would be easy for a thief to bust it again and start with a screwdriver. The door handle and lock were not functional but the vehicle did lock with my key fob, and I gained entry through the passenger side after unlocking. Despite all of this I was ecstatic to have the vehicle back, I'm in good shape financially but am postponing a car purchase until I can pay cash on a new or slightly used truck. The car didn't look like much but it ran well, never gave me problems and got me to work. Soon after filing the report with police and recovering my car, I called my agent and added comprehensive insurance. Fast forward to Wednesday this week. I leave to go to work and the car is gone again. I call to file a report. The next day the police call to report that the car was recovered, but had been involved in a hit and run. I made a claim with my insurance company soon after. Today I went down to see the car in impound and it's most certainly totaled. Car wasn't in great shape prior to the hit and run, and it has damage to 4 major body panels/doors as well as more interior damage. The driver door handle has been completely removed and the steering column was busted open even more with ignition parts scattered. In a perfect world I'd receive a quick settlement for the ~$4000 my car is worth with the mileage and it's good mechanical but poor aesthetic condition prior to the second theft. However, I'm worried that my case shows a few warning signs that will drag out the settlement process or result in a denied claim: I added coverage shortly before the incident. I didn't bring the car to a mechanic to have it secured after the first incident; I didn't want to spend the money on the car so I did it myself. I did lock the car that night and my keys weren't in it. My questions are as follows... Do I still have a claim here? If so, is this claim and the best case $4000 I'd get worth pursuing in light of insurance rate increases/possible denied coverage? (Farmers is the only insurance company I've ever used, I've been a customer for over ten years and my house plus that of my parents and their two cars is insured through them. Denied claims or insurance would result in pulling these accounts in favor of another company.) Any words of advice or issues I haven't thought of? Thanks in advance for your time and help, Justin


    







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