What should I do if my car was broken into and someone tried to steal it?

Legal
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What steps should I take if my car was broken into and someone attempted to steal it? Can I get money from insurance without making repairs?

My car, a well-known KIA model, was recently targeted in an unsuccessful theft attempt. The thieves damaged the steering column and ignition, making the car undrivable. Given its age and high mileage, I’m considering getting a new car instead of repairing it.

Is it possible to have the insurance company issue a check for the estimated repair costs (around $1.5-2.5k) and use that money towards purchasing a new car? Or will they only provide payment after the repairs are completed?

Additionally, should I be transparent about my intention to use the money for a new car, or should I state that I want the car repaired and then decide how to use the funds afterward?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

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If you own the car outright and don’t have a loan, the insurance company doesn’t mind what you do with the money. It’s a smart move to take the payout and buy something other than a Kia or Hyundai.

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That was my plan, and it’s what I want to do. Thank you!

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They might declare it a total loss based on its value. If not, you can sell the salvage and use that money towards getting a new car.

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My concern is if they declare it totaled, that is if he pay $500 deductible, and they only give him around $800, plus his rates go up for a year. In that case, he might end up losing more than if he hadn’t reported it at all.

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That’s a possibility, but insurance claims can sometimes be more lenient.