This past Saturday, I got a very unexpected call. As you may recall, I recently had my vehicle stolen. It was quite unfortunate but I learned a lot from it, and hopefully you were able to as well. Well, the Atlanta Police Department called me over the weekend, and let me know that my vehicle had been recovered. Wow, I was in a state of total shock. After two weeks and hearing horror stories from friends here in the city, I was convinced that I would never see my vehicle again or that it would turn up with little more than the frame left. I’ll first tell you how it all went down, and then break into a couple of pointers if you ever find yourself in this situation.

The nice lady from the Atlanta Police Department (APD) informed me that my car had been recovered. She gave me some instructions on how to retrieve it. I first had to go to a local police processing department (thankfully close by) and fill out some paperwork to get it released back to me. This part was free and was a simple form. The only kicker was that you need to bring a copy of your title, registration or bill of sale. Keep the original (preferable) or copies safe in your house somewhere; outside of the vehicle. Once again, knowing my VIN and license plate number proved very helpful. Take a picture or write both of these number down and keep them somewhere safe (like your phone). This process took a little while but I received a document showing that I was now authorized to pick up my own vehicle.

I then proceeded down to the impound lot where I presented the paperwork. I was then allowed to go and take a look at the vehicle. Prior to this, insurance had told me that if it was truly in bad condition and that if I thought it’d be totaled, that I could just let it sit there and that they would come properly total it for me. Totaling a vehicle means that the repairs necessary equate to around 70-80% of the car’s value, thereby making it not worthwhile to repair. Much to my surprise, the Jeep mechanically still ran. Turns out they weren’t looking to sell it for parts. Its batter y was dead, it was out of gas and the ignition was missing. Before you head down to the impound lot, see if you can bring: jumper cables, a gallon size can with gas in it and some tools (mainly screwdrivers). The attendant at the impound lot was actually nice and helpful, but certainly don’t count on it. They could care less what you do with your car and may or may not be super helpful. Turns out the Jeep had been sitting there for a week already, and that the police department took 6 days to tell me that it had been found. During that time, I racked up a $20/day storage fee. Thanks to the police department’s negligence, I now owed the impound lot an extra $120. I could have easily fussed and argued with the impound lot employee but I knew that it would be in vain. They honestly couldn’t care less and it wasn’t their fault. I kept my mouth shut and paid the $205 fee, for I knew anything more would be wasted breathe. Once I jumped it and got gas in it, I was able to drive it home.

The next day, I was able to talk with my insurance company and we selected a certified repair shop to where I could take my Jeep. As I have full coverage, the insurance will pay for the repairs, after I pay my $250 deductible. What I thought were only minor ‘cosmetic’ damage actually is turning out to be expensive. The repair shop rep told me that from the looks of it, it would likely be totaled. The thieves had sideswiped something, and dinged the front left part of the Jeep. He mentioned that stolen vehicles are a tricky situation, because you can fix all the things you can see, but there might be things you don’t see. I found the Jeep with marijuana ashes in the cup holder and a heavy duty hitch on the back of it. Hard to say what they were up to in it, but it certainly wasn’t anything good. I’m guessing they tried to tow something heavy and drove while high. Who knows if my frame is messed up or what other long term damage they could have done. Totaling a vehicle at first seemed odd, almost wrong to wish for. However, it actually seems somewhat common in the auto insurance industry. Having my insurance company write me a check now for the car could save them (and me) headaches down the road. Try to make up your mind as to what you wish for (i.e repair or totaled) and don’t be afraid to voice that opinion, both to your insurance company and your repair shop. Auto insurance and repair is a customer centric industry so ultimately the goal is to make you both whole again, and happy. As much as it sucks to lose a vehicle, that’s what we have insurance.

It’s certainly been a crazy month for me. I watched my car get stolen and then had it recovered. I made peace with it being gone only to have it show back up. I’ve dealt with: insurance reps, the police, witnesses, impound lot attendants and auto repair shop technicians. I’ve certainly learned a lot and hope you have too! Remember, hope for the best but prepare for worst.

Key takeaways:

• Keep your original title, registration and/or bill of sale somewhere safe outside of your car.
• Have a photo or write down your VIN and license plate number.
• Bring jumper cables, some gas and a screwdriver to the impound lot.
• Have an idea of whether you’d like to repair your car or total it.

Prime Day is here! If you’re not a member of Amazon Prime, now might be a great time to get a 30-day free trial!