What should I do with stolen and later found buddy?

slusher5 · Post by **slusher5** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:28 am

I got my buddy 50 stolen and the cops found it about 3 weeks later. The key ignition is gone, the bottom kickstand is gone, it sounds really weird when riding, the seat is locked and I can't open because ignition is missing, and there are other problems I don't know about. On the bright side, they found the thief and he's going to court.
PLEASE I need advice on what to do about the scooter. Is it going to cost alot to fix or is it better to sell as is/parts?

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:37 am

Have you contacted your insurance company (you had insurance, right)?
Have you taken possession of the bike yet? If so, bring it to your local dealer post-haste and get a complete, back to new condition, estimate of repairs, which you can give to your insurer. If not, I might hold off taking possession, and see if you can get the estimate anyway.

slusher5 · Post by **slusher5** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:03 am

insurance to cover damage to the bike was like $600 extra bucks I think so I didn't get it. I've taken posession of bike

thanks for the help

enzomatic · Post by **enzomatic** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:27 am

you'll probably want to sue this guy for the damages so even w/o the insurance coverage get the estimate to repair. there's a way to get the seat open if you ask the right person.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:04 am

slusher5 wrote:insurance to cover damage to the bike was like $600 extra bucks I think so I didn't get it. I've taken posession of bike

thanks for the help

Have you spoken with your insurance to make sure none of this is covered? Where did the theft take place? Could it be covered by renter's or homeowner's insurance?

You definitely want to talk to your dealer. They can help you pop the seat. (Many of us know how to do this but we don't post the instructions in the public forum. You can PM me if your dealer can't help. But not much need to open the seat if the ignition is gone and the scooter's unrideable.

It should then probably be trucked in for examination.

Is the scooter damaged (did the thieves crash it) does it look like they tried to take it apart to get it running? Certainly sounds like they messed it up pretty good.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:05 am

Damn slusher, I haven't bought comprehensive for the same reason. My sympathies.

slusher5 · Post by **slusher5** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:43 am

I told the cop to press charges and he said they would take him to court and I might get money back for repairs. I didn't have any kind of insurance on it at the time because I was trying to sell it, and I don't think renter's insurance will do anything because I was leaving it at a friend's house.

I will definitely get a quote for the repairs. thanks MB community

tshall · Post by **tshall** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 2:53 pm

slusher5 wrote:I told the cop to press charges and he said they would take him to court and I might get money back for repairs. I didn't have any kind of insurance on it at the time because I was trying to sell it, and I don't think renter's insurance will do anything because I was leaving it at a friend's house.

I will definitely get a quote for the repairs. thanks MB community

A criminal conviction for theft won't necessarily get *you* anything, unless there's some restitution order. You could sue in civil court (possibly small-claims court depending on the cost to repair), but collecting may be difficult. Perhaps you'll get lucky and the thief will have, or have parents who have, liability insurance?

Sorry to hear of your loss. Hope the new year brings better.

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:29 pm

Basically, depending on what state you live in, there may be very little you can do to get any money back out of this. Likely, it won't come from the thief. Sometimes you can get their DL suspended (as I did to someone once) or get some kind of lien, but usually that's it and it still doesn't necessarily get you any money.

For a civil case, the second you see a lawyer, you've spent more than the scooter is worth!

However many cities have cit run or private Victims Assistance Programs that have cash funds to help people in your situation. You may want to check into that.

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:19 pm

This sucks, but is a good example of why folks might want to try to see if they can find a way to afford comprehensive coverage on their scooters, even if you have a higher deductible, it is better than nothing.

Comprehensive covers, in general (according to my insurance guy) things that come to the vehicle and cause damage, fire, theft, vandalism, hitting animals, usually, these things are not the fault of the operator. As opposed to collision which is usually the fault of the operator and is where the vehicle hits something and gets damaged.

I am fortunate enough to be in the middle age lady category (one of the few benefits of this category) and my insurance is pretty cheap compared to others that are younger but otherwise like me.

-v

Post by **ericalm** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:21 pm

A good time to remind people of our Insurance FAQ:
viewtopic.php?p=137483#137483

Keys · Post by **Keys** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:10 am

I'd build a serious hot-rod out of it.

--Keys