By love-89.com Insurance brokers are raising awareness about a critical factor in car theft incidents: compensation from insurance companies hinges on whether the vehicle owner has purchased “Comprehensive Insurance.” Recently, Southern California Chinese car owners have fallen victim to towing scams, one of whom watched helplessly as a luxury car worth nearly $300,000 was stolen. Beyond the common threats of scams during vehicle sales, fraudsters are also seizing opportunities during accidents.
Angelina, a driver from Southern California, shared her troubling experience when she was involved in a hit-and-run accident. At the scene, three unsolicited tow trucks arrived, insisting on towing her vehicle. Angelina recounted that a man, who claimed to be a witness, asked for her contact information, and just minutes later, she received a call from someone claiming to be a representative from a roadside assistance program. The catch? Angelina had never registered for any roadside assistance.
Law enforcement has pointed out that scammers often monitor police radio communications to arrive at accident scenes, posing as tow companies dispatched by insurance firms, pressuring victims into agreeing to have their vehicles towed. Authorities warn that if victims unwittingly allow these criminals to tow their cars, they may never see their vehicles again, as they could end up in a junkyard or become victims of extortion.
In light of these situations, Jason Wang, manager of the automobile and homeowners insurance department at Huaxing Insurance, advises that if a vehicle is stolen, the first step should be to report it to the police immediately and check if the vehicle can be recovered. If recovery isn’t possible, the next step is to contact the insurance company. Insurers evaluate the vehicle based on its age, mileage, and condition to begin the claims process. It’s essential to note that all of this relies on the owner having “Comprehensive Insurance,” which is a recommended coverage, particularly for new cars or those with outstanding loans, covering damages from glass breakage, intentional scratches, and theft.
Jason adds that generally, filing a claim for a stolen vehicle shouldn’t affect the owner’s future insurance premiums. However, if the owner wishes to switch insurance companies the following year, they may face challenges in securing coverage.