Junk vehicle stolen and wrecked, no insurance?

[mre0609]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NC

Here is my situation. I have a 1993 blazer that hasn't been tagged or insured in over a year, but it does run. It just sits on my father's property and we use it for storage. We live in small town so my father leaves the keys above the sunvisor (still not very smart!). Well, today someone stole my blazer from his land and drove it about 2 miles and plowed it through a fence. The sheriff's department called me and told me to come down to take a look at it. The owner of the property said it would be about $1000 to fix his fence. Am I liable for that? I know insurance would usually pay for it, but I don't have vehicle insurance on my junk car. I don't have $1000 to pay the man. Can he take me to small claims court?

The police officer said if I didn't pay for the damage, that the sheriffs department could issue an arrest warrent for me for property damage. Our sheriff's department doesn't even have the technology to take fingerprints, so the chances of finding out who stole my blazer are slim to none. I am so upset right now, I don't know what to do. I don't feel like I am responsible for this man's fence b/c I didn't commit the crime.

 

[ecmst12]

How did they start the car? With the key or hot-wire? If with the key, then they could very well successfully hold you as the owner liable, since the driver was unknown but it had to be someone with access to the key.

 

[HighwayMan]

He said the key was kept in the visor.

 

[moburkes]

Did you/your dad report the vehicle as stolen?

 

[mre0609]

Yes, when the sheriff's department called me to tell me it was ran through a fence on some guys property I immediately told the cop it must've been stolen and he filled out a report. He seems to think it was some kids who took it for a 4 wheeling joy ride and ended up getting it stuck near a creek after running through a man's electric fence and some barb wire fencing.

 

[moburkes]

Yes, when the sheriff's department called me to tell me it was ran through a fence on some guys property I immediately told the cop it must've been stolen and he filled out a report. He seems to think it was some kids who took it for a 4 wheeling joy ride and ended up getting it stuck near a creek after running through a man's electric fence and some barb wire fencing.

I'm not sure how you could be held liable. But the keys shoudln't have been there...

 

[ecmst12]

Keeping the key in the vehicle could certainly be considered negligent. That's practically an open invitation for someone to go and steal the car.

 

[davew128]

Keeping the key in the vehicle could certainly be considered negligent. That's practically an open invitation for someone to go and steal the car.

Only if the key is readily visible. Keep in mind, this is a vehicle not on a public way, driveway or parking lot. Someone who goes to the effort to go to the vehicle where it is already has intentions.....