[Wario]

Holy crap, that's so maddening. I've always wondered about those "We're not responsible" signs at yards like this. I guess the lesson is to ask the shop what kind of security they use and how often stuff like this happens.

BRUTAL

 

[Xhilr8n!]

Oh man. There are no words to describe how badly we all feel for you about this.

My trusted body shop for decades just closed, my pal retired and sold the property to developers. So I live in dread of finding a new shop when the need comes along.

So sad that there are people out there who are driven to steal like this. Let’s hope they will be found.

Sounds like lawyers will get involved and you might not be able to discuss how this goes on a public forum for a while. But please keep us informed as you can.

I have to ask, were the wheels stock?

 

[A-Spec]

I went back to the original post today and here's the latest from the owner.

 

[RUNN1N]

I went back to the original post today and here's the latest from the owner.

For what it's worth, the vehicle owner filing with his own insurance will make it easier for him. Now before everyone jumps in with, "What about the shop that was responsible for the car!?", our insurers should have claims folks trained and experienced with subrogation--it's the industry term for the process where one insurer pursues a liable party (or his/her insurer) for damages they paid to repair their policyholder's vehicle.

Not all insurers invest in subrogation, but many do, especially the ones that like to profit. Anthony can hassle the shop, rant online, pay out of pocket for his rental, and hope he gets reimbursed without having to file a lawsuit at his own cost... or he can let his insurer handle this for him. In many states, if the insurer recoups money through subrogation, the policyholder is refunded their deductible. Given the missing wheels, paint damage from keying, possible suspension damage, etc., this isn't going to be a cheap claim. Depending on the state, and assuming Anthony didn't sign anything relieving the shop for liability for damages while the vehicle is in their care, liability should be fairly easy to prove. It's going to be a nuisance because the shop may point to the security company, and they'll point back at the shop, but the insurer can handle all of this. The shop should have what's known as a garagekeeper's policy--if they do, they can open a claim, and let their insurer and Anthony's work it all out.

 

[Xhilr8n!]

Exactly, his Insurance company should have Legal people experienced in exactly this sort of hunt for culpability. And money.

 

[benzaccord]

Every body shop near me has cameras everywhere. It would be a shock if this shop did not. I suppose the thief hid any identifying info from the video