Stolen Vehicle Recovered Months Ago with Drug Paraphernalia and Fentanyl Odor
My vehicle was recovered in December, but it’s only now that I’m getting around to fixing it. Initially, I thought the delay was due to the detective’s ongoing investigation, as he was trying to obtain video footage from the parking lot where the car was found. For three months, it remained classified as a theft claim until about two weeks ago. About a month prior, an estimator assessed my vehicle and discussed my options, noting that due to the quantity of drug paraphernalia discovered in the car, Colorado law mandates that if any evidence of meth or fentanyl is found, the vehicle must be totaled by the insurance company. Since I have a strong attachment to my Camaro, I declined the drug testing at that time. However, I was informed that even if they totaled it, I could possibly keep the car, and she explained the process to me. With no updates from my insurance and a sense that I had time, I reconsidered and decided to proceed with the drug testing.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, I received an unexpected email stating that my insurance had issued a check. Upon checking the claim through the app, I discovered it had been reclassified as a vandalism claim. I called USAA and spoke with a different adjuster who promptly transferred $2,400 to my bank account, which covered the estimated repair costs without the drug test. I assumed the change to a vandalism claim was due to the ongoing delay in obtaining the police report. The detective reassured me he was coordinating with the insurance, confirming it as a stolen vehicle, which I took as validation of my assumption. I also expressed my desire to proceed with the drug testing, and she said she would arrange that, although it would take a few weeks to get the results. Meanwhile, my car sat untouched at the body shop, and I hadn’t heard from my primary adjuster since our last conversation.
Today, I spoke with the woman at the body shop, who informed me that they couldn’t move forward with the estimate until they received the drug test results. She mentioned trying to contact my adjuster without success and expected the results earlier in the week. It was a surprise when my primary adjuster answered my call promptly—especially since I hadn’t heard from him in months. He questioned why I changed my mind about the drug test so long after the vehicle’s recovery. I clarified that I was unaware it was an option until after the estimate in February. I also pointed out my many attempts to contact him through the app and phone, which went unanswered, making it hard to convey my decision any sooner. The primary issue remained: they hadn’t taken any steps to facilitate the repairs needed to make my car drivable again, and I only got a rental car following my recent conversation.
I reiterated that there was substantial drug paraphernalia found in my car, including two large meth pipes still containing drugs, along with signs of fentanyl use. The adjuster didn’t respond to my points and instead put me on hold for a while. When he returned, he told me the drug test came back negative, with only minor traces of marijuana and cocaine detected. While I was initially shocked, I tried to view it as good news.
However, I know what was in that car, and I’m not naïve. The adjuster then explained that the reason for changing my stolen vehicle claim to vandalism was because the person who stole it took the keys from my home. Even though I never permitted him to take my keys or my car, it seems insurance companies can enforce rules that override legal definitions upheld by law enforcement. Despite the police confirming my car was stolen based on communications with the thief and the VIN being removed, USAA now considers it vandalism for the weeks it was outside my possession under these circumstances.
I have serious doubts about the thoroughness of the insurance company’s drug
I’m really sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’re facing with your Camaro and the insurance claims process. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially with the complications arising from the drug paraphernalia and the way the claim has been handled.
From what you’ve described, it’s clear that you have valid concerns about the thoroughness of the initial drug test and the shift in your claim status. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to have complex procedures, but they should also uphold transparency and communicate effectively with their clients.
Regarding your concerns about the ability of the insurance company to total your vehicle on a vandalism claim, it’s important to consult your insurance policy details to understand the specific coverage provisions. Typically, totals are determined based on the cost of repairs versus the vehicle’s value, but nuances exist depending on how they classify the loss.
Hiring an independent tester sounds like a logical step, especially since you feel the initial testing was inadequate. Make sure to document everything thoroughly; this includes any evidence of what was found in the car when it was recovered, communications with the body shop, and notes from discussions with the insurance adjusters.
It’s also worth reaching out to a local attorney who specializes in insurance claims or consumer rights. They might provide additional guidance on your rights and whether you have grounds to challenge the insurance company’s decision based on how your claim has been handled.
Stay persistent and continue to advocate for yourself throughout this process. You deserve clarity and fair treatment in dealing with the aftermath of such a troubling situation. Best of luck, and I hope you get your Camaro back in the condition it deserves soon!