Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

My car was stolen and taken to Mexico. Can I just get a payout instead of getting the car back?

I don't have my vehicle at the moment. When I called, they told me it was in the prosses of being brought to California. However, I would rather get the money instead of having the car back. This was my only vehicle. I have four kids and live in an area where it gets as hot as 100 to 115, so I need a car as soon as possible. Plus, I don't know what the car was used for, which makes me uncomfortable. Can I just get a payout so I could buy another car?

Aug 8, 2025 Brawley, CA

Answer
Author profile picture
Ross Martin
Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specialized in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross h…

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Hello, Sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, I don't know if I can give much advice, as this is a claims-related question. Claims have their own rules that must be followed. If you had comprehensive coverage on the vehicle, theft would be covered. An adjuster would have to interpret the damages to see what would be paid to you. I wish I could be more help. Good luck and please ask if any other questions arise.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Can my wife get a car insurance policy when both our names are on the title?

Thank you for reaching out to The Zebra!Car insurance can be very confusing, especially when it comes to who is listed on the title and who needs to be listed on the policy. In insurance we want all registered owners of the vehicle to be rated, listed, or excluded on the policy. Rating a driver mea…
Oct 16, 2025 Concord, CA

What happens if my quote for repairs is higher than value of car?

There are several things to think about here. One, it sounds like your vehicle is totaled. The definition of a totaled vehicle varies by state. California is what is called a total loss formula state. This means a vehicle is determined to be a total loss if the cost of repairs (your $7,000) plus th…
Jan 4, 2024 Vallejo, CA

Can a bank add insurance to my loan when I already have insurance?

This sounds like a processing error. Short of that, I would say that this issue is unfortunately too specific to your policy for me to accurately advise. You'll need to contact your loan company as well as the insurance company for further help. If it is an error on the part of the company, they sh…
Mar 18, 2026 Chino, CA

How does fire coverage work in CA?

This is a great question, especially when you’re looking at a company like California Casualty in a high wildfire-risk area.The good news is that most standard homeowners insurance policies, including those from California Casualty, do cover wildfire damage. If your home is destroyed in a fire, the…
Mar 18, 2026 Redding, CA