OT: Side by side stolen from dealership

Find10

New member
Sep 17, 2012
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So, I bring my side by side in for some maintenance (same location I purchased it from). I hadn’t heard from them in about a month so I call and they tell me it’s ready. I get there and they can’t find it. The owner tells me they were broken into a couple of weeks prior. I have had some issues with it, been in the shop 3 or 4 times, bought it brand new and it’s only 2 years old. He tells me if they confirm it’s stolen this may take care of all the problems I have had with it, may get a new one out of this deal. They do confirm it’s stolen.

The owner asks me about a week later if I had insurance and I do not. I ask if this is going to be a problem and he says “I don’t think so.” I get the I always take care of my customers spill. I am waiting on a call from the dealers insurance company. So my question is what are they going to do to try to screw me and what recourse if any do I have?
 

The Peeper

Well-known member
Feb 26, 2008
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Is this one of those dealerships that usually gives you a work order stub or ticket saying they "aren't responsible for loss, damage or theft"? If yes, definitely going to get screwed. If they didn't give that to you or mention it you may have a prayer
 

Boom Boom

Well-known member
Sep 29, 2022
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So, I bring my side by side in for some maintenance (same location I purchased it from). I hadn’t heard from them in about a month so I call and they tell me it’s ready. I get there and they can’t find it. The owner tells me they were broken into a couple of weeks prior. I have had some issues with it, been in the shop 3 or 4 times, bought it brand new and it’s only 2 years old. He tells me if they confirm it’s stolen this may take care of all the problems I have had with it, may get a new one out of this deal. They do confirm it’s stolen.

The owner asks me about a week later if I had insurance and I do not. I ask if this is going to be a problem and he says “I don’t think so.” I get the I always take care of my customers spill. I am waiting on a call from the dealers insurance company. So my question is what are they going to do to try to screw me and what recourse if any do I have?
Good question. I really don't think you'll have trouble with a dealership as opposed to a fly by night shop, but it may be worthwhile to record your next conversation with them and have on the record that it was in their possession and stolen from them.

It's a bit of a red flag that it was "ready" and they didn't call you for over 2 weeks.

I guess the most likely attempted screwing would be to try to tell you that your insurance has to cover it, hoping youll just roll over. Best case for them is if they have some sort of sign or language on paper that says they aren't responsible for belongings or property Yada Yada. If they try it, say no it was in their possession, it's their responsibility, by law, and you'll sue if you have to, including all lawyer fees and rental fees. They'll probably cave pretty quick but tell you'll they'll "process" it, but I would add on and tell them since they tried to screw you they now can pay for past rental fees and every day going forward until a full check is in your hand.

ETA: explain to them that language about not responsible for theft applies to belongings left in your vehicle. Not the vehicle itself. They know, they're just seeing if you do. Say "this is my last conversation with you, the next one will be with my lawyer".
 
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Find10

New member
Sep 17, 2012
25
6
3
Is this one of those dealerships that usually gives you a work order stub or ticket saying they "aren't responsible for loss, damage or theft"? If yes, definitely going to get screwed. If they didn't give that to you or mention it you may have a prayer
I did not receive any paperwork or sign anything when I brought it in. They are a locally owned company and have been around a long time. I did not feel the need to insure it, always keep it locked up in the shop and have a security system. We’ll see.
 

kb549

Member
Oct 6, 2014
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call your insurance agent and find out if your homeowners insurance covers it. If so, let them fight with the company’s insurance. If your policy doesn’t cover it, I would let him know it’s going to cost him a lot in legal fees and bad publicity
 
Aug 23, 2012
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So, I bring my side by side in for some maintenance (same location I purchased it from). I hadn’t heard from them in about a month so I call and they tell me it’s ready. I get there and they can’t find it. The owner tells me they were broken into a couple of weeks prior. I have had some issues with it, been in the shop 3 or 4 times, bought it brand new and it’s only 2 years old. He tells me if they confirm it’s stolen this may take care of all the problems I have had with it, may get a new one out of this deal. They do confirm it’s stolen.

The owner asks me about a week later if I had insurance and I do not. I ask if this is going to be a problem and he says “I don’t think so.” I get the I always take care of my customers spill. I am waiting on a call from the dealers insurance company. So my question is what are they going to do to try to screw me and what recourse if any do I have?
It all boils down to the dealership having been negligent in their custody of your property, IE was it inside in a locked secure building? or something similar. Was stored in a secure location that a reasonable man would feel it was safe from theft and damage. If so, you will probably be denied
 

Moondawgg

Active member
Sep 30, 2022
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Seems fishy. Sounds like an employee (or former) probably jacked it.

You're definitely gonna get screwed. In the meantime some jackass has been ripping around on the weekends pounding Keystones, hacking darts, and using your ride to bang mud crickets.
 
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Find10

New member
Sep 17, 2012
25
6
3
Seems fishy. Sounds like an employee (or former) probably jacked it.

You're definitely gonna get screwed. In the meantime some jackass has been ripping around on the weekends pounding Keystones, hacking darts, and using your ride to bang mud crickets.
Multiple items were stolen; large mowers, compressors, big items. All new stuff except my side by side.
 

jethreauxdawg

Well-known member
Dec 20, 2010
9,041
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I reached out to my cousin, but he’s already locked up. Not him this time. Sorry I can’t help with this one.
 

greenbean.sixpack

Well-known member
Oct 6, 2012
7,115
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1. As you report having problems with it in the first two years, curious as to if it is a Ranger, Pioneer, Defender, Mule, etc?

2. I don't blame you for not calling them out by name, but do you mind telling us what county the dealership is in (or at least what part of the state)?

3. I have a 2020 SxS (cost a little less than $20k off the lot) and Progressive covers it for less than $300/year. I do understand your point about it being locked up, so no judgement.
 

patdog

Well-known member
May 28, 2007
50,558
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Seems like the dealerships garage keepers insurance would have you covered.
Yep. Whether he says he's responsible or not, he's definitely got some responsibility if it's in his shop for repairs. May be time for One Call That's All.
 

Find10

New member
Sep 17, 2012
25
6
3
1. As you report having problems with it in the first two years, curious as to if it is a Ranger, Pioneer, Defender, Mule, etc?

2. I don't blame you for not calling them out by name, but do you mind telling us what county the dealership is in (or at least what part of the state)?

3. I have a 2020 SxS (cost a little less than $20k off the lot) and Progressive covers it for less than $300/year. I do understand your point about it being locked up, so no judgement.
I don’t want to put too much information out there as this is still ongoing.

Not sure if PM is an option on the new site or not.