Whose Hands Hold the Key? Car Theft Accountability in Your Village or Condo!

In a world where vehicles hold immense value and navigating legal battles can be arduous, the last thing anyone wants is to fall victim to car theft. Unfortunately, during economic downturns, incidents of car theft tend to rise, posing an even greater threat to our cherished possessions. But what happens when our car mysteriously disappears from the comfort of our home's parking space or the supposedly secure condominium parking lot? Who bears the responsibility? Fear not, for in this enlightening article, PropertyScout is here to shed light on the matter and help you find the answers you seek. Let's delve into the intricacies of car loss, its impact, and the pursuit of justice in a quest to protect what matters most.

Areas susceptible to car theft

Car theft incidents are not confined to public areas alone. In fact, they frequently occur in familiar surroundings like designated residential parking spaces and the parking lots of apartments, dormitories, and condominiums. These thefts tend to escalate during rainy periods when the pitter-patter of raindrops provides a perfect cover for criminals to execute their plans undetected. Even the presence of security personnel may not guarantee foolproof inspections during such conditions. So, let's now explore what steps we should take when a car goes missing from our home or condominium and how to address the situation.

What to do in case of a car theft at home?

When our personal sanctuary becomes the site of a car theft, the responsibility inevitably rests on the insurance company. After all, the incident occurred within the confines of our own home. In this blog post, we will delve into the specific steps that need to be taken to effectively address such situations. Let's uncover the actions necessary for a swift resolution.

• Remain Calm

In the face of unexpected incidents, maintaining composure is crucial. It's natural to feel shocked and alarmed, but staying mindful and collected offers significant advantages. When you suspect your car is missing, it's essential to conduct a thorough investigation before jumping to conclusions. Did you park your car elsewhere? Did anyone in your family relocate it? Once you've confirmed it's a genuine theft, recollect all the vital details about your vehicle and any valuable items inside. This valuable information will pave the way for the subsequent steps you need to take. Let's delve into the process of regaining control after a home car theft.

• Report to the Police

Usually, there is a dedicated hotline for reporting missing cars, which is the car theft hotline at 1192. Trained officers are available to receive your call, gather preliminary information, and inquire about the essential details. Once you've provided the necessary information to the officers, they will forward the case to the relevant department and initiate the search for your vehicle.

However, while waiting for their response, it is advisable to file a detailed report at your local police station. By providing specific dates, times, and comprehensive details, you establish concrete evidence of the car's disappearance and demonstrate your earnestness in handling the situation. Acting promptly increases the likelihood of a prompt recovery.

• Call Insurance

Once you've reported the incident to the police, make sure to contact your car insurance provider without delay. An insurance representative will collect initial details regarding the missing vehicle to initiate an investigation. If it is determined that your car cannot be recovered, the insurance company will follow the compensation terms outlined in your policy. Thus, the responsibility for a car that goes missing within your home falls on the "insurance company."

What to do in case of a car theft in your condo?

Dealing with a missing car within a condominium complex can be complex when determining accountability. Although it may be tempting to hold the condominium's juristic person responsible for theft-related damages, the reality is often more nuanced. To unravel the situation, it's crucial to delve into the purpose, role, and responsibilities of the condominium's juristic person or building juristic person. Let's delve into these aspects to gain a clearer understanding.

The purpose of the condominium's juristic person is to manage and maintain the common property of the condominium, including shared assets for the collective benefit of the co-owners, such as elevators, escalators, and internal pathways. This responsibility falls under the purview of the management and committee members who oversee the management of the common property.

In this context, it becomes clear that the role of the condominium's juristic person is to safeguard the common property of the condominium, rather than individual personal belongings.

While the condominium's juristic person may have measures in place to oversee personal vehicles within the premises, such as checking vehicle stickers for entry and exit, as well as issuing parking permits, these are control measures to regulate parking usage of common property within the condominium and prevent unauthorized external individuals from accessing it.

However, personal vehicles are considered "personal belongings" of the co-owners within the condominium's juristic person. Therefore, the juristic person is not responsible for ensuring the security of personal belongings, as stated in the Supreme Court Judgment No. 2369/2557.

Furthermore, according to the Condominium Act of 1979, the "building juristic person" is established to manage and maintain the common property of the condominium in accordance with the co-owners' resolutions under the regulations of the Act. Hence, the building juristic person is not responsible for safeguarding personal belongings in any way.

• Who's held accountable for a car loss in a condo?

Now, many people may have questions regarding who would be responsible if such an incident occurs in a condominium. The answer is that the responsibility lies with the security company hired by the project's management. This is because the security company's contractual obligations include safeguarding and protecting the various assets within the project in exchange for compensation. Therefore, if the security company neglects their duties and allows car theft to happen within the condominium, they would be considered negligent and liable for compensating the vehicle owners.

However, if the juristic person has established strict regulations stating that "entry and exit must require a pass card or registration, including providing contact information and desired contact numbers," in such cases, if a car goes missing, the juristic person would share responsibility with the security company.

It's important to note that even though insurance companies or juristic persons may not have direct responsibility, it is crucial to report the incident to the juristic person as a first step. This is the correct and recommended course of action to ensure that the juristic person informs the security company accordingly.

Stay Safe!

In conclusion, the information provided in this article aims to shed light on the actions to take and the parties responsible when a car goes missing in a house or condominium. It is evident that the security measures implemented by the juristic person play a vital role in determining liability in such situations. Hence, it is crucial to carefully consider these aspects when selecting a condominium for residential purposes.

The contract of the condominium project usually outlines specific exemptions from responsibility, clearly defining the project's liability limits or maximum compensation. Consequently, in the event of a missing car within the condominium premises and subsequent legal proceedings, it is more likely that the security company will be held accountable rather than the project itself.

Looking for a safe home or condo with comprehensive care provided by the juristic person for the residents' well-being? Let PropertyScout help you find your dream home today!