Stolen vehicle owners could reclaim vehicles without recovery fees

Recovering entities must release covered stolen vehicles to the owner or the owner's representative when shown a police report. This applies to vehicles stolen through robbery, theft by unlawful taking, or unauthorized use. The report must verify that the vehicle was reported stolen. The entity must release the vehicle immediately, but only during normal business hours on normal business days.

Recovering entities may not charge covered victims recovery or storage costs, fines, or fees. This applies to victims of robbery of a motor vehicle, theft by unlawful taking when the property is a vehicle, or unauthorized use of a vehicle. The prohibition covers recovery and storage by public or private entities. No extra charge applies while law enforcement or another investigating authority asks the entity to keep the vehicle for an investigation.

A public entity must return or arrange return of a stolen vehicle to the owner's residence or storage at no cost. This duty applies to a public entity holding a stolen vehicle. The owner's documented residence must be more than 30 miles from where the vehicle is held. The public entity may keep the vehicle for an investigation, and the owner may retrieve it.

A victim may apply to the department for reimbursement from the Victims of Vehicle Theft Protection Fund. A victim whose protections under this subchapter were violated may apply. The fund may reimburse fees paid in violation of the fee ban or replacement costs if ownership was unlawfully transferred. Fee reimbursement is limited to the amount paid; replacement reimbursement is capped at 50% of the vehicle's fair market value. Awards are made in application order as money is available, and the department will set claim requirements. The department must award compensation in the order applications are received, as fund money is available.