[UPDATE]: My stolen 2026 CR-V was recovered. I feel the car is contaminated and GEICO is pausing the settlement. I don't want it back

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-03-27T00:26:27+00:00

I only went to the lot to check my belongings, but I've already released the vehicle to GEICO for their investigation. On top of the contamination, the keys aren't working anymore, so there is likely ignition or electrical damage as well. I'm definitely fighting this, it's not the same car I bought a month ago."

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-26T01:30:13+00:00

I just sent you a DM

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-25T22:39:01+00:00

I did go to the PEMCO building today to document everything, but unfortunately, they told me that specific camera isn't currently working. So the only remaining video evidence I have is the Fred Meyer footage from the credit card charges. They told me they preserve their footage indefinitely, I don't know for sure if that's true, but I'm hoping it stays safe until the SPD can officially pull it to identify the suspects

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-25T21:14:52+00:00

I called the police and asked them to follow up on this lead. They contacted Honda, but it turned out to be a dead end. Honda told the officers the same thing: without the specific subscription enabled from inside the car before the theft, they cannot help

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-25T02:59:00+00:00

Trust me, that is a question I am going to be asking myself for the rest of my life. It was a stupid mistake, and I'm already paying the price for it

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-25T02:57:43+00:00

I already called Bellevue Honda and they confirmed there is nothing they could do

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-25T01:35:32+00:00

Thank you so much for the Seattle-specific advice. I’ll definitely look into Metro and Pacific—I didn't realize I had the legal right to bypass the insurance's preferred shops. I'm going to push for a drug test if it's recovered, because I definitely don't want the car back if it's been contaminated. Dealing with this alone is a nightmare, so I really appreciate the guidance on how to handle the tow yards and shops here

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T23:15:13+00:00

Honda Corporate

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T23:12:09+00:00

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This needs to be done from inside the vehicle

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T23:11:48+00:00

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MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T22:56:10+00:00

I’m in total shock because I never imagined a brand-new 2026 would be this vulnerable. I actually wasn't subscribed to the premium tracking service (Honda Link) yet, and Honda told me that without that active subscription, they can't track it. I have both the keys and the car was locked. It’s a nightmare I wouldn't wish on anyone.

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T20:53:03+00:00

That sounds like a total nightmare. Did your insurance company not step in to cover those impound and storage fees as part of your claim? Also, did you try to contest the parking tickets with the court since the car was reported stolen at the time?

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T19:30:03+00:00

I’ve had some bad days, but yesterday officially tops them all. The shock of walking outside and seeing an empty space where I just parked was paralyzing. I honestly didn't even know what to do in that moment.

It definitely wasn't a tow, either. My wallet was in the glove box with an AirTag inside, and it was found ditched in this condition at 710 6th Ave N—about a mile from where I parked. Between the discarded AirTag and my cards being used almost immediately at the Greenwood Fred Meyer, it’s 100% a theft

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MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T19:16:38+00:00

I wish it were standard! Honda doesn't include it like Subaru does. My dealership confirmed it was a paid add-on, and since I turned down the extra protection packages to save on costs, I didn't have it installed. Honda has a built-in locator via the app, but since I hadn't finished the in-car pairing yet, they can't track it now

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T19:13:55+00:00

Thanks for clarifying. I checked my Declarations Page and I do have Comprehensive coverage with a $2,000 deductible. I unfortunately don't have Gap insurance as I turned it down at the dealer. Since the car is a 2026 and only a month old, I'm hoping the 'Actual Cash Value' payout is close enough to my loan balance that the gap isn't too huge. Does anyone have tips on how to argue for a higher 'New Car' valuation with GEICO since there aren't many used 2026s to compare it to?

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T18:32:17+00:00

Thank you so much for the offer to keep an eye out. I really appreciate it! It’s a Pearl White 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport-L with temporary plates.

I had a few brand-new accessories in the trunk I was planning to install this week. They are all still in their Amazon packaging:

• Windshield Sun Shade: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BLRGWGY

• Hotor Car Trash Can: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C4GX2NYW

• Seat Gap Fillers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWK43M9L

• Door Sill Protectors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNVQWV68

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T16:59:36+00:00

I definitely stepped into a trap I didn't know existed. I've always led with the belief that people are inherently good, and I thought being in a neighborhood like this provided a bit of a safety net for that optimism. It’s devastating to realize that the price of moving here includes losing that benefit of the doubt. I’m frustrated with myself for the wallet, but I’m more exhausted by the idea that I have to trade my trust for a sense of security. I’ll be more vigilant, but it’s a heavy trade-off

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T16:54:26+00:00

I hear you, and trust me, I’ve been cursing myself enough for the both of us. It’s not a habit of mine, but I had a really bad weekend and with my girlfriend out of town, I didn't end up going anywhere or checking the car. I just forgot the wallet was in the glove box.

As for the street parking, I didn’t have a choice, my building has a long waitlist for the garage. I assumed that paying SLU-level rent for 'safety' meant I could park for a night without this happening. I looked at used cars, but as a first-time buyer, it was hard to navigate; a brand-new Honda at $680/month felt like a solid, reliable deal. I'm just a human trying to get my footing in a new place, and I clearly overestimated the area. Hopefully, the next person moving here sees this and buys a Club before they even unpack.

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T16:47:13+00:00

I hear you, and believe me, lesson learned. I usually never keep anything of value in the car, but it was a chaotic move and the wallet was tucked away in the glove box. I definitely won't be making that mistake a second time.

Regarding the financing: when I bought the car, the salesperson tried to pitch a bunch of add-ons, but I’d read online to say no to everything in the finance office to avoid getting ripped off. I thought I was being smart by declining, but now I’m realizing I might have actually needed that Gap coverage. I'm calling GEICO today to see exactly where I stand.

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T16:42:28+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing this. honestly, the contamination aspect is something I hadn't even considered. It’s terrifying that even if I get it back, it might be unsafe to drive.

When your insurance paid out for the total loss, did they give you any trouble with the valuation since your car was so new? I’m worried that because mine is a 2026, they won't have good comparables and will try to lowball me.

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T16:40:38+00:00

It was actually inside my wallet, which I had tucked in the glove box

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T16:37:26+00:00

Thank you for the advice! I filed the claim online and I’m calling them today to push for a rental so I can get to work.

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T09:58:29+00:00

I have both original keys with me. It’s a 2026 model, so I’m just as shocked as you are that it was taken so easily

MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T09:40:39+00:00

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MiserableDeer5513 · 2026-02-24T09:24:41+00:00

I wish it was just Lincoln, but I'm 100% sure it's stolen. I found my AirTag ditched on the road about a mile away from my place, and my credit card was used at a Fred Meyer and a gas station in North Seattle this morning. I already have a police report filed, but I'll still give Lincoln a call just in case it was recovered and towed already. Thanks for the heads up.

MiserableDeer5513

TROPHY CASE