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Stolen Car Runs a Red Light in Ridley Township and Hits an SUV: Who Pays When the Driver Took the Car?

By AutoInsuranceBundle.pro · Published October 29, 2026

Ordinarily, if another driver runs a red light and hits you, you file a claim with their insurer. But what if the car that hit you was stolen? A crash in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, this week shows why that changes the picture.

The crash on MacDade Boulevard

Shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, a green Saturn station wagon that Springfield police said had been reported stolen from Chester was heading south on Swarthmore Avenue in Ridley Township. According to The Delaware County Daily Times, the car went through a red light and struck an SUV traveling east on MacDade Boulevard. Springfield officers had briefly pursued the vehicle earlier, but the pursuit had been called off before the crash.

Two passengers in the struck SUV were taken to a hospital for minor injuries. Video from the scene showed the SUV with extensive front-end damage and its airbags deployed. The stolen car kept going and rolled onto its side behind a credit union on MacDade Boulevard. Both occupants were taken into custody, one after walking away from the scene. Police said the driver will be charged with receiving stolen property and other offenses; charges are allegations until proven in court.

Source: 2 injured, 2 arrested after stolen vehicle crash in Ridley Twp., The Delaware County Daily Times, October 29, 2026. Basic facts are summarized from that report; this explainer is our own writing.

Why a stolen car is different for insurance

Auto insurance generally follows the car: the owner's policy usually covers people who drive it with permission. A thief doesn't have permission. So in most cases, the stolen car's owner's liability coverage won't pay for the damage the thief causes. The owner, who is also a victim, is typically not liable either.

The thief may have no insurance of their own, and even if they do, many policies exclude coverage for vehicles used without a reasonable belief of permission.

That usually leaves the people who were hit relying on their own coverage.

How Pennsylvania drivers typically get paid

First-party medical benefits

Pennsylvania requires every auto policy to include first-party medical benefits of at least $5,000, which pay medical bills regardless of fault. Many drivers buy more. Passengers often claim under their own household's policy first, depending on the state's priority rules.

Uninsured motorist coverage

If the at-fault driver has no applicable liability coverage, which is often the case with a stolen car, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can pay for injuries, up to your limits. In Pennsylvania, insurers must offer UM and UIM, but you can reject them in writing. Check whether you did. Our guide on being hit by an uninsured driver explains UM and stacking.

Collision for your vehicle

Pennsylvania UM coverage generally applies to injuries, not your car. Damage to your vehicle is usually paid by your collision coverage, minus the deductible. If you carry liability only, you may have no coverage for your car in this situation, other than suing the thief.

Limited tort vs. full tort

Pennsylvania drivers choose between limited tort and full tort. Limited tort costs less but restricts your right to sue for pain and suffering unless your injury is serious under the law, with some exceptions. Full tort keeps that right. People hit by drivers they can't collect from often only realize the trade-off after a crash. Ask your agent which you have.

Minimum liability limits in Pennsylvania are $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

What to do if you're hit by a fleeing or stolen vehicle

1. Call 911 and stay put. Don't follow the other car.
2. Tell police everything you saw: the vehicle, the direction, how many people were inside.
3. Get the police report number. It will document that the vehicle was stolen.
4. Notify your insurer quickly. UM claims can have notice requirements.
5. Get medical treatment and keep records.
6. Photograph your vehicle and the scene, including signals.
7. Ask your insurer about criminal restitution. Courts may order a convicted defendant to pay restitution, though collecting can be slow.

If your car is the one that was stolen

Comprehensive coverage typically pays for theft and damage to your own car while it's stolen, minus your deductible. Report the theft to police and your insurer right away. Prompt reporting helps establish that you didn't give permission if the thief causes a crash.

Common mistakes

• Rejecting UM coverage to save money. It's the main protection when the at-fault driver can't pay.
• Choosing limited tort without understanding it.
• Waiting for the criminal case before filing an insurance claim. The two run separately.
• Assuming the stolen car's owner will pay.

Make sure you're covered when someone else breaks the law

A crash with a stolen or fleeing car shows how much depends on your own policy. A licensed agent can explain UM, collision, medical benefits, and tort options and compare quotes for you. Call (888) 217-5854.

FAQ

Does the owner's insurance cover a crash caused by someone who stole their car?

Usually not, because the thief didn't have permission. Victims often rely on their own uninsured motorist and collision coverage.

Does uninsured motorist coverage apply if the car was stolen?

Often, yes. A stolen vehicle without applicable liability coverage is frequently treated as uninsured for UM purposes. Policy wording and state law vary.

What's the difference between limited and full tort in Pennsylvania?

Limited tort lowers your premium but restricts lawsuits for pain and suffering unless the injury is serious. Full tort preserves that right.

Will my rates go up if a stolen car hit me?

Not-at-fault claims are generally treated differently from at-fault crashes. Many states, Pennsylvania included, limit surcharges for crashes you didn't cause; ask your insurer how it applies its rules.

Important: This article is general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice, and coverage rules vary by state, insurer, and policy. AutoInsuranceBundle.pro is a free, independent insurance comparison and referral service. We are not an insurance company, we do not issue policies, and we do not provide insurance advice. Calls to the number on this site are routed to licensed insurance agents or agencies in our partner network, who may receive compensation. Calling is completely voluntary and there is no obligation to buy. Rates, discounts, and availability vary by carrier, state, and individual eligibility; not all carriers, products, or discounts are available in all states. Calls may be recorded for quality and compliance purposes.