Does publishing a notice of vehicle loss in the newspaper count as a proof of destruction?
2 Answers
Publishing a notice of vehicle loss in the newspaper does not count as a proof of destruction. Here are the relevant regulations regarding proof of destruction: 1. Proof of vehicle destruction due to natural disasters: A certificate issued by government departments at the level of streets, towns, or above in the area where the natural disaster occurred, confirming that the vehicle was destroyed due to the natural disaster. 2. Proof of vehicle destruction due to fire: A certificate issued by the fire department of the public security bureau at or above the county level in the area where the fire occurred, confirming that the vehicle was destroyed due to the fire. 3. Proof of vehicle destruction due to traffic accidents: A certificate issued by the traffic management department of the public security bureau at or above the county level in the area where the traffic accident occurred, confirming that the vehicle was destroyed due to the traffic accident.
My car was stolen last year, and at the time, I panicked and quickly placed a lost ad in the local newspaper, thinking that would serve as proof the car was gone. Later, I realized that placing an ad is just a way to report the loss, not an official certificate of loss. The actual certificate of loss requires obtaining a case certificate from the public security authorities, which they issue only after filing and investigating the case. When I took the newspaper record to the police station, they told me it was only supplementary evidence and that I had to complete the formal procedures for it to be used in insurance claims or vehicle deregistration. It took me two or three days to sort it all out. My advice is that if your car is stolen, report it to the police immediately—don’t just place an ad—to prevent someone else causing an accident with your car and leaving you liable. Play it safe and handle it properly as soon as possible.
