Insurance/Ownership Problem

[Western SMT]

Customs agents in California inspecting a shipping container bound for the Netherlands found a 1965 VW van that was stolen from a repair shop in 1974.
The Insurance company paid out at the time and now claims ownership of the now restored $27,000 van.

http://www.examiner.com/x-28599-Crime--Media-Examiner~y2009m11d7-VW-bus-stolen-35-years-ago-finally-recovered

[G-CPTN]

The law is clear (at least if there is only one 'owner' with legal title - in this case the insurance company).
There are cases where people buy stolen vehicles and lose them when the Police do checks. No compensation is available (unless the buyer can trace the seller - and effect a claim).

Caveat emptor, I'm afraid. (Let the buyer beware)