Stolen car from airport was only the beginning of an Atlanta man’s ordeal

In June 2024, Josh Peresta parked his Infiniti Q50 at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, but upon returning from his trip, he discovered it had been stolen. After traffic cameras tracked the vehicle, Peresta filed a claim with Geico, which initially agreed to a settlement of $35,000 for the total loss. However, the situation took a turn when the Florida State Patrol found the car, leading Geico to cancel the settlement and leaving Peresta responsible for two car payments and insurance costs. Frustrated, he reached out to Atlanta News First Investigates, which prompted Geico to take a closer look at his case. Following this intervention, Geico reversed its earlier decision and reinstated the original settlement, offering Peresta nearly $39,000 in total.

The incident highlights a troubling trend, with Atlanta police reporting 161 car thefts from airport parking in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. Peresta expressed relief at the resolution, noting the stress and sleepless nights the ordeal caused him. The story serves as a reminder of the risks associated with airport parking and the importance of consumer advocacy.