In Reid v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. (1985) 173 Cal. App. 3d 557, the auto insurer settled the claim, acquired ownership of the wrecked car, and sold it to an auto body company, which cut it up for parts. Many months later a permissive user injured in the accident sued various parties for product liability, and asked the insurer for access to the already destroyed car. In the absence of a specific timely request, the court concluded the insurer had no duty to preserve it. ( Id. at pp. 580-581.)