i don't know about this guy, but my own auto policies have a $250 deductible, and full glass coverage, which they've had since i was in college. so, since tfa mentions other things besides the laptop, there may be a significantly larger expenditure on the part of the insurance company (and would be if it had been my car, not that my car would have had a laptop or other valuable electronic equipment in it ripe for stealing). in addition, every time i've had a claim that wasn't my fault, and the insurance company recovered, i've received a check for the amount of my deductible.
so, assuming the insurance company pays out anything, they will make every effort to recover their expenditures. knowing where the guy is will only serve to lessen their expenditures because they don't have to spend as much time tracking the thief down.