Facts About Stolen Cars, Trucks & SUVs... How To Protect Yourself Fom Auto Theft

Did you know that every 24 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States? The odds of a vehicle being stolen were 1 in 186 in 2002 (latest data available). The odds are highest in urban areas.

Most Stolen Cars By City

Those who think that a car's more likely to get boosted in the Big Apple or other major cities should definitely think again. The FBI's Uniform Crime Report statistics reveal that, during the first half of 2003 versus the same period in 2002, the greatest increase in car theft did not occur in most major metropolitan areas. Rather, suburban areas had the greatest increase in thefts, with most major cities and rural areas experiencing decreases, unless such locales were near a port or border crossing. (Ports and border towns tend to host well-established rings of professional car thieves, since it's easier to move stolen goods.)

According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) study (http://www.nicb.org/public/newsroom/whereismycar/index.cfm) released in June 2003, nine of the top 10 US metropolitan areas for vehicle theft in 2002 are in or near ports or communities with easy access to Mexican or Canadian borders, as shown below:

1. Phoenix, Arizona
2. Fresno, California
3. Modesto, California
4. Stockton-Lodi, California
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
6. Miami, Florida
7. Sacramento, California
8. Oakland, California
9. Seattle, Washington
10. Tacoma, Washington

Regionally, the West suffered the greatest increase in motor vehicle theft, while the Northeast experienced the greatest decrease. A Camry driver in Fort Collins, Colorado may actually be more likely to find her car stolen than a sports car driver in New York City. Here are the most stolen cars by state.

Most Stolen Cars By Make

Many drivers believe that thieves only target expensive cars, or that thefts occur only in large cities. However, such beliefs are mistaken. For example, in 2002, the most commonly stolen vehicles were Toyota Camrys with model years dating from 1989 to 1991. Following the Camry were the 2000 Honda Civic and 1994 Honda Accord. The average value of motor vehicles reported stolen in 2002 was $6,701, compared with $6,646 in 2001.

Next on the list of most stolen vehicles by make and model is the 1992 Chevy Full-Size CK Pickup Truck, followed by the 1997 Ford Full-Size Pickup Truck (150/250/350), and the 1993 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.

One reason for these vehicles being the most frequently stolen is the high demand for their parts which are either no longer manufactured or are too difficult or expensive to obtain. In some areas of the country, these parts are in high demand by "tuners" and "street racers". Another reason for these particular makes and models being so frequently stolen is that they are very popular vehicles that have been sold in the U.S. for a long time, therefore, there are simply more of them available to steal.

In fact, when the numbers are adjusted to reflect the actual number of vehicles on the road (http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/lists/car_theft/), the Cadillac Escalade SUV turns out to be the most commonly stolen. Other 4WD vehicles frequently stolen include:

• Jeep Wrangler
• Lincoln Navigator
• Dodge Ram
• Ford Expedition

What You Can Do To Protect Your Vehicle

According to Esurance, drivers should follow these tips to make sure that vehicles remain secure and undamaged:

• Keep your keys with you and lock your vehicle at all times.
  One out of every five stolen cars is taken with the keys in it. Half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.
• Don't leave your vehicle running.
  Never leave your car running unless you're in the driver's seat.
• Park in well-lit, attended areas.
  Lights and people will deter most car thieves and vandals.
• Keep your vehicle's windows and sunroofs completely closed.
  Even a minuscule opening in a car window can provide enough room for thieves to work their way in.
• Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle, especially in visible areas.
  Keep bags and packages out of sight and make sure things like stereo equipment are theft protected.
• Use theft-prevention devices.
  Car alarms (particularly when the vehicle is marked as being alarmed) help deter theft. Steering wheel locks, protective steering columns, and car-disabling locks for the ignition, fuel, and other systems make it more difficult for a thief to drive away. Tracking systems, which help the police locate a vehicle if it is stolen, improve the chances of recovery.

Did you know that vehicles fitted with anti-theft devices are also typically eligible for auto insurance discounts? While certain anti-theft features cost money at the outset, drivers will save on auto insurance because of lower rates and/or discounts for certain equipment. When considering the costs and benefits of buying anti-theft features, drivers should get an online auto insurance quote to see how those affect the cost of insurance.

Sources: Esurance (http://www.esurance.com/learningcenter/insights.asp)
National Insurance Crime Bureau (http://www.nicb.org/public/newsroom/whereismycar/index.cfm)