If you are considering buying a new or used vehicle you might want to take a look at the report, particularly if you travel often
Most people would rather have a Mercedes than a Honda, but not so if you are a car thief. Out of the $1million cars that are stolen last year (2008) in the US, more than 55,000 were Honda Accords. This was reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Why? Is it that they are more stylish than their competition – say the Lexus or Mercedes? Is their performance better? Do they have more color choices that the thieves prefer. The answer to these questions is no. The reason for the high theft rate of the Accord is their lack of Anti-theft devises. Without the anti-theft technology it is easy to steal their parts. The most desirable being the catalytic converters, tires, anything containing copper. Toyota runs a close second.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau compiled a list of the 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in the U.S in 2008. Honda’s were on the list in 2008 also.
The top Ten are:
1. 1995 Honda Civic
2. 1989 Toyota Camry*
3. 1991 Honda Accord
4. 1994 Dodge Caravan
5. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 pick-up
6. 1997 Ford F150 pickup
7. 2003 Dodge Ram pick-up
8. 1990 Acura Integra
9. 1988 Toyota pick-up*
10. 1991 Nissan Sentra
.
What is also interesting is the lowest theft claim frequencies:
1. Ford Taurus
2. Pontiac Vibe 4wd
3. Buick LeSabre
4. Buick Park Avenue
The moral of the story is-don’t think that you are safe from theft just because you don’t have a $100,000 car. There is good news! Car theft is on the decline if this years trends hold (NCIC, a division of the FBI).
The FBI states between $ 7 – 8 billion is lost every year due to auto theft. The sad thing is that approximately 58% of the vehicles are recovered.
Declining Theft Rates
With the various technologies now on the market it would make sense for the theft loss rate to decline. Technology such as fuel cut – offs, smart keys, audible devices all contribute to theft prevention. Another tool on the market is a tracking device – Lo Jack. In addition, On Star offers a standard feature in 50 new GM vehicles to decrease theft. The system allows drivers to talk with the company at a central call center for emergency services to directions. Technology will indeed help this expensive loss trend.
How Does this Affect Insurance?
Theft losses are covered under Comprehensive Coverage on your auto insurance policy. The more thefts, the higher the cost of that coverage. Most companies offer a discount on a policies comprehensive coverage if an anti-theft device is present.
Moral of the Story
It isn’t always the most expensive vehicle that is the most desireable. Different people value different things. Just be safe and be careful! To find out how much it would cost to get auto insurance for your car, please fill out a Chicago Auto Insurance quote form.
www.insuringchicago.com/insurance-articles/what-types-of-cars-are-stolen-most/
