Insurance Information Institute Released Dec. 2009 Auto Theft Stats

Posted in Auto Insurance

December 16th, 2009

One of the Dec. 2009 research and background papers released by the Insurance Information Institute gave details of auto theft in the United States. While the information was released in late 2009, most of the stats come from 2008.

General Auto Theft Information

According to the institute, here are some general information stats regarding auto theft:

• The number of U.S. motor vehicle thefts decreased by 12.7 percent from 2007 to 2008, which was the fifth consecutive annual decrease.
• The value of stolen motor vehicles was $6.4 billion in 2008.
• The average value of a motor vehicle reported stolen was $6,751 in 2008.
• Nationally, more than 75,000 airbags are stolen every year.

Metropolitan Areas with Highest Motor Vehicle Theft Rates

The institute also released the areas of the country with the highest motor vehicle theft rates for 2008, according to an NICB study that was released in April 2009:

• Modesto, CA – 4,235 vehicles stolen (rate: 820.26)
• Laredo, TX – 1,960 vehicles stolen (rate: 827.21)
• Yakima, WA – 1,828 vehicles stolen (rate: 779.32)
• San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA – 22,554 vehicles stolen (rate: 751.53)
• Bakersfield, CA – 5,918 vehicles stolen (rate: 739.33)

Top Most Frequently Stolen Passenger Vehicles

The 2008 top most frequently stolen passenger vehicles were also noted in the report:

• 1994 Honda Accord
• 1995 Honda Civic
• 1989 Toyota Camry
• 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
• 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup

Preventing Auto Theft

Now that you have an idea of the places and vehicles prone to auto theft, let’s take a look at some auto theft prevention tips from Consumer Reports:

• Never leave your vehicle unlocked.
• Avoid leaving your car running unattended – and always take your keys with you.
• Keep your windows closed when you park and leave your vehicle.
• Take your valuables and expensive electronic devices out of plain sight.
• Park in well-lit public places when you run errands and at home.
• Use a car alarm and visual warning devices, such as a blinking like, as deterrents.
• Get smart keys or fuel cut-off systems that leave thieves unable to start the car.

The tips noted that you could also get a GPS tracking device in the event that your vehicle is stolen. This way, the police can track where your car is headed in real time.

What steps do you take to help stop someone from stealing your car?