US Auto Theft Hot Spots

According to recent reports, there are over 2,000 cars stolen everyday. This number may seem pretty high at first glance, but auto theft has been on a decline over the past six years.

An FBI preliminary semi-annual crime report suggests that auto theft may have dropped by 18% from 2008, due to 83% of the Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) reporting lower auto theft numbers in 2009. The FBI will release their official figures in the fall once all of the data has been compiled.

Even though the FBI data is not yet available, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) just released the 2009 Auto Theft Hot Spots, identifying the top 10 highest Auto Theft Metropolitan Areas. The NCIB report examines vehicle theft data obtained from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for each of the nation’s MSAs. Laredo, Texas took this year’s top spot leapfrogging last year’s number 1, Modesto, California. The full 2009 Top 10 US Metropolitan Auto Theft Hot Spots are:

• Laredo, TX
• Modesto, CA
• Bakersfield, CA
• Stockton, CA
• Fresno, CA
• Yakima, WA
• San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, CA
• Visalia/Porterville, CA
• Las Vegas/Paradise, NV
• Albuquerque, NM

If you live in one of these or just wanted to make sure you are protected. The NCIB recommends a “layered approach” to prevent auto theft. First, Common Sense is the best and easiest way to prevent auto theft. Make sure you park in a well-lit area, lock your car doors, valuables are not visible to passers-by and always remove your keys from the ignition.

Next is to install an Anti-Theft Device. Today, an anti-theft device comes standard on most vehicles, but if yours does not, going out and purchasing one could be a great investment. Third on the NCIB’s list is to utilize Immobilizing Devices. These devices can prevent thieves from hot-wiring your vehicle by stopping the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine. Some common devices include smart keys, kill switches or starter, ignition and fuel pump disablers. Lastly the NCIB recommends to install a Tacking Device. Tracking devices such as LoJack are extremely effective in helping recover the stolen vehicles and fighting Auto Theft.

LoJack and similar devices use a hidden transmitter to allow police to track the vehicle. LoJack itself operates in 26 states and the District of Columbia and claims to have a 90 percent recovery rate. Not only are tracking systems extremely effective in the recovery of stolen vehicles, but some insurers will also offer a discount for installing these devices.

Along with these prevention tips, auto insurance policyholders should review their auto insurance policy. Auto theft is usually covered under the comprehensive section of your auto insurance policy. The comprehensive coverage is not mandatory but covers full auto and component theft. Air bag theft alone costs insurers and car owners more than $50 million a year. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that approximately 75,000 air bags are stolen each year. Other sought after items amongst thieves are GPS units, Xenon headlights and catalytic converters.

Comprehensive coverage also adds piece-of-mind with coverage against fire, vandalism and weather-related damage such as earthquakes or flooding. So If you live in one of these Hot Spots, own a car that has one of the sought after items or live in an area that may be affected by earthquakes or flooding, comprehensive coverage may pay off in the long run.

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