Having your automotive stolen is an unlucky actuality for a lot of auto house owners. Automobile theft has been on a gradual rise, with a 28% improve in incidents between 2019 and 2023, per the Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau (NICB).
The excellent news is that the development is reversing. The NICB reported fewer than 1 million auto thefts in 2024, representing the most important lower in car thefts in 40 years.
Whereas automotive thefts are down, there are nonetheless elements that might affect your threat. We’ll cowl these elements, in addition to how elevated theft dangers may lead to larger automotive insurance coverage charges and methods to decrease prices.
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States with the very best, lowest improve in auto thefts
The place you reside issues when it pertains to auto thefts.
Here is a have a look at the 5 states with the biggest improve in theft charges, with all knowledge for these tables supplied by the NICB:
Swipe to scroll horizontallyAreas with the very best auto thefts
#
State
2024 Thefts
2023 Thefts
1
District of Columbia
842.4
1,149.71
2
California
463.21
534.49
3
New Mexico
458.24
489.67
4
Colorado
430.04
583.25
5
Nevada
394.42
572.7
Alternatively, listed here are the 5 areas that had the very best lower in auto thefts final yr:
Swipe to scroll horizontallyAreas with the very best lower in automotive thefts
Rank
State
% Change
1
Washington
-32%
2
Nevada
-31%
3
Oregon
-30%
4
Nebraska
-29%
5
Colorado
-26%
What’s shocking is that there are some states that overlap each classes. Colorado and Nevada are among the many states most vulnerable to automotive theft rings. But, each are witnessing substantial decreases in auto thefts.
In Colorado’s case, all car thefts are felonies, no matter car worth, underneath legislation that went into impact in 2023. The legislation additionally levies stiffer punishments for repeat offenders. In the meantime, Nevada witnessed success by means of enhanced legislation enforcement measures, resembling educating the general public on doing software program updates on their automobiles and issuing free wheel locks to drivers.
The ten most stolen automobiles
Together with the place you reside, the kind of car you drive also can appeal to extra thieves.
Here is a have a look at the ten most stolen automobiles final yr:
Swipe to scroll horizontallyThe 10 most stolen automobiles
Rank
Mannequin
Thefts
1
Hyundai Elantra
48,445
2
Hyundai Sonata
42,813
3
Kia Optima
30,204
4
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
23,721
5
Kia Soul
21,001
6
Honda Accord
20,895
7
Honda Civic
19,858
8
Kia Forte
16,209
9
Ford F150 Collection Pickup
15,852
10
Kia Sportage
15,749
Older fashions of the Hyundai Elantra did not function engine immobilizers. These are anti-theft measures used to thwart automotive thieves from bypassing the automotive’s ignition swap. In the meantime, the Chevy Silverado was one among two pickups to make the listing, as later fashions of them are simple to hotwire and elements stay extraordinarily useful.
Having one among these automobiles can elevate your threat of getting your car stolen. And that might replicate on what you pay in your auto insurance coverage. Two elements underwriters study are your location and the kind of car you drive. When you stay in a high-risk space or drive a automotive vulnerable to theft, it may spike your charges.
It is why it is crucial to buy round a number of weeks earlier than your coverage renews to make sure you’re receiving one of the best deal.
Together with buying round suppliers, one other technique to decrease automotive insurance coverage prices is by putting in anti-theft gear in your automotive.
Behaviors to stop auto theft
Regardless of auto thefts lowering, there are a number of behaviors you’ll want to make use of that’ll cut back your threat of getting your automotive stolen.
Crucial factor is to chorus from leaving something useful in your automotive, resembling cash, keys, high-priced gadgets like electronics or anything that might set off a thief to suppose it is a crime of alternative.
One other technique to deter thieves is by putting in anti-theft measures, resembling a steering wheel lock. As its title implies, it prevents your car from turning, making it a much less fascinating possibility for thieves in search of a fast rating.
Extra refined thieves use relay gadgets to entry your automotive. They aim automobiles with keyless entry programs, the place you can begin your automotive or lock/unlock it with no bodily key.
They will use a sign repeater to detect the important thing fob’s sign. As soon as intercepted, the sign travels to a tool held by the thief, which they’ll use to unlock and begin your automotive.
One good technique to forestall thieves from attaining that is with a Faraday Field. These forestall thieves from accessing the sign out of your key fob. They usually’re extra sturdy than the pouches, which put on down over time.
General, there’s excellent news in that auto thefts are slowing down considerably. Developments in anti-theft measures have made it harder for thieves to entry automobiles.
By using these greatest practices, you may decrease your automotive’s probabilities of being focused by thieves. And also you may earn an insurance coverage low cost within the course of.
