Blog

The latest news about the insurance industry

Everything You Need to Know About Car Theft & Auto Insurance

By Insurance Blog
August 14, 2019

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there was a a 9.2 percent increase in car thefts from 2019 to 2020, reversing two years of auto theft declines. That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself and your automobile. Today, we’ll cover the most stolen cars, what you need to know to prevent your car from being stolen, what you should do if your vehicle is stolen, and what’s likely covered by your Auto insurance.

What are the Most Stolen Cars?

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, The Honda Civic and the Honda Accord are the top two most frequently stolen cars among all model years, followed by Ford and Chevrolet full-sized Pickups, Toyota Camrys, Nissan Altimas, Toyota Corollas, Dodge and GMC full-sized Pickups, and Chevy Impalas. Many of these stolen vehicles are older models with less sophisticated anti-theft systems. The ten most frequently stolen vehicles 2017 model year vehicles are Nissan Altimas, Toyota Camrys, GMC full-sized Pickups, Hyundai Elantras, Ford Fusions, Ford full-sized Pickups, Ram Pickups, Toyota Corollas, GMC Savanas, and Hyundai Sonatas. If you have one of these cars, it might make sense to take extra security measures.

What are the Best Ways to Prevent Car Theft?

Looking for the best ways to prevent car theft? These tips could help!

· Always lock your car, even while you’re driving

· Never leave your keys in your car while you’re not in it

· Don’t leave your car running while unattended, even during the winter

· Don’t leave valuables in the car, especially not in plain view

· Install anti-theft systems; some even come with Auto insurance discounts

· Park in well-lit, heavily trafficked areas

· Etch your cars VIN number into the windows

· Don’t leave your vehicle title in the car, or if you do, keep it in a secret location

What to do When Your Car is Stolen?

If your car is stolen, there are two important steps you should take as soon as possible: filing a police report and filing an insurance claim.

Filing a Police Report

If your car is stolen, you should file a police report as soon as possible. While only about 46% of stolen cars are recovered, reporting a stolen vehicle within 24 hours can help improve the chances of recovering your stolen car. Here’s what the police will likely want to know:

· Your vehicle’s VIN number and license plate number

· The year, make, & model of your car

· The place & estimated time of theft

· Any identifying marks on the car (i.e. scratches, dents, bumper stickers)

Filing an Insurance Claim

Once you’ve spoken to the police, you’ll want to file a claim with your agent or insurance carrier. While your trusted insurance agent will walk you through the process, here are the types of information that might be requested.

· Certificate of Title for the vehicle

· Key location (before & after theft)

· Names & numbers of everyone with access to the vehicle

· A list of personal property in the stolen vehicle

· An in-depth description of the vehicle (i.e. mileage, options, service records, etc.)

Does Auto Insurance Cover a Stolen Car?

The short answer? It depends on your coverage. Typically, comprehensive Auto insurance covers the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your car, minus the deductible amount. Some policies include Rental Car Reimbursement, which could cover certain rental costs incurred while your claim is being processed. If you had valuable personal items in your car, such as a mobile phone or laptop, you may be eligible to file an independent Homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance claim, as these items will not be included in the ACV of the car.

Have additional questions? Contact your trusted insurance agent today. In the meantime, check out our Insurance Blog, where we cover everything from the 5 major types of Auto insurance to teen driver safety tips for parents.

The content available via Grange.com is for informational purposes only and may not be used for any other purpose. Content provided or expressed on Grange.com, including that of third parties, may not reflect Grange Insurance Association’s (GIA) policies or conform to any agreement you may have with GIA and its subsidiary companies. Please contact a licensed insurance agent to obtain particular advice.

Related Posts

Why Car Insurance Total Loss Claims are on the Rise

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Cyber Attacks?

Questions to Ask Your Agent During Your Auto Insurance Policy Review