Find Out If Your Car Is On the "Most Stolen" List and How it Affects Your Car Insurance Rates

As we all know, there are many factors that influence how much we pay for car insurance. A major consideration for car insurance providers is whether your car is on the "Most Stolen" list. If your car happens to be on the frequently stolen list, chances are your insurance rates will go up.

10 Most Stolen Cars
1 1991 Honda Accord
2 1995 Honda Civic
3 1989 Toyota Camry
4 1994 Dodge Caravan
5 1994 Nissan Sentra
6 1997 Ford F150 Series
7 1990 Acura Integra
8 1986 Toyota Pickup
9 1993 Saturn SL
10 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau. 2005 NICB

 

Non-profit organizations like the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) track the number of stolen vehicles in America.

Is Your Car On The List? You Can Still Protect It!

There are still a number of things you can do to protect your vehicle. The NICB recommends using the "layers of protection" to safeguard your vehicle from thieves.

Layer #1 - Common Sense

An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use. The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves.

Layer #2 - Warning Device

The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. These include audible alarms, steering column collars, steering wheel locks, brake locks, and wheel locks.

Layer #3 - Immobilizing Device

The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular third layer devices include smart keys, fuse cut-offs, kill switches and starter/ignition and fuel disablers.

Layer # 4 - Tracking Device

The final layer of protection is a tracking device which emits a signal to a police or monitoring station when the vehicle is reported stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

A great way to save money on your car insurance is to shop around for the lowest rate. A fast and easy way to do this is to use InsWeb's on-line questionnaire. All you have to do is answer some questions, then, insurance companies will contact YOU with their best quotes.