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2009 Top 10 Most Stolen Cars
Is Your Car On the "Most Stolen" List?
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
1995 Honda Civic
1989 Toyota Camry
1997 Ford F150 Series
2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
2000 Dodge Caravan
1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
1994 Acura Integra
1999 Ford Taurus
2002 Ford Explorer
Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau. 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.
