Have you ever wondered if your car is more likely to be stolen than others?
With vehicle thefts increasing by 8% in 2021 compared to 2020, it’s a fair question to ask.
Most people think that only older cars can be stolen because of new anti-theft technology and devices.
However, some 2020 car models are among the most commonly stolen vehicles, and pickup trucks are the most popular vehicle types.
Older cars are popular with thieves because their parts have more value and are easier to steal.
Older cars can be protected with steering wheel locks and upgraded security systems.
And with older cars, owner complacency is often a factor when they are stolen.
But more recent models are also frequently stolen.
Modern alarm and anti-theft systems might make it more challenging to steal them, but when they are stolen, it is simple to sell them again or even send them abroad.
Below we will look at the most commonly stolen cars in America and some things you can do to prevent theft.
Top Ten List of Most Commonly Stolen Cars
According to the study, in the US in 2021, the most commonly stolen cars were:
▪ 2004 Chevrolet Full-Size Pickup
▪ 2006 Ford Pickup (Full Size).
▪ 2000 Honda Civic.
▪ 1997 Honda Accord.
▪ 2007 Toyota Camry.
▪ 2005 GMC Pickup (Full Size).
▪ 2020 Nissan Altima.
▪ 2000 Honda CR-V.
▪ 2018 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.
▪ 2020 Toyota Corolla.
Ways to Protect Your Car From Being Stolen
Due to the dramatic increase in vehicle thefts in past years, there are simple things you should do to help prevent your car from being stolen.
- Keep your doors locked.
- Keep your windows completely rolled up.
- Keep valuable personal property out of sight and in the trunk of your car.
- Park your vehicle in well-lit areas, so it’s not an easy target for thieves
- Always remove keys from the ignition or keep your fob with you
- Turn on your car’s security and alarm system when parked
It’s a good idea to check with your neighborhood insurance provider to see which cars are most likely to be stolen before you purchase one.
You should also consider installing warning, immobilizing, and tracking devices.
And if your car is stolen, you must report it immediately.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, cars reported stolen within 24 hours had a 34% recovery rate in 2021.
What You Need To Do If Your Car Was Stolen
Having your car stolen can be overwhelming.
Knowing what to do immediately after will help make a recovery easier.
Again, you must report your car as stolen to the authorities and your insurer as soon as possible.
The longer it takes to report the theft, the lower your chances of recovering your vehicle.
Luckily, auto insurance policies with comprehensive coverage will generally cover your stolen car.
If you ever have your car stolen, try to stay calm and follow the steps below.
Call the police and file a report: Contact law enforcement immediately after you realize your vehicle has been stolen and inform them of the details. Tell them the color, license plate, make and model year, and any distinguishing features it may have.
Call your insurer: Call your auto insurance provider and tell them your vehicle was stolen. Notifying them can protect you if your stolen vehicle causes property damage or injuries. Ensure all the necessary details are on hand to expedite the process.
Call your leasing or financing company: If you’re making payments on your car, contact them with details of the theft. They will likely contact your insurance company directly so your insurer can pay for the claims.
Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Let the DMV know your vehicle has been stolen. This is essential because they have a database of stolen cars.
Check the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) VINCheck: If the NICB or its partner agencies find your vehicle, it will be reported on VINCheck. So check your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) on this tool regularly in case it gets recovered.
How To Make Sure You Don’t Buy A Stolen Car
You also never want to be in a situation where you’re buying a stolen car.
You must be vigilant, especially if you’re considering one of the car models in this ranking.
Many stolen cars end up dismantled for parts, but not all stolen cars meet this fate.
Do some research and use your best judgment.
If you’re buying from a used car dealer, check their complaints history with the Better Business Bureau.
If you’re buying from an individual seller, it’ll be harder to assess their reputability, but use your gut instinct.
You can also do a couple more things to protect yourself from purchasing a stolen vehicle.
Every vehicle has a Vehicle Identification Number that acts as a car’s unique fingerprint.
The VIN should be visible through the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Verify that the VIN hasn’t been reported lost or stolen using the NICB’s VinCheck tool.
But sometimes, running the VIN through a database is not enough.
Some car thieves remove the VIN number and install a new VIN in its place.
The new VINs are legitimate and come from a similar make and model vehicle.
Car thieves acquire the new VIN numbers by copying a valid VIN from a similar make and model and installing new VIN plates into the stolen vehicle.
Ensure the VIN label is securely attached to your car, with no loose corners.
This could be a sign of tampering.
Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys For Legal Help
The legal team at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is dedicated to helping others. We are sharing important information that may affect the lives of Amercians. Cars are an important part of everyday living for many people. It’s how they get to and from work, school, and other activities. When your car is stolen or damaged in an accident, it can be a difficult and stressful time. If your car was damaged in an accident, call our car accident lawyers today for a free consultation. You may be eligible for compensation.
References:
https://news.yahoo.com/car-safe-10-cars-most-120000787.html
https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/most-stolen-cars-in-america/
https://insurify.com/insights/updated-2020-the-10-most-stolen-cars-in-america/
