Auto Theft Numbers are Down, But Precaution is on the Upswing

Last year was the fifth consecutive year that vehicle theft rates dropped in the United States. And while the final  numbers haven’t been reported yet, it appears that the decline in 2008 will represent the greatest decline in decades.

This is great news for auto owners, but it hasn’t come easy. Great strides have been taken by the insurance industry, law enforcement and auto manufacturers to help reduce motor vehicle thefts around the country.

In a recent press release about auto theft the Insurance Information Institute (III) reported that a drop in auto insurance rates can be contributed to this decline which is great news for auto insurance policy holders as well.

Comprehensive car insurance coverage is the portion of an auto insurance policy that protects drivers against theft. This is an optional coverage, however, and is not always included in a basic auto insurance policy.  Comprehensive coverage may add some additional cost onto a the premium of a basic policy, however, increasing deductibles and applying for car insurance discounts can make this vital car insurance coverage more affordable.

“The downward trend in vehicle theft rates is encouraging and shows that motorists are protecting themselves by locking their cars and removing valuable items from view,” said Frank Scafidi, Director of Public Affairs for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). “Technology also plays a big part. Manufacturers are building cars that are harder to steal. And bait cars, which lure thieves, are also having an effect,” he added. “Law enforcement can now apprehend and convict the most active auto thieves and put them away for a long time.”

The III reccomends these three devices for motorists who want to help prevent motor vehicle theft:

• Warning Device- like a visible and audible alarm
• Immobolizing Devices- such as a “kill switch” or fuel-cutoff 
• Tracking Devices- GPS systems to pin point your vehicle