REDUCING YOUR CHANCES OF MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

Insurance and rental/leasing companies are vital partners with consumers and law enforcement in reducing the number of vehicle thefts every year and decreasing overall losses from vehicle theft.

A MOTOR VEHICLE IS STOLEN EVERY 33 SECONDS IN THE UNITED STATES. The top ten reported stolen vehicles in the US in 2011 are: - Dodge Magnum - Pontiac Grand Prix - Mitsubishi Galant - Chrysler 300 - Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler Pacifica - Chrysler PT Cruise - Hyundai Sonata - Hyundai Azera - Dodge Charger

DID YOU KNOW? 40-50% of vehicle theft is due to driver error. The top two months for vehicle thefts are July and August. Only about 48% of stolen vehicles are recovered.

USE COMMON SENSE WHEN PARKING AND EXITING YOUR VEHICLE. Take your key; don't leave it in or on your vehicle. Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Park in well-lit areas - in a garage, if possible. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and specially in sight.

WE ARE ALL SUSCEPTIBLE TO VEHICLE THEFT. The Fifteen (15) US. States with the most stolen vehicles are: 1. California 2. Florida 3. Texas 4. Illinois 5. Georgia 6. Nevada 7. Maryland 8. N. Carolina 9. Arizona 10. Missouri 11. New Jersey 12. New York 13. Washington 14. Wyoming 15. S. Dakota

THIEVES WANT PARTS AND VALUABLE  ITEMS, TOO. Radios and wheel covers aren't the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren't.Among some of the most popular parts or items left in vehicles are: engine, transmission, air bags, radios, GPS units, iPods, laptops, and purses.In many instances thieves will break into a car if they think there is anything of value therein.