The family vehicle is the second most expensive investment most people make next to their homes.
While some progress has been made, auto theft continues to be one of the nation's most costly property crimes, amounting to approximately $7.6 billion annually. In the U.S., a car is stolen every 21 seconds, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports.
The sad part about auto theft is that in the majority of cases, it can be prevented if the driver would take common sense precautions and use an anti-theft device. For example, a recent study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau found that owners of The Club vehicle anti-theft device are four times less likely to become a vehicle theft victim than the average motorist.
A vehicle theft survey designed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau helps motorists to determine how much protection they need depending on where they live and what type of car they drive.
Motorists should complete the survey and compare their total points to the protection guide. They should also ask insurance agents which devices can result in discounts on insurance premiums.
The NICB recommends a "layered" approach to vehicle security utilizing a variety of theft prevention precautions and use of anti-theft devices.
Auto Theft Survey
LOCATION: What is your city's population?
More than 250,000, 8 pts.
250,000-100,001, 6 pts.
100,000-50,001, 4 pts.
50,000-10,001, 2 pts.
Less than 10,000, 0 pts.
STYLE: What type of vehicle do you drive?
Sports Car, 5 pts.
Luxury Car, 4 pts.
Utility Vehicle, 4 pts.
Sedan, 3 pts.
Passenger Van, 1 pts.
Station Wagon, 0 pts.
AGE: How old is your vehicle?
0-5 Years, 2 pts.
6-9 Years, 1 pts.
10+ Years, 0 pts.
BONUS: Add 1 point to your score if you live within 100 miles from an international border or port.
Point Total:
Location _____ Style _____ Age _____ Bonus_____ Total:_____
Protection Guide
1st Layer: Common Sense (0-6 pts):
The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. You should always secure your vehicle, even if parking for brief periods by:
- Taking keys from the ignition
- Locking all doors
- Closing all windows
- Parking in a well-lit area
2nd Layer: Warning Device (7-10 points)
The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected before they attempt to steal it. For example, according to a recent study by the NICB, users of steering wheel locks were four times less likely to become a vehicle theft victim than the average motorists. Popular second layer devices include:
- Steering Wheel Locks
- Car alarms
- Steering column collars
- Theft-deterrent decals
3rd Layer: Immobilizing Device (11-13 points)
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. Others inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. A third category passively immobilizes the vehicle by interrupting the starter, ignition or fuel. Popular third layers include:
- Vehicle Immobilizers
- Electronic Keys
- Fuse Cut-offs
- Starter Disablers
4th Layer: Tracking Systems (14-16 points)
The final layer of protection is a tracking system which emits a signal to a police or monitoring station when the vehicle is reported stolen. Tracking systems are very effective in helping recover stolen vehicles.
