When it comes to crime, what get the most attention are violent crimes – these include murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. However, property crimes are actually more prevalent in the United States. The FBI gave an estimate of $14.3 billion loss to property crimes in 2015. Considered property crimes are larceny-theft, burglary, arson, and motor vehicle theft. Among these, motor vehicle theft is considered to be the most expensive, costing about $7000 per crime in 2015.
The FBI defines motor vehicle as a self-propelled vehicle that runs on land surfaces and not on rails. Sports utility vehicles, trucks, automobiles, buses, motorcycles, motor scooters, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles are all considered motor vehicles. As for motor vehicle theft, the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting defines it as the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
In 2016, there were about 765,484 motor vehicle thefts nationwide, with a rate of 236.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. Below are the top ten states with the most number of motor vehicle thefts in 2016, according to FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports:
- California – 176,576
- Texas – 69,056
- Florida – 43,135
- Washington – 32,286
- Georgia – 26,801
- Michigan – 20,176
- Illinois – 19,910
- Ohio – 19,667
- Colorado – 19,611
- Arizona – 18,421
Insurance Coverage
- In case of damages resulting from a break-in, your comprehensive insurance can cover repair costs for broken door locks, broken ignition system, and smashed windows.
- If your car was stolen, coverage depends on the type of car insurance you have. If you have comprehensive insurance, the value of your vehicle will be covered.
- Personal items stolen from your vehicle will not be covered by your car insurance – comprehensive or otherwise. Car insurance only covers the features and components of your car that are permanent and pre-installed.
How to prevent motor vehicle theft
- Avoid leaving your vehicle in a parking lot for a long time. If possible, park in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic.
- Do not leave your vehicle running unattended.
- When leaving your car, make sure you lock all doors, windows, and the trunk. Do these even when you’re leaving the car for just a moment.
- Do not leave your keys with car park employees or in car wash services.
- Do not put your name and address on your keys. Instead, mark them with your business name and driver’s license number.
- Remove your registration documents from your car. This is to make it difficult for the thieves to sell it at the black market.
- At home, do not leave your keys lying around on tables, desks, or key hooks.
What to do in case of a car theft
- Report the theft as soon as possible. In most cases, stolen vehicles are used for criminal activities.
- Make sure you have the following information about your car handy: year, make/model, license plate, color, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), radio number and GPS number. Remember your car’s distinguishing features such as scratches and dents.
- In case the criminal makes an attempt at blackmail or “business offers” for you to regain your vehicle, do not accept. Call the police right away.
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