Are Vehicle Thefts and Break-ins on the Rise?

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - July 9, 2024 - PRLog -- Car theft is a "keystone crime," meaning the stolen vehicles are often used to perpetrate other crimes like robberies, drive-by shootings and other violent offenses.[1] If abandoned and later found, the cars are often vandalized and in a state of disrepair. Sometimes, stolen vehicles reported stolen are never found.

It's important to have comprehensive insurance coverage, which is the only type of coverage that will pay for a total loss of a stolen car or for repairs to damages after a stolen vehicle has been recovered.

Statistics on Motor Vehicle Thefts and Break-ins.

• Over 1 million motor vehicles were stolen in 2023.
• Carjacking rates were 93% higher in 2023 compared to 2019.
• Full-size pickups are the most stolen vehicle type.
• A motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds in the U.S.

Motor Vehicle Break-ins and Vandalism Damage

Even if your car was recovered or it was broken into, chances are that the vehicle is damaged. The damage may be extensive, if parts were stolen or the stereo system was ripped out. If you have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy, you can file a claim.

Liability insurance alone will not cover your losses.

Law enforcement agencies will write a report about the condition of your car upon recovery. You can use that report to file a claim.

To see which states and cities have the highest incidents of car theft, break-in and other crimes, visit https://smartfinancial.com/are-vehicle-thefts-on-the-rise