The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) put together a list of the 20 cities and metro areas where you are most likely to get your car stolen, according to Insure.com’s Joe Taylor. In “The best places to get your car stolen,” California cities show up 11 times in the top 20 list. For Mercury Insurance and other California insurers, this is unfortunate news since more stolen cars mean more money being paid to consumers who have car insurance. With the exceptions of Detroit, Michigan and Yakima and Spokane, Washington all of the cities are located in the south. Most are actually in western states. Laredo, Texas came in first place. Living in one of these zip codes can significantly increase the amount that you pay for car insurance.
Unitrin Auto Insurance and other car insurance companies have tips to help consumers avoid getting their cars stolen. Have a visible or audible alarm system arming your car. Whether they hear the sound or see a tracking code on your windows, an alarm system might be enough to deter a thief. There are electronic devices like “smart keys” available for purchase that will immobilize your car if someone breaks in and tries to hot-wire it. Through satellite systems and cell tower technology, police can track and relocate stolen cars so having one of those systems can be beneficial. Basic common sense is also very important in keeping car thieves away. Park where it is well-lit, don’t leave your keys in the car, and always lock your car and put all windows up. Keep those thieves away.
