NICB - Newer model vehicles stolen less and more likely to be recovered

News provided by

Oct 14, 2014, 06:00 ET

DES PLAINES, Ill., Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), analysis of thefts of 2013 model year vehicles provides good news for consumers who are upgrading from their older models in favor of a new set of wheels.

According to data from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), thefts of 2013 models through June of this year totaled 34,610. That represents under 5 percent of the nearly 724,000 total thefts for all makes and models on the road last year.

During that period, 88 percent of those stolen 2013 models were recovered. That compares with an overall recovery rate for all thefts of about 50 percent.

"That new car smell may attract thieves, but the anti-theft technology built into today's cars is a sure fire repellant for all but the most determined professionals," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle.

"This is further evidence that thieves are being frustrated by the manufacturers and they are trying to find new ways to steal vehicles by way of ID theft, financial fraud, VIN switching or other means that we have begun to describe in a new series of reports on the changing face of vehicle theft."

California led all states in thefts of 2013 models with 6,818 with Florida second at 3,617, followed by Texas with 3,037 and Michigan with 2,711.

Recovery rates were impressive in California with 92 percent, Florida with 86 percent and Michigan at 93 percent. Texas had an 83 percent recovery rate, most likely due to a large number of stolen vehicles being taken across the border into Mexico.

The complete report can be downloaded here.

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword "fraud" to TIP411 (847411) or submitting a form on our website. Or, download the NICB Fraud Tips app on your iPhone or Android device.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote $371 billion in insurance premiums in 2013, or more than 78 percent of the nation's property/casualty insurance. That includes more than 93 percent ($168 billion) of the nation's personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.

Facebook
Twitter
Blog
YouTube
LinkedIn

SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau