Auto Theft

Auto thefts are down in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, NICB reports

Auto theft has decreased but remains a concern. Take precautions and consider Comprehensive Insurance coverage

The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) 2024 Vehicle Theft Trends report reveals a significant drop in vehicle thefts across the United States from 2023 to 2024, following a four-year surge. 

Washington experienced a dramatic 32 percent decrease, with 29,471 vehicles reported stolen, ranking seventh in the nation for vehicle theft rate. In Oregon, thefts dropped by 30 percent, totaling 11,812 stolen vehicles and placing the state 10th nationally. Idaho reported a 14 percent decline, with 1,344 vehicles stolen, ranking 51st.

While it's encouraging news that fewer vehicles were stolen in Washington, Oregon and Idaho in 2024, auto theft remains a significant problem in the  Northwest. Insurers are paying much higher costs to repair or replace stolen vehicles than in the past, and those higher costs are contributing to insurance rate increases for consumers.

In addition to taking auto theft prevention measures, The NW Insurance Council urges vehicle owners to consider optional Comprehensive or Other than Collision coverage to help protect themselves financially if their vehicle is stolen, because it is the only type of policy that will cover auto theft.

Comprehensive or Other than Collision Coverage will help pay to repair or replace a stolen vehicle. This type of policy also pays - up to the limits of the policy (typically after a deductible has been paid by the policyholder) - for vehicle damage not caused by a collision with another vehicle, including damage from fire, hail, windstorm, auto glass breakage and even if the vehicle hits a deer.

The NW Insurance Council urges drivers talk to their insurance company or agent to verify if the current auto insurance policy they have will help if the worst happens and their car or truck is stolen.

NICB and NW Insurance Council recommend that vehicle owners follow these tips to help guard against auto theft:

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Never leave valuables inside your vehicle, especially if they are visible from outside the vehicle.
• Never leave your keys inside the vehicle.
• Don’t leave the area while your vehicle is running.
• If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your auto insurer immediately. Reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.

How to Help Stop Auto Theft & Insurance Fraud

In some cases, auto theft is a form of insurance fraud when vehicle owners arrange to have their vehicles stolen with hopes of collecting the insurance money. If you witness or have knowledge of an auto theft, you can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422) or submitting a form on NICB’s website.   

For more information auto theft and insurance fraud, visit National Insurance Crime Bureau and NW Insurance Council.