More than one million vehicles stolen last year, NICB reports

Take precautions to help prevent auto theft and consider optional Comprehensive insurance coverage

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are bringing awareness to the growing problem of auto theft in the United States as well as highlighting ways to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

In 2023, a vehicle was stolen every 31 seconds in the United States costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion, according to NHTSA. In April, NICB reported that Washington state ranked fourth in the nation for thefts by volume with 43,160 vehicles stolen in 2023; Oregon ranked ninth with 16,709 vehicles stolen; and Idaho had 1,529 vehicles stolen.

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 the policyholder has paid a deductible) - 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 to talk to their insurance company or agent to verify if their current auto insurance policy will help if the worst happens and their car or truck is stolen.

NICB and NHTSA 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.