2021 Kia Sportage | Producer’s photograph
With auto theft persevering with to rise throughout the nation, some automotive homeowners have to be extra cautious than others, in response to the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security. Luxurious vehicles and sports activities vehicles normally rank on the prime of the “most stolen” checklist, however Hyundai and Kia thefts have been on the rise, rivaling pricier fashions lately. The company’s Freeway Loss Information Institute says the primary motive is lacking engine mounts on some older fashions from these producers.
Associated: What’s a catalytic converter and why do folks steal them?
To find out which automobiles are stolen most frequently, the 2022 HLDI Examine checked out complete car theft losses (based mostly on complete insurance coverage theft claims that replicate the greenback worth of the lined car). The frequency of theft was decided by the variety of claims per 1,000 automobiles insured to account for the truth that extra common automobiles could be stolen extra usually. Whereas higher-priced vehicles are continually focused by thieves, the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Kia Sportage not too long ago climbed into the highest 20.
1. Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
2. Dodge Charger Hemi
3. Infiniti Q50
4. Dodge Challenger
5. Land Rover Vary Rover all-wheel drive
6. Land Rover Vary Rover Sport 4WD
7. Nissan Maxima
8. Go to Rio
9. Dodge Charger
10- Honda Accord
11. BMW X7 4WD
12. Chrysler 300
13. Kia Sportage
14. Ram 3500 Crew Cab LWB 4WD
15. Ford F-350 SuperCrew 4WD
16. Kia Sportage 4WD
17. Ford F-250 SuperCrew 4WD
18. Honda CR-V
19. Dodge Durango 4WD
20. Hyundai Accent
Lacking immobilizers result in thefts
2020 Hyundai Accent | Producer’s photograph
HLDI recognized a latest spike in auto thefts for 2015-19 mannequin 12 months Hyundai and Kia automobiles, with frequency of claims for the primary six months of 2021 greater than twice as excessive in comparison with 2019. As well as, auto thefts have been practically extra frequent for Hyundai and Kia than for all different producers. Mixed, in response to the company’s report. Whereas elevated thefts have been noticed in all states, Wisconsin and Colorado noticed the most important spikes.
The worrying pattern is probably going attributable to these vehicles being simpler targets as a result of the manufacturers have been gradual so as to add engine mounts to their vehicles. (The immobilizer is an digital security machine that stops engine beginning with out a digital key.) In line with HLDI, solely 26% of 2015 Hyundai and Kia fashions have commonplace mounts, in comparison with 96% for all different manufacturers mixed.
What has been achieved?
Hyundai and Kia have began including immobilizers in new vehicles in response to the rise in thefts: 78% of 2021 fashions are geared up with this characteristic, and most new fashions provide it at present. For older automobiles, Hyundai and Kia say they’re working with native police departments to make steering wheel locks out there to homeowners, and Hyundai says it should make a car security equipment out there for buy in October.
Is your automotive in peril?
2021 Honda Accord Hybrid | Vehicles.com picture by Aaron Bragman
Along with the fashions listed above, luxurious vehicles and sports activities vehicles are common targets for automotive thieves: two Vary Rovers and 4 Dodges landed among the many prime 10 stolen vehicles.
Whereas the Toyota Prius did not make the checklist, HLDI discovered the hybrid catalytic converter to be significantly fascinating. A 2021 research discovered that complete losses of catalytic converters between the 2004-09 Toyota Prius have been 18 instances larger in 2020 than in 2018. Honda Accord homeowners ought to word that claimed frequencies have been roughly 4 instances larger for fashions with out there 19-inch wheels than for these with Main wheel measurement.
Automobile theft prevention
No matter make and mannequin, homeowners can assist stop their car from being stolen. The Nationwide Insurance coverage Crime Bureau recommends at all times closing doorways, closing home windows fully, and standing in well-lit areas. As well as, gadgets akin to alarms, brake locks, and wheel locks can assist deter thieves. Lastly, if the car isn’t geared up with an immobilizer, aftermarket choices akin to sensible keys or fuse cutoffs might be put in.
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