Car Theft Rates Can Increase Insurance Rates

Insurance companies look for any reason to raise your rates. It shouldn't come as a surprise then that car insurance rates increase with higher car theft rates. Apparently, it's the car owner's fault when a car is stolen; therefore, insurance rates must increase to prevent any reoccurrence. At least, it sounds like a good reason, unless you're the one paying the higher rates.

~Think Before You Buy

Some cars have higher theft rates than others. The Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and Toyota Camry are three of the most commonly stolen vehicles in the United States according to BuyingAdvice.com. It serves to reason that insurance rates for owners of these cars are higher than that of others.

When shopping for your next car, do a little research in advance to see theft statistics for your desired make and model. This may not be the most pleasant task, especially amidst the excitement of buying a new car. However, choosing a less theft prone vehicle may save you time and money in the future.

~Anti-Theft Devices

Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft devices can help decrease your insurance rates. In contrast, a lack of anti-theft devices can increase your rates. Many auto insurers offer discounts depending on the anti-theft devices installed on your vehicle. However, these added features may cost more when purchasing a car. Not to mention, adding them on yourself can be quite a large investment. You may want to look at the savings in insurance rates versus the cost of the anti-theft devices before adding on too much.

The list below features some of the more popular anti-theft devices for cars.

- Wheel Locks

- Tire Locks

- Alarm systems

- GPS Tracking devices

- Steering column locks

- Starter and fuel disablers

~Research Insurers

If your rates increase simply because statistics say your car is more likely to be stolen than your neighbor's, then start researching insurance companies. Even if you've been with the same auto insurer for years, it may be time for someone new. Many auto insurers offer discounts for new policy holders. Also, finding an insurer with discounts for safe driving, safety devices, and anti-theft devices can save you hundreds a year.

Cars and insurance cost enough as it is. Your rates shouldn't increase due to circumstances outside your control. Even if you can't control the rates themselves, you can find discounts that will help balance your rates. Your model and city can drastically affect your insurance rates. Research the statistics before you buy to find the best deals on car insurance.