Be Alert When Traveling This Summer

Summertime is here! As you pack up the car to head out on a trip, the last thing on your mind is becoming a victim of vehicle theft. Unfortunately, it is a very real possibility. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2022, marking a 7% increase over 2021. 

If you’re planning on a road trip, it’s important to remain alert and stay vigilant in order to keep you and your families safe. 

Before heading out, drivers should double check their insurance policy. While liability insurance is required, comprehensive coverage is not. The NICB encourages vehicle owners to call their insurance agents to make sure they are covered in the event of a theft. 

Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

Beware of Carjacking

Some criminals have gone a step further by stealing a car with you in it – also known as carjacking. According to ABC News, carjacking increased dramatically in 2020. If you find yourself a victim of carjacking, it’s important to remain calm. Hand over your keys and remove yourself from the situation. Once you are safe, call 911 to report the incident. 

Carjacking Tips

Be sure to keep an eye out for NICB’s annual Hot Wheels and Hot Spots reports, which will highlight the top stolen vehicles in the nation as well as regions experiencing a rise in vehicle theft. The NICB works closely with our insurance industry, law enforcement, and manufacturing partners to provide statistical data about vehicle thefts, trends that may affect vehicle theft, and steps that can be taken to lessen these crimes.

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) or submitting a form on our website.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property-casualty insurers, self-insureds, rental car, vehicle finance, and auto auctions. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org.