Don't Get Stranded in the Summer Heat

Before Summer comes to a close, many families are taking to the road for one last vacation. In fact, according to the Federal Highway Administration, August tends to be the month with the highest traffic volume. And we can expect this year to be even busier. However, with an increase on cars on the road, comes an increase in vehicle thefts. 

If you’re planning on road tripping across the nation, it’s important to remain alert to keep yourselves and your families safe. 

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

Drivers should also follow the four layers of protection. The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it will be to steal. 

Four Layers of Protection

Beware of Carjacking  

Some criminals have gone a step further by stealing a car by force, or 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. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for NICB’s annual Hot Wheels and Hot Spots reports, which will be released soon! In the meantime, listen to The NICB Crime Examiner - a podcast focused on insurance crime issues impacting the public and how we can stay ahead of the curve. 

Checkout our NICB Examiner Podcast on Auto Theft with NICB President & CEO David Glawe.

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 the threat of vehicle theft.

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.