If you drive a 1992 Honda Accord beware. It's the most stolen car in Oregon.
That's according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) annual Hot Wheels Report.
The 2011 top most stolen list for Oregon includes vehicles ranging from 1989 to 2001.
According to NICB, certain models of older cars and trucks are popular with thieves because of their longevity and the value of their parts, plus they are easier to steal.
Newer and more expensive vehicles often have more sophisticated alarms and anti-theft systems and frequently are stolen to be resold intact or shipped overseas.
No matter what year the vehicle, auto theft is a costly crime vehicle owners pay for through their insurance premiums.
The good news is owners who include optional comprehensive coverage in their insurance policies are covered if their cars are stolen.
"Consumers pay billions each year for auto theft," said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president.
"The cost to replace stolen vehicles and repair those that are recovered is reflected in your insurance rates. That makes auto theft an important issue for every vehicle owner."
The Portland area's auto theft rate was 65th in the nation in 2011, up from 77th in 2009, according to NICB statistics.
The Portland area's 6,773 auto thefts last year represent more than 76 percent of all vehicle theft in Oregon and is the second highest in the Northwest region.
Here is a list of Oregon's most stolen vehicles, according to NICB's 2011 statistics:
1. 1992 Honda Accord
2. 1998 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford Pickup (Full Size)
5. 1998 Subaru Legacy
6. 1995 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
7. 1994 Acura Integra
8. 1997 Toyota Corolla
9. 2001 Dodge Pickup (Full Size)
10. 1992 Nissan Sentra
NW Insurance Council and NICB offer the following tips to help you reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen.
- Keep your doors locked and windows completely rolled up.
- Remove keys from the ignition, even when briefly stepping away from your car.
- Keep valuable items such as bags, purses, cell phones and briefcases out of sight.
- Always park your vehicle in well-lit areas.
- Always activate your vehicle's security or alarm system when parked.
- Before buying a new vehicle, check with your insurance company to find out which vehicles have the highest risk of being stolen.
- NICB also recommends four layers of protection for auto theft: common sense, warning devices, immobilizing devices and tracking devices.
Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
