Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Utah

Are you looking for auto insurance in Utah? It’s wise to know some facts before you set out to purchase car insurance. You will want to determine how much insurance you need in different categories, while also considering whether to carry auto theft insurance.

There is no insurance coverage known as auto theft insurance. The only type of insurance that covers loss through theft is comprehensive insurance. You may want to ask your representative about this coverage when you are shopping for auto insurance.

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A Pattern to Car Theft

One thing to understand is why some cars are targeted for theft while others are not. If you live in the state of Utah, it’s good to keep in mind which vehicles are more likely to be stolen.

Much of this also depends upon your location and the various makes and models of your car, as well as the age. Some locations are safer than others, and there are other factors that influence the likelihood of theft.

Auto Theft Laws in Utah

The auto theft laws in Utah are strict and vary according to the circumstances and whether the car was stolen outright or if it is a situation such as a rental car that was not returned. Carjackings are also common in Utah. Each incident carries various penalties according to the law.

Any car theft should be reported to authorities immediately to increase the chance of prosecution and return of the vehicle.

In Salt Lake City, Utah in 2015, this report was filed by a local media outlet, explaining that car thefts were up by 30% in the Salt Lake City area. Car thefts, statistically, are more common in higher population areas but there is still a substantial risk in smaller areas.

10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Utah

The following vehicles are listed as the ten most often stolen vehicles in the state of Utah. Utah residents should be particularly vigilant if they own one of these vehicles and live in Utah. Look through this list of vehicles and see if yours is listed.

Utah’s 10 Most Stolen Vehicles

(Click here for an interactive chart)

#10 – 1997 Nissan Altima

The 1997 Nissan Altima is the tenth most popular car that is stolen in Utah, according to statistics and auto theft records. The Nissan Altima is a small to mid-size car that is appealing to many people because of its convenient size and excellent gas mileage.

Approximately 97 of these were stolen from Utah car owners in 1997. It is only hoped that these victims of auto theft had adequate comprehensive insurance that will cover the loss of their vehicles.

#9 – 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a popular car when it was created, and the new version of the Cherokee continues to be a hit. There were 102 of these autos stolen in 1996 in Utah alone.

This means that you should be on guard if you own this type of car, especially if own a later model version of this car. If it was this popular back then, imagine how popular it may be now. Remember that the newer the automobile, the more likely a theft becomes.

#8 – 1995 Acura Integra

The 1995 Acura Integra is a small sized car with some cool features. The mpg average is great (21 city, 29 highway) and it’s known as a great travel car for one or two people.

Apparently, auto thieves agree. They stole 103 of them in 1995, the year of their release. New cars are stolen more often than used cars according to the statistics.

#7 – 1997 Subaru Impreza

The 1997 Subaru Impreza is another smaller car that was very popular among owners. It is a small but efficient car with style that is attractive to passersby.

Thieves stole 106 of these in Utah in 1997. The Subaru Impreza is a nice-looking and efficient car that appeals to many people.

Remember that the more coveted a car is with the general public, the more attractive it will be with thieves as well. Do your part by being aware of where your vehicle is and lock up your car each time you leave it alone.

#6 – 2012 Dodge Pickup (full size)

The 2012 Dodge Pickup is one of the most popular full-sized pickups in the state of Utah.

Many people love using this truck as a work truck and hauling things from place to place. It’s a temptation for thieves also. In 2012, 117 of this model were stolen from unsuspecting Utah truck owners.

#5 – 2004 Chevrolet Pickup (full size)

The 2004 full-sized Chevrolet Pickup was a popular truck when it was released in the year 2004.

In that same year, there were 225 stolen in Utah from owners. This indicates the popularity of this truck. More modern versions (The Silverado) and others remain at the top of the list among coveted vehicles for work trucks.

#4 – 2006 Ford Pickup (full size)

The 2006 Ford Full-size Pickup is also a popular truck that is often open to theft. The records show that 238 of these were stolen in 2006.

If you own a 2006 Ford Pickup, you need to keep it in a safe place when it is not in use. Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure it is locked up at all times when you are not using it.

#3 – 1996 Subaru Legacy

The 1996 Subaru Legacy is a popular smaller car that people like for some of the convenient features like excellent mpg averages in the city and highway and the 4-cylinder engine. Thieves stole 262 of them in 1996. Did they have comprehensive insurance? We can only hope that is the case.

#2 – 1998 Honda Civic

The 1998 Honda Civic is a popular car in Utah and thieves agreed. They stole 915 from Utah residents in 1998. Newer models of this same car are bound to be similarly tempting to auto thieves.

#1 – 1997 Honda Accord

The 1997 Honda Accord experienced a rash of car thefts in Utah in 1997. There were 938 thefts in Utah alone in that year. It is considered the #1 most stolen car as of the date of that report.

Even though these theft records are older, the trend is obvious. As new cars come out, the risk of theft goes up.

Thieves also tend to steal brand new cars, but this does not necessarily mean that they will not steal older cars or less popular ones. So keep that in mind when purchasing insurance.

Steps You Can Take to Avoid Car Theft

Knowing these facts is important, but it can be alarming when you consider the statistics of auto theft. But there are some things you can do to lower your risk.

• Park in well-lit areas – One of the things that thieves depend upon is that they can get in and out with your car without being noticed. Remember that thieves are not usually armed robbers. They are more like burglars. If you place your car in a well-lit area, you are less likely to be robbed.
• Always lock your car and windows – Simple safety actions such as locking your cars and windows will discourage thieves.
• Be aware of your surroundings – Just like in other situations, you need to exercise caution in every circumstance to avoid being a victim. Always be aware of your surroundings and act accordingly if you notice anything suspicious.
• Use theft deterrents like anti-theft mechanisms – If you use anti-theft mechanisms, you will decrease your chances of a break-in or theft. When thieves see these mechanisms, they know they will automatically go off if they attempt to break into your vehicle. One simple action like this can go a long way toward decreasing your chances of becoming a victim of theft.

Coverage for Car Theft

In many cases, comprehensive coverage is what you will need to cover your car being stolen or specific items from your car being stolen. Comprehensive coverage includes protection for:

• Vandalism – Vandalism is a common problem with crime-prone areas as well as other areas. Often, this happens when on vacation and you are less aware of what is happening around your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance covers this area of loss.
• Theft – Auto theft is covered with comprehensive insurance through your auto insurance plan. Check with your agent to see what the costs are regarding comprehensive and other extra coverages.
• Natural disasters – There are many different inclement weather situations and natural disasters that can occur that could damage or destroy your vehicle. Floods, fire, falling rock, hail, and any other natural disaster is covered with comprehensive insurance.
• Falling Objects – Falling objects can hit your car inside your garage or other places. Protect your car from this sort of damage with comprehensive coverage.

Shop and Compare to Get the Best Deal

When you shop online for insurance and compare plans, you will want to ask about some of the extra coverages that you might need to feel more secure.

When you are shopping for vehicles and live in the state of Utah, you will want to keep this list of high-risk theft vehicles in mind. It should not, however, keep you from purchasing these types of vehicles.

Instead, take precautions when in high-risk theft areas and keep your comprehensive insurance paid up. Then you will always know that, even if you lose your car to theft, you will be compensated without any serious financial loss.

You can start shopping for car insurance today by simply entering your zip code below!