Anti-Theft Devices: What Works, What Doesn't

Did you know a vehicle is stolen every 26 seconds (according to the FBI's 2007 Crime Reports.) There's ways to prevent theft but first, you should decide if you need an anti-theft device, if you should just take steps to reduce the chance of theft through other means, or both! It's also smart to do the research-- find out if you're in a hot theft area or is your vehicle one of the most stolen! The following may help...

Newer cars are more appealing, and they are usually more secure

The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles
The following cars and trucks were stolen most frequently in 2008, according to the NICB.

1. 1994 Honda Accord
   
2. 1995 Honda Civic
   
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
   
4. 1997 Ford F-150
   
5. 2004 Dodge Ram
   
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
   
7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
   
8. 1994 Acura Integra
   
9. 1999 Ford Taurus
   
10. 2002 Ford Explorer
    

Vehicle Theft Hot Spots
The following 10 metropolitan statistical areas had the highest rate of vehicle theft per 100,000 residents in 2008, according to the NICB.

1. Modesto, Calif. 1
   
2. Laredo, Texas 6
   
3. Yakima, Wash. 9
   
4. San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, Calif. 3
   
5. Bakersfield, Calif. 15
   
6. Stockton, Calif. 4
   
7. Las Vegas/Paradise, Nev. 2
   
8. Albuquerque, N.M. 7
   
9. San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, Calif. 5
   
10. Fresno, Calif. 11

Anti-Theft Options
There's a number of different things you can do to protect your vehicle from theft. Among some of these things are:

1. Brand parts with your VIN Number
   
   You have have this etched on the windows, under the hood, trunk, battery, etc. May be especially appropriate with aftermarket parts.
   
   You can have it done by a professional or get a DIY kit for about $20.
   
   
2. Steering-Wheel Lock
   
   The Club is probably the most popular and well-known brand. Prices range from $25 to $100, depending on brand.
   
   
3. Kill Switch
   
   When this gets activated, the device shuts down part or all of the engine's electrical system. Some models have one built in, if not, they're relatively easy to install. But check with your warranty first because installation may make it null and void.
   
   These range in cost from $10 to $125.
   
   
4. Alarm System
   
   Alarm systems have a range of features. Make sure it is installed with a back-up battery or invest in a hood lock to deter car thieves from simply unplugging the battery (rendering your alarm useless).
   
   
5. Hood Locks
   
   Bar thieves access under the hood to your battery or parts. Costs range between $20 to $50.
   
   
6. Tire Locks
   
   Similar to "the boot", they're quite visible to thieves but aren't easy to install. Probably best for stored vehicles.
   
   Cost? Between $80-$200.
   
   
7. Vehicle Tracking System
   
   LoJack, OnStar, etc. LoJack, for example works directly with law-enforcement if your vehicle is stolen. The transmitter is hidden (even from the owner) and is activated when a thief is reported. LoJack is highly successful with a 90% return rate.
   
   OnStar is similar and comes standard in all GM's new models, as well as some Acura, Audi, Isuzu, and Volkswagen.
   
   LoJack retails for $695. Depending on the desired features, OnStar starts at $18.95 per month or $199 per year.

Thank you to Cars.com

Hagerty Insurance Co. Announces its Top 10 Most Unusual Collector Cars

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (May 2009) – For more than a decade, the nation’s largest collector car insurance agency has issued policies on some of the greatest and most valuable cars in the world. But from time to time they also receive a request that may prompt them to say: “You Want To Insure What?”

“When we first set out to insure collector vehicles, we intentionally didn’t want to discriminate and limit ourselves,” says McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty Insurance Agency. “But we never anticipated how broad the collector category really is or how many unique and cool vehicles there really are out there. It’s never dull. But we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Top Ten Quirkiest, Coolest and Most Unusual Collector Cars.”

1. Wienermobile - Invented in 1936 by Carl Mayer, the “Wienermobile” was created to travel across the country as a “traveling billboard” to advertise the Oscar Meyer brand name. Today, college graduates compete for the prestigious position of Hot Dogger so they can travel the nation to various events and promotions in the Wienermobile.

2. Pumpkin Chucker/Old Fire Truck – This vintage fire truck can shoot pumpkins ¼ mile in any direction you point it. The 25-foot long barrel makes garaging an issue, but it certainly keeps unwanted trespassers at bay.

3. The Big Red Phone car - This 1975 VW Beetle was transformed into exactly what it sounds like – a big, red telephone. Complete with a keypad, receiver and matching owner/mascot, this car is not easy to miss.

4. Star Wars Land Speeder - Used by Lucas Films, the hovering vehicle made its first appearance during Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The dirty, beat up land speeder was Luke Skywalker’s alternate mode of transportation when his T-16 skyhopper was in the repair shop.

5. Cinderella’s Carriage – This carriage evolved from a mere pumpkin and was hauled by a couple of mice-turned-horses. Pretty unbelievable you say? Well, it happened and it needed insurance, so Hagerty gave it the best coverage a budding princess would ever desire. No word on whether elusive glass slipper coverage is next on their list.

6. Corvette Station Wagon – What do you get when you cross a truly iconic American sports car with a grocery getter? Apparently, you get what is most commonly referred to as a 1954 Commemorative Sport Wagon. Quite the oxymoron, but a conversation starter.

7. German Panzer Tank – Think you feel safe in your big, American SUV? This military vehicle can only hit up to 25 mph even on the flattest surfaces, but you’ll never have the problem of getting stuck in traffic.

8. Velorex Oskar 3-wheel car – This 3-wheel, Czechoslovakian, vinyl-covered mini car enjoyed quite a long production run. It was produced from 1953 to 1971 in a town named Hradec Kralove.

9. 1985 Owosso Pulse – This futuristic looking vehicle is one of just 347 Pulses ever built. The “Autocycle,” as it’s commonly referred to, appeared in the film Back To the Future Part II.

10. 1974 Dodge Clown Car – Want to be the funniest neighbor on the block? Park this in your driveway.