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It’s hard not to love California. With its large population and diverse culture, it’s no surprise that the Golden State has garnered quite a reputation. Home to some of America’s most popular tourist destinations and incredible scenery, California truly has so much to offer. Unfortunately for car owners, however, the state is also often referred to as the auto theft capital of America.

California Leads the Nation in Total Auto Theft  

The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently released its report on U.S auto theft rates for 2020. According to the NICB report, California leads the nation in total thefts, with 187,094 reported.

Moreover, out of the top five cities listed, three are located in the Golden State. Bakersfield appears first on the list, followed by Yuba City in second, and San Francisco rounds out the list in fifth.

The Bakersfield metropolitan area, which in 2020 had a rate of 905 thefts per 100,000 residents, tops the list for the second year in a row. In 2019, the area’s rate was 726 thefts per 100,000 residents, signaling a 24% increase between the two years.

The Reasons Why Cars Are Stolen in California

The NICB has offered some theories on why auto theft has increased nationwide. Auto thefts saw a dramatic increase across the country partly “due to the pandemic, economic downturn, law enforcement realignment and owner complacency,” said David Glawe, president and CEO of the NICB.

However, regarding California, some of the state’s most prominent features may be a reason for its high auto theft rate.

Geography. Unfortunately for Californians, the state’s geography makes it a hot spot for criminals. Because the state has many ports on its coastline and shares a border with Mexico, it is easier for criminals to smuggle stolen vehicles out of the U.S. from California than most other states.

Weather. Many people flock towards California for its sunny climate and pristine beaches. However, the beautiful weather that Californians consider to be such an asset is also a liability when it comes to auto theft. Because the state’s mild climate takes less of a toll on cars, older vehicles (which are easier to steal than new cars) tend to stay in functioning shape longer.

Parts. Located underneath your vehicle’s rear and within easy reach is the catalytic converter, one of your vehicle’s most valuable parts. According to the NICB, the increase in catalytic converter thefts is alarming. Reported thefts in 2018 totaled 1,298. In 2020, the number skyrocketed to 14,433. Thieves seek out catalytic converters because they contain precious metals, which have increased in value in recent years. As the value of these metals continues to rise, they will remain a popular target for car thieves.    

How You Can Prevent Auto Theft

While individual Californians can’t do much to solve this complex issue statewide, they can take steps to protect their vehicles from being stolen. The NICB recommends the following layers of protection to lower the chances of vehicle theft:

• Follow common sense. Keeping your vehicle safe starts with common-sense measures. Drivers should always remove their keys from the ignition whenever leaving their car unattended. Additionally, be sure to always park in well-lit, high-traffic areas with your windows up and doors locked.

• Utilize warning devices. Visible or audible devices that alert thieves your vehicle is protected are valuable deterrents. Popular options include audible car alarms, steering wheel locks, brake locks, and VIN etching valuable parts.

• Immobilizing devices. Immobilizing devices prevent thieves from hotwiring your vehicle. These devices stop the flow of electricity or fuel to your engine by utilizing a hidden switch. Popular options include smart keys, fuse cut-offs, and kill switches.

• Keep valuables hidden. Above all, never leave valuables or important documents in plain sight inside your car.

How You Can Protect Your Vehicle’s Catalytic Converter from Theft

As catalytic converter thefts continue to increase in California, it’s crucial to understand how you can reduce the chance of having yours stolen. The NICB recommends the following:

• Always park in a garage or a secured parking area.

• If applicable, install bright motion sensor lights to dissuade any potential thieves while parked in your driveway.

• Install car alarms that can detect vibrations to scare away thieves committing the act.

• Install anti-theft devices like metal shields or cages that make it harder for thieves to reach your catalytic converter.

Stay Protected with Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Investing in comprehensive auto insurance keeps you protected from auto theft. Minimum liability insurance only covers property damage and injuries to another person caused by an accident in which you were at fault. Give our Insurance Specialists a call at (855) 919-4247 or get a free online quote to learn more about obtaining affordable, comprehensive auto insurance for your vehicle.

The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied

When it comes to auto insurance, certain circumstances usually result in your rates increasing. For example, being involved in an at-fault accident or receiving a traffic violation are reasons a provider may increase your premium. However, even with a clean record, you’re still prone to increased auto insurance rates due to factors out of your control.

According to recent reports, many drivers will soon face higher premiums, with the average motorist paying $1,707 annually. If you’ve recently experienced an increase and aren’t sure why, the reason may be a factor that’s beyond your control. To help you save, we put together a list of the factors affecting your auto insurance rate—and how you can lower it.

Reasons for an Auto Insurance Rate Increase  

Since multiple factors influence your premium, it’s important to understand which you can, and can’t, control.

What You’re in Control Of 

Being a cautious driver. Being a cautious driver can help you save on your auto insurance rate. Insurers classify drivers with multiple accidents and traffic violations as insurance risks, which means higher premiums. Practicing safe driving will help you avoid accidents, prevent traffic stops, and show insurers you’re not a risk.

Your claims history. In many states, the number of claims you file can impact your auto insurance rate. Generally, an insurance provider will view a long claim history as a red flag. If you’ve been previously classified as a safe driver, filing too many claims can cause providers to view you as a risk.

Your credit score. Depending on your state, insurance providers can use your credit score to determine the price of your coverage. In such cases, a low credit score could mean paying a higher monthly premium. However, insurers in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts cannot use your credit score as a factor when determining your auto insurance rate.

Your vehicle make and model. Some cars are cheaper to insure than others. For example, trucks are cheaper to insure than sedans, on average. Additionally, certain vehicles are statically more likely to be stolen than others, making them more expensive to insure.

What You Cannot Control 

Inflation. One of the main reasons most drivers will experience higher auto insurance rates this year is inflation. In 2021, the consumer price index rose 7%. This means that, on average, consumers are spending 7% more on goods and services than they were a year ago. Because the cost of repairs, parts, and vehicles has increased, insurers must raise rates to ensure they can continue paying out claims.

More drivers on the road. With each new driver on the road, the chance of an accident occurring increases (known as “accident frequency” in the insurance industry). Whether or not you’ve personally been in an accident, increased accidents lead to higher premiums.

Zip code data. Your zip code is a crucial factor providers consider as it affects the likelihood of your car being damaged. Generally, those living in urban areas experience higher theft rates, vandalism, and accidents than those living in rural areas, which leads to higher premiums.

Age. The impact of age on your insurance premium is significant, with teen drivers paying steeper prices for coverage than any other age group. Similarly, rates also go up for senior drivers over 65. In California, years of driving experience replaces age as a factor.

How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Rate 

Shop around. The simplest way to save on your auto insurance rate is to shop around. Coverage costs vary significantly between insurance providers, and each treats factors differently. Therefore, we recommend comparing rates each time your policy is about to renew to maximize your savings.

Auto insurance discounts. Insurance companies offer various auto insurance discounts that can help lower your premium. Whenever speaking with your agent, be sure to ask if there are any discounts that you may qualify for. Here are just a few types of discounts we found during our research:

• Good student discount: Available for teen and student drivers with a good GPA.
• Good driver discount: Available for drivers who meet the state’s definition of a good driver.
• Group/association discounts: Some providers offer association discounts for those involved with associations like AAA, Costco, Sam’s Club, and more.  
• Anti-theft discount: Available for drivers who install approved anti-theft devices to their vehicles.
• Multiple policy discount:  You may be eligible for discounted rates when you combine auto and home coverage with the same provider.
• Pay in full discount: You may be eligible for a discount if you can pay for your coverage in full upfront.  

As a reminder, discounts vary by state and insurance provider. Be sure to check with your insurance agent for a detailed list of the discounts available to you.

Increase your deductible. As with most insurance plans, the higher your deductible is, the less you’ll pay for your premium. Increasing your deductible is a quick way of lowering your auto insurance rate, but do so carefully. The higher your deductible, the higher you’ll pay out of pocket, so be sure to choose a price you can afford.

Save On Your Auto Insurance With AIS

With auto insurance rates increasing across the board, finding ways to save is critical. At AIS, we work with our network of insurance partners to find you the best coverage at the right price. Give us a call at (888) 772-4247 or get a free online quote to start saving today.

The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.