Is your vehicle on the list of vehicles most likely to be targeted by thieves?

If you have ever been a victim of car theft you know that it is a frustrating, violating feeling and you are helpless to do anything about it, but did you know that the car you drive might leave you more vulnerable to thieves?

If you are intrigued, read on to see if your car falls on the list of the most stolen cars in Canada and how it affects your insurance premiums, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles

The results, taken from the end of 2009, may surprise you, given that the vehicles range from luxury to average to “why would anyone want to steal that?” cars.

1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-door AWD
3. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
4. 2006 Chevrolet/GMC Trailblazer SS 4-door 4WD
5. 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door AWD
6. 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-door AWD
7. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 2-door
8. 2000 Audi S4 Quattro 4-door
9. 2006 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
10. 2005 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD

This list was gleaned from information obtained from the companies that write nearly 100% of all Canadian car insurance policies.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada claims that individuals steal less expensive cars because they are easier to steal and tend not to have alarm systems.  They also say that organized crime groups tend to steal the more expensive cars to use them for parts or to ship them overseas to sell in areas like Ghana, Nigeria, Dubai, Lebanon, the Middle East and Eastern Europe where they are in great demand.

What This Means For Your Insurance

The portion of your auto insurance that covers theft also covers fire and vandalism and is called the comprehensive premium.  For the most stolen vehicle, the 2000 Honda Civic (in 2005 as well as 2008 and 2009), an example of this premium is $141.  Compare that to the least stolen vehicle, the Ford Taurus (in 2005) and the premium is just $36 (quotes are based on a 30-year-old male driver with a clean driving record in a 2005 study reported by the Insurance Bureau of Canada).

Does this mean that no one should be driving a Honda Civic and everyone should be driving a Ford Taurus? 

Absolutely not.  All it means is that consumers should do their homework when shopping for car insurance so that they are not paying a fortune to drive the car they want.  As with many other things, premiums can vary a great deal depending on the insurance company and it is best to check out as many different companies as possible to find the best rates.  However, if it is car thieves that you are worried about, simple things such as installing a car alarm system or having a panic button on your key chain are good ideas that will help to keep both you and your car safe.

Be Aware

The Insurance Bureau of Canada publishes a new list of the top ten most stolen vehicles at the end of each year.  If you are looking to buy a new vehicle and this list matters to you at all, visit their website annually for a current list.  Or check to see if your current vehicle has made the list.  Take it for what it is, a cautionary sign that your vehicle is more attractive to thieves and a reason to be extra careful.