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Public & Government Affairs contacts - by region
Contact Your Local Rep
Public & Government Affairs contacts - by region
An increase in car thefts continues to be a problem nationwide – and it is problem that will likely get worse over the next several weeks. That’s because, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), August is one of the ‘hottest’ months for stolen vehicles.
“What we know is that there is always a spike in stolen vehicles during the summer and, given the upward trend in auto thefts, the spike this year could be worse than usual,” says Dan Scroggins, Managing Director, AAA Insurance. “Vehicle owners are encouraged to take every precaution to protect what is likely one of their most significant investments.”
According to the NICB, the number of stolen vehicles nationwide jumped almost 20% in the two-year period from 2019 through 2021. And, if the first quarter of 2022 is any indication, there will be nearly one million vehicles reported stolen by year’s end.
“Having your vehicle stolen is no minor inconvenience, and it can be a major expense. Replacement costs have skyrocketed,” Scroggins adds. “Vehicle owners should ensure they have adequate coverage.”
All 50 states require auto liability insurance, but comprehensive coverage against theft remains optional.
AAA offers the following tips for protecting your car against theft:
- Never leave your keys in the vehicle – The ‘keyless’ feature is not only convenient for the car owner, it’s convenient for the thief who can steal your car with the touch of a button.
- Lock your car – Even without the keys, thieves are more likely to steal a car left unlocked.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area – Whether at home, at the mall or on the road, always try to park in an area where suspicious activity would be noticeable.
- Keep your valuables out of sight – Never leave anything in your vehicle that might tempt a break-in.
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For More information and local interviews:
Connecticut – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com
Delaware – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com
Indiana – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com
Kansas – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com
Kentucky – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com
Maryland – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com
New Jersey – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com
Ohio – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com
Oklahoma – Leslie Gamble, Leslie.Gamble@aaaok.org
Pennsylvania – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com
South Dakota – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com
Virginia – Morgan Dean, Morgan MDean@aaamidatlantic.com
Washington, DC – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com
West Virginia – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com
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Contact Your Local Rep
Public & Government Affairs contacts - by region