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:

1. 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.
2. Lock your car – Even without the keys, thieves are more likely to steal a car left unlocked.
3. 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.
4. 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