Leave the Doors Unlocked, the Windows Open and the Keys In
the Car
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, Aug. 23 In the US, more than one
million vehicles were stolen in 2000; that's 2,740 a day, 114 an hour and more
than one vehicle stolen every minute. Yet, when it comes to protecting
ourselves from car thieves, Americans appear to be throwing caution out the
window, according to a survey released today by progressive.com, the Web site
of Progressive Insurance .
In the survey, 55 percent of respondents said they leave their car doors
unlocked and 34 percent leave the windows open when leaving their vehicle
unattended. Six percent of respondents said they leave the keys in their
vehicle when it is unattended. If this behavior seems surprising, then know
that 33 percent of respondents said they are not concerned at all about their
car being stolen.
For those drivers who are concerned enough to install and activate an
alarm system, consider this: The survey found that when a vehicle alarm is
activated, 22 percent of respondents said they notice the alarm but do
nothing, and fewer than one percent of respondents notice the alarm and alert
the police.
The study, conducted by progressive.com, the insurance company Web site
that offers consumers in-depth information about auto insurance and related
subjects, queried 567 people to find out what precautions Americans take to
prevent vehicle theft. The company is using the survey results and materials
on its Web site to educate consumers about vehicle theft's effect on auto
insurance premium.
The online survey also found that 61 percent of respondents report knowing
someone whose car has been stolen -- and 11 percent say their own vehicle has
been stolen. Respondents said that the top five valuables left visible in an
unattended car are CD/cassettes/stereo (tie), coat/jacket, spare change,
shopping bags/briefcase/backpack (tie) and cell phone.
Progressive.com's vehicle theft survey findings come on the heels of a
vehicle theft report released earlier this year by the Highway Loss Data
Institute (HLDI). According to the report, issued once every two years, the
five vehicles with the worst theft losses are the Acura Integra (2-door and 4-
door, first and second respectively), Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac Escalade
and the Lexus GS 300/400 series.
The five vehicles with the best theft losses according to HLDI are the
Buick LeSabre, Saturn SW, Honda Odyssey, Oldsmobile Silhouette and the Ford
Taurus.
"The vehicle theft rate is down from last year, but it remains the number
one property crime in the country," said Tom Kaschalk, manager, Special
Investigative Unit (SIU), Progressive. "If you own a vehicle that is stolen
frequently you could be paying more for auto insurance."
According to Progressive, comprehensive coverage (the part of your
insurance policy that covers vehicle theft) represents about 20 percent of
your total premium and it can vary greatly depending on where you live, what
you drive and the company you are insured with.
The following chart details comprehensive coverage costs for the Nissan
Maxima (most stolen for '97-'99) and the Honda Odyssey (least stolen for '97-
'99) in Fresno, California (one of the highest theft cities) and Kansas City,
Missouri (one of the lowest theft cities).
Comprehensive Coverage Costs*
Allstate State Farm Farmers Progressive
Fresno, Calif.**
Nissan Maxima(A) $91.20 $113.62 $ 179.60 $114.00
Honda Odyssey(B) $49.79 $68.93 $ 116.40 $79.00
Kansas City, Mo.***
Nissan Maxima(A) $63.04 $53.19 $68.30 $33.00
Honda Odyssey(B) $41.66 $ 31.19 $45.50 $22.00
* See end of release for coverage details
**High theft location
***Low theft location
(A) one of 1997 - 1999 model years most-stolen vehicles
(B) one of 1997 - 2000 models years least-stolen vehicles
Theft data supplied by the Highway Loss Data Institute
"If your vehicle is on the most-frequently stolen list, your comprehensive
premium will generally be higher," said Kaschalk. "Consumers should be aware
of the type of vehicle they buy and they should shop around for auto insurance
because prices vary dramatically from one company to another."
Progressive Insurance , headquartered in Mayfield Village,
Ohio, is the nation's fourth largest auto insurance company. In business
since 1937, the company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-
hour, in-person and online services. The company sells its products over the
phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE(SM), online at progressive.com and through more
than 30,000 independent agencies throughout the U.S. More information about
Progressive can be found at http://www.progressive.com .
* Coverage Details
Prices based on a new six-month policy for a married male, age 46, married
female, age 43, in Fresno, California (ZIP 93728) and Kansas City, Missouri
(ZIP 64151) with 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE and 1997 Honda Odyssey EX. Bodily
Injury/Property Damage Liability protection of 50/100/25;
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury protection of 50/100; Medical
Payments coverage of $5,000; Comprehensive and Collision deductibles of $500;
Rates for Fresno, Calif. are a sample based on rates as of May 16, 2001 and
while illustrative, may not be typical. Actual rates will vary based on
driving record, vehicle, address and other criteria. All rates are subject to
change. Rates for Kansas City, Mo.: State Farm and Progressive rates are a
sample based on rates as of May 16, 2001; Allstate and Farmers rates are a
sample based on rates as of June 1, 2001 and while illustrative, may not be
typical. Actual rates will vary based on driving record, vehicle, address and
other criteria. All rates are subject to change. Progressive policies
underwritten by Progressive West in California and Progressive Classic in
Missouri. Progressive Corp. is headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio.
