Minivan Theft: Do Minivans Get Stolen More Often?

Are you the proud owner of a minivan? Do you love the spacious interior and the versatility it provides for hauling around your kids, pets, and all of their stuff?

Well, before you load up the minivan and hit the road, there’s something you should probably consider, whether they get stolen.

Although minivans do get stolen sometimes they aren’t the most commonly stolen of all vehicles. Matter of fact of the most stolen vehicles (according to Goliath) only one of the most common is a minivan.

So although minivans can be stolen (and do get stolen) you aren’t at more risk of having your vehicle by car thieves than you are by owning any other vehicle.

The most frequently stolen car in America is actually the Honda Accord with over 500,000 thefts over a ten-year span. Although that is the most stolen vehicle, beyond that, there are many other common factors that go into it (such as the model year, make, and more).

Now, before you panic and sell your minivan (or Honda Accord) back to the dealership (as I’m sure some people did when reading that statistic about cars reported stolen) because you are worried about stolen cars, let’s take a closer look at this important topic. Understanding the risk of auto thefts is crucial for all minivan owners, and taking precautions against stolen cars can go a long way in protecting your beloved ride from car theft.

Geographical variations in car theft rates

First, let’s talk about where you live. Believe it or not, exactly where you call home has a big impact on stolen vehicles and how often a car is at risk of being stolen.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the states with the highest car theft rates are California, Texas, and Florida. On the other hand, the states with the lowest rates of car theft are Vermont, South Dakota, and New Hampshire.

So, if you live in the Golden State, it might be time to invest in some extra security measures for your minivan to help prevent theft.

Factors that contribute to stolen vehicles

So, what makes minivans a target for thieves? There are a few factors that can increase your minivan’s risk of being stolen.

• Age and model of the car: An older car will tend to have lower car theft rates as newer models with advanced technology and high resale value may be more attractive to thieves.

• Location of the car: Where you park your minivan can also impact its risk of car theft. Minivans left in poorly lit areas or in neighborhoods with higher crime rates are more likely to be targeted.

• Security features of the car: The type and quality of security features on your minivan can also play a role in its risk of car theft. Minivans with advanced security systems, such as alarms and GPS tracking, are less likely to be stolen than those without.
• Leaving personal items: If you leave things in the car a thief is more likely to steal your car no matter what make, model, and year that you drive. If a thief thinks they can not only get your car but also pickup some extra items in the theft they are more likely to steal your car.
• Custom Additions: Most cars are stolen for resale or disassembly. So if your minivan has a custom sound system, rims, etc. they will often be targeted.

How to protect your vehicles from becoming stolen cars

Now that we’ve gone over the potential risks, let’s talk about how you can protect your minivan or other cars from being stolen more often. Here are a few simple steps you can take:

• Utilize anti-theft devices: There are several anti-theft devices available on the market that will be a great help to deter thieves from targeting your minivan. Steering wheel locks and alarms are two popular options.

• Park in well-lit and secure areas: As we mentioned earlier, the location of your minivan can impact its risk of being stolen. Whenever possible, try to park in well-lit areas or in a garage or carport. If you’re in a public parking lot, look for a spot near a security camera or in a well-trafficked area.

• Keep valuables out of sight: Thieves are often attracted to vehicles with visible valuables, such as a number of electronics or shopping bags. To reduce the temptation, make sure to keep your valuables out of sight or locked in the trunk.

Insurance coverage for stolen cars

If the worst does happen and your minivan is stolen, having the right auto insurance coverage can help ease the financial burden. There are a few different types of coverage to consider:

Comprehensive coverage: This type of coverage covers damages to your car from non-collision events, such as theft.

Collision coverage: This coverage pays for damages to your car as a result of a collision with another object, such as a tree or another car.

Gap coverage: If you owe more on your car loan than the actual cash value of your minivan, gap coverage can help cover the difference.

It’s important to review your insurance policy and make sure you have the coverage you need in the event of a stolen minivan. Don’t wait until it’s too late – make sure you’re properly protected.

Steps to take if your minivan is stolen (no matter the make or model)

If your minivan is stolen, there are a few important steps you’ll need to take:

Report the theft to the authorities

The first thing you should do is report the theft to the police. The police will then open an investigation and try to recover your minivan. Of course how quickly you report the theft to the police will have a massive effect on whether your car is only a few miles away or has already been sold to someone else for parts.

So as soon as your car is stolen report the make, model, year, etc. to the police as soon as possible.

Report the theft to your insurance company

You’ll also need to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. They’ll handle the claim process and help you get back on the road.

Gather documentation and evidence

It’s important to have all of your documentation and evidence ready to go when you file your insurance claim. This includes your car registration, proof of ownership, and any other relevant documents.

Take preventive measures to avoid future thefts

Once you’ve recovered from the theft, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again. This may include installing additional security measures or parking your minivan in a more secure location.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, minivans can be stolen but they are far from the most stolen cars. But by understanding the risk factors and taking the necessary precautions, the risk of theft can be reduced and you can keep your car in a safe place (and keep from having to file an insurance claim as well.

Don’t let the fear of thefts keep you from enjoying all that your trusty car has to offer. Just make sure you have the right insurance coverage and take the necessary steps to protect your automobile, and you’ll be cruising down the highway with peace of mind.

I hope that this article has provided you with some insights into stolen cars and what you can do to avoid getting your car stolen. Although all vehicles are at some risk of theft knowing these tips will help keep your cars safe whether they are minivans, pickup trucks, cars, or SUVs.