Car Thefts Rise in Denver
The first quarter of 2021 saw a massive rise in Denver car thefts According to Colorado’s Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (C-MATT) in Jefferson County, there is an increase of 114% in car theft if we compare it to the same period last 2020. The spike started during the time we first learned about the coronavirus. In this article, we will discuss the Denver car theft.
According to the 9news police report, more than 2000 vehicles were stolen if we compare it to the 900 plus during the period of January to March 15, 2021. Denver police also reported that certain types of cars are most stolen in the Denver area.
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Most Stolen Cars in Denver
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Ford F250
- Honda Accord
- Hyundai Sonata
- Honda Civic
- GMC Sierra
On the other hand, C-MATT said that full-size trucks like the Ford F150, F250, F350 trucks, and the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks are the kind of vehicles that are most stolen. These kinds of trucks, when recovered, are already without the valuable tools and equipment stored inside.
About 90% of the stolen cars were recovered, but most are not in the same condition as when they were stolen. Denver police have vowed to continue their high visibility patrol to deter auto thefts.
Tips
- Roll up the windows of your can and always keep the doors locked.
- Park in a well-lit area or park in a secured garage
- Never leave your car keys and key fob inside the car
- Remove or conceal anything of value
- Avoid leaving your car running and unattended
- Avoid parking in isolated areas
- Use anti-theft devices like car alarms and steering wheel locking devices.
- Report suspicious-looking people or behaviors
- Install a GPS tracking system
Stolen cars
People oftentimes use stolen vehicles in other crimes as well. It serves as a getaway car for some thefts and is also for drug-running operations for some. Most of these cars are left abandoned after some time and when recovered, they are mostly permanently damaged.
The pandemic has forced many people to work from home, and lockdowns have been enforced, yet car thieves have found this to be an advantage for them. They steal cars when most of the police force is busy with the problem of coronavirus.
Just last July, a grand jury indicted five people in the operation of a drug and theft ring. Four have been arrested and one more is still on the run. They stole around 70 cars in the metro Denver area and from parking lots around Denver International Airport. This shows that the Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force is serious about going after car thieves.
Owning a car may be expensive but it has become a necessity for most Americans, especially if you don’t live in an area where public transportation is easy. But owning a car is not without risk. You are prone to accidents, injuries, and theft. The solution?
Auto Insurance in Denver to Avoid Denver Car Theft
The significant rise in car thefts in Denver has also notably raised car insurance premiums. Since the city is densely populated, there are more drivers and accidents. Combining this with the number of stolen cars reported, premiums on auto insurance have risen as well.
However, getting auto insurance is still the best way to protect you from car thefts. All automobile owners in Colorado must carry liability insurance. Driving without one is a class-1 misdemeanor offense.
Minimum Requirement for Car Insurance
A driver needs to have liability insurance coverage. This type of insurance pays for injuries and property damages when you are at fault. There are two types:
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
When a policyholder causes a car accident, this coverage pays for the injured party’s medical expenses. It also covers lost income to people who obtain injuries and can help pay legal fees.
- Property Damage Liability Coverage
This type of coverage pays for the damage to another person’s car or the property damaged by an accident. This can include mailboxes, fences, and building façades.
Aside from the required liability insurance, adding optional coverage to protect you from financial losses will be advantageous. Since car thefts are rampant in Denver, you should purchase comprehensive car insurance coverage.
Comprehensive insurance pays for repairs or replaces your car in case of damage or theft. As long as it is not a result of a collision, this type of coverage helps pay for:
- Theft
- Fire
- Falling objects
- Damage caused by animals
- Vandalism
- Earthquake
- Hail
- Windstorm damage
What Should You Do When Your Car is Stolen
You have taken all the precautions to avoid car theft. You are ready because you have auto insurance with comprehensive coverage. And yet, your car was stolen. Here is a quick guide on how to go about reporting a car theft.
Alert the police as soon as possible.
The first thing you need to do is contact the police department and file a stolen car report. Police stations have different procedures for filing a police report. Some may require you to do it in the station or some may need you to complete the information online. Insurance companies will not honor a claim if there is no police report. You will need the following for your filing:
- Make, model, color, and year of your car
- License plate number
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Identifying marks or distinct features of your car-like decals and stickers
- Custom add-ons like spoilers and headlight covers
Contact your car insurer
After filing a police report, call your insurance company immediately. Give them the following details:
- The case number of your police report. They may ask for a soft or hard copy if needed.
- Description of your car
- Last location of your car
- List of personal items left inside the car at the time of the theft
- Vehicle title
- Contact info of your financing or leasing company
- Other important information your insurer may need
3. Report to your finance or leasing company
If your vehicle is financed or leased, contact the company and report your stolen car. They can be the ones to call the insurer for any claims they need.
You must also contact your insurer and leasing company if your stolen vehicle is recovered. Report the damages done to your car and any items that may be missing inside, including personal items, parts, and accessories.
The hassle of having a stolen car, even if recovered after some time, is stressful. The things you need to do are tedious. You must have a record of your car details filed together with other vital documents. Keep it in a safe place and easily accessible if needed.
What you can do as part of the community
The police cannot be at all the hot spots every time. As residents of Denver, you can do your part to help curb car theft.
Be vigilant at all times. Report suspicious persons in your community. Take note of any doubtful activities.
Gather your fellow residents and organize an auto theft prevention program.
Partner with police agencies, insurance companies, the department of motor vehicles, and other pertinent agencies to help suppress car thefts.
- Establish preventive strategies by:
- Posting warning signs on hotspots to encourage car owners to protect themselves.
- Light the streets, especially in places with fewer houses or buildings.
- Install more street cameras.
- Introduce bike patrols to help law enforcement in managing different locations.
- Restrict parking areas where there are not enough lighting and surveillance cameras.
- Keep trees and shrubs well maintained to prevent car thefts from having hiding areas.
- Post signs that can deter car thefts from targeting your area. Signs like “This area is under camera surveillance 24/7” will help.
Like many other cities, car theft has increased since the start of the year. It is often linked to more severe crimes throughout the United States. In Denver, the police and C-MATT have been working hand in hand to prevent car thefts. You can always help by following the tips to prevent this problem. And make sure that your auto insurance is updated and includes the right coverage you need. So, that concludes our article about Denver car theft.
For your auto insurance needs right here in Denver, you can contact us here at Advantage Insurance Solution (AIS) here in Denver, CO, where expert agents can guide you on how to purchase your auto insurance.