Summer is open season for many different kinds of activities. It is also prime season for vehicle thefts, which peak in July and August. Unfortunately, after a decade of decline, the latest FBI Uniform Crime Report indicates that vehicle theft is on the rise again, with 1.2 million motor vehicles stolen in 2002. Using that number, the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) calculates that a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 24 seconds.

"It is just as important to be prepared to know what to do if your vehicle is stolen as it is to practice preventive measures," said Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the I.I.I., a non- profit organization. "But all too often, consumer attitudes about vehicle thefts are based on myths instead of realities, which can lead to expensive consequences for the unprepared victim."

		Marc P., a Washington, D.C. small business owner, knows better than most people how easy it is to become the victim of car thieves. He also knows the importance of being prepared. In the past six months, not only was his 2000 Volvo S80 stolen in the middle of the night while it was parked in front of his own home, but the family's 1999 Sebring convertible driven by his teenage son also was stolen late at night when it was parked in an alley behind a friend's home in a quiet residential neighborhood. Marc says that if it could happen to him, it can happen to anyone. Although both of Marc's vehicles were found by police within a few days, each ended up in the repair shop for 4 to 6 weeks, after reckless driving by the thieves caused serious, but not irreparable, damage. Fortunately, his insurance covered the cost of the repairs, as well as a replacement rental car for both incidents. But he was one of the lucky victims. According to Marc, the two most important lessons he learned are – never leave anything of value in the trunk or visible inside the vehicle that could attract a thief's attention or cause any kind of hardship or heartache if it is stolen, and don't wait until after your car is driven off by thieves to find out your insurance doesn't include the coverage you'll need.

Some of the most common myths include the following:

Myth: Most Thefts Occur in Unprotected Areas.
Despite conventional wisdom, parking in an unprotected area does not mean your vehicle is more likely to be stolen. An FBI report on "Crime in the United States, 2000" shows that more than one-third of all vehicle thefts occur at a home or residence, compared to only two of every 10 vehicle thefts occurring at a parking lot or parking structure. Vehicles that are stolen from highways, roads or alleys, including carjacking, account for the least number of thefts.

Myth: Stolen Vehicles Are Usually Found.
Drivers who believe their stolen car will eventually be found also may be making a false assumption, especially if their vehicle has been missing for more than six days. Although about one-half of all stolen vehicles are recovered, the first few days are critical. Even if the vehicle is recovered, it may be completely totaled. The longer the vehicle is in the possession of criminals, the less chance of recovery. Interestingly, Fridays and Saturdays are the days with the highest frequency of motor vehicle theft and Mondays and Tuesdays have the highest recovery rates.

Myth: Insurance Always Provides a Rental Car.
Another common misconception many insured drivers have is that once they report a stolen car, their auto insurance will automatically cover a rental car until their vehicle is found or they buy a new one. Unfortunately, although insurance for theft is included in the comprehensive part of an auto insurance policy, this coverage is not mandatory. And, even if you have comprehensive, it may not include coverage for a replacement rental car for a stolen vehicle.

		"Many people shopping for the lowest rates on auto insurance fail to consider some the least expensive options, which can save them a lot of money down the road," said Gorman. "For example, replacement rental car coverage is only a couple dollars a month, so it can cost more for a one-day car rental than a full-year of coverage." She added that since most insurance companies wait an average of two to four weeks if the stolen car is not found before authorizing the purchase of a new car, the victim could end up paying as much as $1,000 to rent a car during the interim. "It makes sense to review your auto insurance once a year to make sure it will cover you needs if your vehicle is stolen or damaged in a crash," Gorman added. More information from the Insurance Information Institute on auto theft is available at the Insurance Information Institute.

Myth: Thieves Are Not Interested in Older Vehicles.
Those who believe that older vehicles are of no interest to thieves should think again. In 2002, the top five model years stolen were 1995, 1994, 1989, 1990 and 1991, respectively, according to The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), which combats auto theft by investigating cases referred to it by insurers and through its online databases. "Older vehicles are most often taken for their parts which are no longer manufactured and are too difficult or expensive to obtain," said Robert M. Bryant, president and chief executive officer of NICB. Unfortunately, motorists with older vehicles who have dropped comprehensive coverage to save money are not covered for theft and do not qualify for replacement rental car coverage. NICB also publishes annual lists of the top thefts by region and by year, make and model, as well as most popular colors stolen and other information, including tips to help avoid theft using its "Layered Approach to Protection".

While you may not be able to prevent your vehicle from being stolen, despite taking every precaution, you can take many of the following steps in advance. Being prepared may ultimately help law enforcement recover your vehicle more quickly and reduce your expenses.