The Most Stolen Vehicles in Michigan: Are you Driving One?

Owning auto insurance cannot completely relieve the fear of having a car stolen, but it helps to be informed about the most popular vehicles and why they are stolen.

In Michigan, the top 12most stolen cars of 2007 were:

1. 2000 Dodge Intrepid
2. 1999 Dodge Intrepid
3. 2000 Dodge Caravan
4. 1996 Dodge Caravan
5. 2005 Dodge Ram
6. 2000 Jeep Cherokee
7. 1999 Dodge Caravan
8. 1998 Dodge Caravan
9. 1999 Jeep Cherokee
10. 1997 Ford Taurus
11. 2006 Dodge Durango
12. 1999 Ford Taurus

Photo by Brad Finkelstein

Suprisingly, it is not the newer cars that are more likely to be ripped off, the list is filled with vehicles from the late 90's and just a few after 2000. The reason that the same model is on the list multiple times is that if the model is not redesigned, the parts from the models are interchangable and more valuable.

In the event that your car is actually stolen insurance will pay out the actual cash value of the car minus the comprehensive deductable. So, if your 2002 Ford Focus is agreed to be worth $3,500 and your comprehensiave deductable is $500 you would get a $3,000 check from your insurance company.

To see more about how auto theft affects insurance rates visit the Michigan State Police site, or view the document containing this list.

Auto Insurance Terms to Know (Part 1)

Are you confused when talking with your insurance agent? Do you wonder what your declarations page is telling you about the coverage you are paying for? Here are some basic terms you should know:

Bodily Injury Liability Protection: Typically provides coverage if you are legally liable for damages resulting from a covered auto accident where others are injured or dead. The Michigan State Minimum is $20,000/$40,000.

Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damage to your insured vehicle caused by a covered accident with another vehicle, a rollover, or a collision with almost anything else, such as a tree. The Deductible is your responsibility to pay before insurance company coverage kicks in.

Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for damage to your insured vehicle caused by falling objects, fire, theft, vandalism, hitting a deer and certain other non collision losses. This deductible is also your responsibility to pay before insurance company coverage kicks in.

Property Damage Liability Protection: Typically provides damage coverage if you are legally liable for damages to an other's property resulting from a covered auto accident.

For more insurance terms see our post at Auto Insurance Terms to Know (Part 2)