The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has released its list of U.S. metropolitan areas plagued with the highest stolen-vehicle rates in 2011. California cities took seven of the Top 10 spots, with Washington and South Carolina filling out the list.
What does this mean for you, the business owner? It reinforces the threat of vehicle theft. If one of your vehicles that’s essential for doing business (e.g. an equipment truck or delivery van) is stolen, you’ll be hurting — and sometimes it takes a while to replace that vehicle.
Although it seems that those in sunny California get the short end of the stick, the bottom line is that thieves wreak havoc on business parking lots and jobsites nationwide.
The NICB recommends three levels of security:
- Warning devices, such as alarms
- Immobilizing devices, such as a smart key or kill switch
- Tracking devices that help police locate the vehicle
The NICB also advises owners and users of vehicles to exercise such common sense precautions as not leaving the car unlocked.
Although the NICB’s recommendations provide viable risk-management techniques, a Commercial Auto policy that includes Theft coverage can also help.
If we haven’t discussed your coverage in a while, now’s the time. Please give us a call today.
