Due to a unique set of insurance regulations, producers in California already have a different approach to auto insurance than those in other parts of the country. Now, a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) suggests there may be a new reason for added caution.
For the first time in the NICB’s history of gathering auto theft data, nine of the top 10 cities for car thieves are in one state—California.
That’s an increase from 2012 data, where eight of the 10 were in the Golden State; in turn, that was greater than 2011’s seven out of 10.
The good news, however, is that overall auto thefts are down both in California and elsewhere. In fact, there was a 3.2% decrease in vehicle thefts last year after a slight uptick in 2012.
According to the NICB, the following 10 cities had the greatest auto theft activity in 2013:
1. Bakersfield, Calif.
Thefts: 6,267
Rate: 725.24
2012 Rank: 3
2. Fresno, Calif.
Thefts: 6,750
Rate: 706.61
2012 Rank: 2
3. Modesto, Calif.
Thefts: 3,565
Rate: 678.41
2012 Rank: 1
4. San Francisco, Calif.
Thefts: 29,326
Rate: 649.34
2012 Rank: 6
5. Stockton-Lodi, Calif.
Thefts: 4,463
Rate: 633.61
2012 Rank: 4
6. Redding, Calif.
Thefts: 1,120
Rate: 625.77
2012 Rank: 10
7. Spokane, Wash.
Thefts: 3,205
Rate: 598.26
2012 Rank: 9
8. Vallejo-Fairfield, Calif.
Thefts: 2,540
Rate: 597.95
2012 Rank: 8
9. San Jose (metro area), Calif.
Thefts: 10,925
Rate: 569.12
2012 Rank: 7
10. Yuba City, Calif.
Thefts: 930
Rate: 551.31
2012 Rank: 31
