How to reduce the risks of having your car stolen: avoid old cars without alarms that appeal to boy racers
September 16th, 2009
By John Grant
According to police statistics, 45 cars a day are stolen in New Zealand. Of these only 21% are recovered, frustrating many car owners.
Just being without a car for a period of time is bad enough, let alone having to pay for the excess and the loss of your no claims bonus. Then there’s the issue of personal effects like cd’s taken with the car.
According to statistics released today by AA Insurance there are some easy ways to avoid theft.
Cars built before 2000 model are more vulnerable with 85% of the cars stolen and reported to AA Insurance registered before January 2000.
Cars with alarm systems are much less likely to be stolen with 69% of the vehicles stolen and reported to AA Insurance vehicle not having an alarm.
It’s also a good idea to lock the car. According to a study by NZ Police two out of five car theft incidents occur when the car is unlocked or when the thief has obtained the car keys.
AA Insurance’s findings and supported by NZ Police research found that 16-20year old vehicles were four times more likely to be targeted by thieves than newer cars.
The top ten stolen cars from AA Insurance data;
1. Nissan Silvia
2. Subaru Impreza
3. Nissan Skyline
4. Subaru Legacy
5. Mitsubishi Legnum
6. Honda Integra
7. Subaru Forester
8. Mazda Lantis
9. Honda Prelude
10. Mazda Familia
The data used comes from AA Insurance claims statistics for the period March 2008 to July 2009.
————
John Grant edits the insurance coverage on interest.co.nz
Tags: AA Insurance, Boyracer, Car insurance, car theft, Excess, Honda Integra, Honda Prelude, insurance, John Grant, Mazda Familia, Mazda Lantis, Mitsubishi Legnum, Nissan Silvia, Nissan Skyline, Subaru Forester, Subaru Impreza, Subaru Legacy, Subaru WRX, top 10 stolen cars
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September 16th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Another reason to buy a Corolla…………….
…………….if any more were needed
September 16th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Villans these day’s have no Class… where are the European cars on this list?
September 16th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
The lack of Euros is possibly actual support for Mark’s “lazy fairy” theory of Evolution… market balances and all.
Goes like this… “If you can’t afford a new European vehicle… you DEFINATELY can’t afford a second hand one!”
Perhap these guys are more intelligent than we mistake them for… Crim for MP!
September 16th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Needless to say, Jamman, I drive a Smartcar.
http://www.smart.com/-snm-0135035552-1247657569-0000019881-0000000000-1253075103-enm-is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/smart-content-Site/-/-/-/Default-Start
The only thing that worries me is, people might think I’m a … you know
[greenie].
September 16th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
That’s funny… they remind me of an older version…
The Messerschmit (?) BUBBLE car…!
Anyway, Smarts are nice looking cars Mark… hope you enjoy it…
September 16th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I find this funny “Cars built before 2000 model are more vulnerable with 85% of the cars stolen and reported to AA Insurance registered before January 2000.” Urm… yea thats probably because 85% of cars currently being driven are pre 2000 models (ok maybe not quite but close).
Good one mark, I was thinking of a different word for a second there, but greenie fits too
September 16th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
700cc, like a go-kart around the hills (Banks Peninsula). Great fun (and $20 petrol to get from Christchurch to the Marlborough Sounds).
September 16th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Surprised no one has heard about the new DNA kits they’re handing out in S Auk today.?
Apparently the stuff is that good Burglar’s won’t go near you property if they know this stuff is on it.
That’s if they can READ though!
So some good news at last (unemployed burglar’s)
Oh Bernard Iam picking Wally’s gone whitebaiting!
September 16th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Mark Hubbard – “The only thing that worries me is, people might think I’m a … you know [greenie].” – Personally i’d be more worried people might mistake me for Rodney Hide.
Do you have your portrait on the side?
September 16th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
No, just a bag on my head.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
I have Barry Manilow CDs displayed prominently. That deters them
September 16th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
MH – In the words of Kermit… “it’s not easy being Green”
September 16th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
… I don’t want misconceptions here. I am no greenie!
Important we understand this Mouse.
Damn, I’m going to have to stop driving it.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
mouse : I am Rodney Hide’s cousin , well , one of his coussies . Don’t be rude ! The Germanic bald look is very appealing to some women …….. or so the squeeze told me . ………. . maybe she meant ” woman ” ( singular tense ) . …….. .. Hard to translate Tagalog at times .
September 16th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Geez Louise Mark : How do you start that thing , wind up a clockwork spring mechanism ? …….. I did have a cobber with a Fiat Bambina ……… no worries of theft there . The cops could catch the culprits with a forklift !
September 16th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Electric start. Just turn the key, and two seconds later it starts (unless the rubber band is broken).
September 16th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Roger Thompson – You may be a Babe Magnet… for the decerning Woman… It’s Steve Netwriter I’m worried about…Barry Manilow? – I’m suprised he does’nt get phone numbers slipped under his windscreen wipers.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
My friends got a smart car , hes gay of course.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
[I've got a big 2 litre Focus too, AndrewJ. Big manly Ford. That cancels out a Smartcar in terms of sexual orientation.]
September 16th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Ooh Mark : Don’t burst our little bubble …….. .come , take a drive on the wild side……tease !
September 16th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Yeh,but what colours the Focus ,Pink?
September 16th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
God- I’m not a “Greenie”
How bad is it to be a “Greenie” here in New Zealand ?
Our freshwater/ sea/ air would be of better quality with more “Greenies” like you and me. Our national health, our economy would be in better shape with more Kiwis supporting and living the “GREEN” spirit.
..but no it is all about prestige = Small Man Syndrome.
September 16th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I am not a greenie!
Oh god, what have I done.
(And my Focus is a virginal white, Andrew. Do you reckon Tarquian is a blokes name?
)
September 16th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
mouse,
Is that what those numbers are ?!
LOL
September 16th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
To be sure Mark , I heard dat you’re turned Greenie now . As a native of the land of the bogs and little people , I commend you on da good taste . Welcome brother O’Hubbard . ………….. . Pints of Guinness all ’round . Your shout !
September 16th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
I can handle that green.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Mark – why are you so worried about perceptions of your sexuality? Your comments seem to imply a strong homophobic streak. I thought libertarians were all for personal freedom?
please explain
Edited by Bernard. A gentle nudge to all to avoid any language that might be considered abusive or defamatory. We’re not that sort of site. cheers bernard
September 16th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Aaarrhhh… Mark you just need a Hug!
September 16th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
No no no. No problems with the homophobic issue.
It’s just the Greenie label: that would kill me. Scared of a palm kernal for Heaven’s sake.
Thinking of putting the Smartcar on Trademe.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
And.
And I have a confession.
I’ve got to come out of the closet.
I’ve got a toy dog.
For year after year I’ve been a stationwagon owner with Great Danes. But the last Dane died and we sold the ‘then’ Subaru Legacy, bought the Focus, and the Smartcar, then decided we wanted another dog. But you can’t fit a 14 stone dog in a Smartcar, so it’s a cavoodle. A poodle x King Charles bloody Cavalier.
I’m just saying, it’s been a shock. That’s all. But I’m working through it. [And not on ACC.]
September 16th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
oh OK
whats the basis for the smart car if its not green-ness? presumably purely economic?
September 16th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
It’s the wife’s shopping cart. But it is as fun as a go-kart; just a great little drive, especially as we live on narrow, windy, coastal roads. But also for economy. I’m not ‘into’ cars, so why waste any money on them?
Oh, chance for a Libertarian piece.
Here’s me, for economy driving the smallest car in the world. Me, laissez faire capitalist, who does not believe in the con that is man-made global warming, yet virtually without a carbon footprint, and for simple reasons of self interest, yet those fraudsters who would have me pay for a problem that does not exist, our politicians, drive around in limos and BMW’s, fly around the world on the back of my effort in planes belching carbon. Al Gore has a carbon footprint bigger than the continent of Africa, the two faced swine.
Lessons in how the free market can save the world, and the hypocrisy of parasites.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Mark: I’d be more embarrassed about the make of dog than the car or greenness if I were you. Does a dog have a carbon pawprint?
September 16th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
I guess my people mover is safe then
September 16th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
You’ll be pleased to know the Smart car is quite safe too – ‘though if you try this with your car, I’d suggest a doggy harness for the Cavoodle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHpUO-S0i8
September 17th, 2009 at 3:38 am
note to Bernard Hickey : Some of the team have taken your advice , in goading Mark Hubbard more . And you are right , it is alot of fun , particularly as there was nothing on the tele. tonight . Thanks for the idea , champ !
September 17th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Speaking of “Greenie”"
Green cars are bad luck..garranteed to be dented…
Well they always used to be bad luck till the AA came out a while back with stats of claims and car colour…dont own a green car…
mouse Says:
“Villans these day’s have no Class… where are the European cars on this list?”
Or maybe Euro s have no class lol
Really, what turns a head a 1950 Bradford or a Euro?
Or a 40 yr old Camaro?
And these dont depreicate last longer than any disposable ‘greenie car’
I often wonder how much energy/pollution is created to mantacture a dispoable greenie car per yr of its life time, compared to a car built to last 40 or 50 yrs..?
And just how eco friendly are these old cars Realy? Are they the polution makers we ar told they are?
When they get rebuilt ..to run on modern fuels (91 octane instead of the old British pool fuel 65 octane) …A 40 yr old sb Chevy runs just as well, and still pumps out more grunt than a modern muscle car….
Another case of the greenies , who have never lifted a spanner or know why the jaws are off set, spouting off unsubstantiated BS.
When a 40 yr old muscle car does better in a economy run (without trying) than a modern computer controled , injected v6 callais, and still blow it doors off..certainly raises some questions.
September 17th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
“It’s also a good idea to lock the car.”
W T F?
If you don’t lock your car, you’re grossly negligent and your insurance company will rightly decline your claim.
Won’t they?
September 17th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
When they get rebuilt ..to run on modern fuels (91 octane instead of the old British pool fuel 65 octane) …A 40 yr old sb Chevy runs just as well, and still pumps out more grunt than a modern muscle car….
Completely off topic, and working from memory of you stating your age on another tread, Steps, which would put us a generation apart, but closer, apparently, than to the current boy racer generation coming through …
… the single fact that has always mystified me about the current cult of boy racers is that they drive Japanese cars! Hondas. Back even in my day you would have been a laughing stock if you were trying to hold yourself out as some type of ‘tough’ and you were driving a Honda
Like the Japanese car in the movie The Gumball Rally: Japanese cars were for nerds.
What on Earth happened?
My father was a Chevy freak, I grew up in them, the last a Chev Impala. They sounded like cars. Real cars.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Chevy’s, Cars for Girls!… Check these Concept cars from Volkswagon
http://www.businessinsider.com/volkswagen-rolls-out-a-couple-of-eco-cars-2009-9
September 17th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
@ Mark Hubbard
“the single fact that has always mystified me about the current cult of boy racers is that they drive Japanese cars!”
Because they’re cheap and once the tipping point’s reached, they’re the norm
Simple as