Car theft and vehicle arson are both serious crimes involving vehicles, but they differ in execution and intent. Car theft, also known as motor vehicle theft, refers to the act of stealing a vehicle, while vehicle arson involves deliberately setting a car on fire.
These crimes are often linked: thieves might steal a car for a joyride or for profit and then set it on fire to destroy evidence of the theft. Both car theft and arson are classified as property crimes and can have significant financial and emotional impacts. With comprehensive auto insurance, you’re typically covered for losses from both theft and arson.
For peace of mind, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060 to ensure your vehicle is protected.
What Is Car Theft (Motor Vehicle Theft)?
Car theft, or motor vehicle theft, is the crime of stealing or attempting to steal a vehicle without the owner’s consent. This can range from a joyride to organized criminal activity where cars are stolen for resale or stripped for parts. In some cases, car theft can be considered grand theft auto, a felony crime, especially when valuable vehicles are stolen.
- How Common Is Car Theft? Car theft is unfortunately ,widespread. In 2022, over one million vehicles were stolen in the U.S. – that’s about one car stolen every 32 seconds. The rise of vehicle theft in recent years is concerning, though recovery rates are high, with over 85% of stolen cars recovered in 2022. However, recovery often comes with damage, including broken windows, ignition issues, or even parts being stripped.
- Why Do People Steal Cars? The motivations behind car theft vary:
- Joyriding: Often by younger offenders seeking thrills, only to abandon the vehicle later.
- Theft for Profit: Organized criminals steal vehicles to resell them or strip them for valuable parts.
- Transportation for Other Crimes: Thieves might use stolen vehicles for other illegal activities, such as a getaway car, before abandoning or burning it to avoid identification.
- Joyriding: Often by younger offenders seeking thrills, only to abandon the vehicle later.
Having comprehensive insurance can help you recover financially if your car is stolen. This coverage reimburses you for the car’s value (minus your deductible) if it isn’t recovered or covers repairs if it’s damaged upon recovery.
What Is Vehicle Arson?
Vehicle arson is the intentional setting of a car on fire, typically to destroy evidence or commit insurance fraud. It can be carried out by car thieves who burn stolen vehicles to cover their tracks, or by the vehicle’s owner who may burn the car to claim insurance.
- How Common Is Vehicle Arson? While vehicle arson is less common than car theft, it still poses a significant risk. Around 10% of all vehicle fires are considered arson, with incidents peaking during the summer months, particularly around holidays like the Fourth of July.
- Why Do People Commit Vehicle Arson?
- Destroying Evidence: Thieves may burn a stolen car to obliterate forensic evidence, such as fingerprints or DNA, making it harder for authorities to link the crime to them.
- Insurance Fraud: Some individuals set fire to their own car to collect an insurance payout. This is illegal and classified as both arson and insurance fraud.
- Vandalism/Revenge: Sometimes, vehicle arson occurs as an act of malicious mischief or revenge against the car’s owner.
- Destroying Evidence: Thieves may burn a stolen car to obliterate forensic evidence, such as fingerprints or DNA, making it harder for authorities to link the crime to them.
Vehicle arson is a serious felony with severe penalties, as it endangers life and property. Insurance companies will thoroughly investigate vehicle fires to determine if arson was involved, particularly in cases of suspected insurance fraud.
How Are Car Theft and Vehicle Arson Related or Different?
While both crimes involve vehicles, car theft and vehicle arson differ in their execution:
- Method: Car theft involves taking the vehicle without permission, whereas vehicle arson involves setting the vehicle on fire. In some cases, both may occur together—thieves steal a car and later set it on fire to destroy evidence.
- Intent: The intent behind car theft is typically to gain possession of the vehicle for personal use or resale. Vehicle arson, on the other hand, is typically motivated by a desire to destroy the vehicle, either to cover up a crime, commit insurance fraud, or for vandalism purposes.
- Evidence and Consequences: Car theft often leaves behind physical evidence, like fingerprints or DNA. In contrast, vehicle arson destroys evidence, complicating investigations. However, arson adds more severe consequences, as it’s typically treated as a felony, often resulting in harsher penalties.
Why Do Thieves Burn Stolen Cars?
Car thieves set stolen vehicles on fire for several reasons:
- To Destroy Evidence: Burning a stolen car eliminates forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, and personal items left behind.
- To Dispose of the Vehicle Quickly: After a joyride or stripping the car for parts, thieves might burn the vehicle to make it untraceable and ensure it can’t be used or recovered.
- Thrill or Malice: In some cases, burning a stolen car is part of the thrill of destruction or revenge, especially among vandals or young offenders.
It’s important to note that around 50% of all vehicle arsons involve stolen cars. Thieves use fire to destroy evidence and make it harder for authorities to link the crime back to them.
Does Car Insurance Cover Theft and Arson?
Yes, if you have the right insurance coverage. Comprehensive auto insurance is the type of coverage that protects you against both theft and vehicle arson.
- Stolen Vehicle: Comprehensive coverage reimburses you for the actual cash value (ACV) of your car (minus your deductible) if it is stolen and not recovered.
- Damaged or Burned Vehicle: If your stolen car is recovered but damaged, or if it is set on fire, comprehensive coverage will pay for repairs or a total loss payout based on the car’s value.
- Fire Damage: Comprehensive insurance also covers fire damage caused by arson or vandalism, even if the fire was intentionally set.
However, comprehensive coverage won’t protect you if you set the car on fire yourself or if the loss is due to fraudulent claims. In addition, personal belongings stolen from the vehicle are generally not covered by auto insurance but may be protected under your homeowner’s or renters’ insurance.
How Can You Protect Your Car from Theft or Arson?
While insurance can help with the financial fallout, it’s always better to take preventive steps to protect your vehicle:
- Lock and Key: Always lock your car and take the keys with you. Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
- Park Smart: Park in well-lit, populated areas. Use a garage at home, and choose areas with visible security cameras when parking in public.
- Hide Valuables: Never leave valuable items visible in your car. Store them in the trunk or take them with you.
- Install Anti-Theft Devices: Consider installing an alarm system, steering wheel lock, or GPS tracking device to deter thieves.
- Be Alert: Report any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood or parking lot to authorities.
Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of theft or arson. And if the worst happens, having comprehensive insurance will ensure that you’re covered financially.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is car theft (motor vehicle theft)?
A: Car theft is the crime of stealing a vehicle without the owner’s consent. It can involve joyriding, resale, or stripping a vehicle for parts. It’s classified as a property crime and can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Q: What is vehicle arson?
A: Vehicle arson is the intentional act of setting a vehicle on fire. It can be committed by thieves to cover up a crime, by car owners for insurance fraud, or as an act of vandalism. It’s considered a felony due to the potential danger involved.
Q: How are car theft and vehicle arson different?
A: Car theft involves taking a vehicle without permission, whereas vehicle arson involves intentionally setting a car on fire. While they are distinct crimes, they are often linked, with thieves burning stolen cars to destroy evidence.
Q: Does car insurance cover a stolen or burned car?
A: Yes, comprehensive auto insurance covers theft and fire damage, including vehicle arson. It reimburses you for the car’s value if it’s stolen and not recovered or if it’s damaged by fire. However, it does not cover personal items stolen from the vehicle or intentional acts of arson by the owner.
Q: Why do criminals burn stolen cars?
A: Criminals burn stolen cars to destroy evidence, dispose of the vehicle quickly, or as an act of thrill or malice. It’s often done to cover up the theft or other crimes, making it harder for authorities to trace the car back to the thief.
Get a Quote Today!
If you want to protect your vehicle from theft or arson, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. Our team is here to help you find the best comprehensive coverage to safeguard your car from unexpected events. Don’t wait—get a quote today!