Young drivers are three times more likely to have their car stolen

Recently released data from AMI Insurance has revealed that young drivers are three times more likely to have their car stolen than other New Zealanders.

Approximately 26 per cent of theft claims were for cars owned by drivers under the age of 25, even though they make up just 10 per cent of AMI’s customers.

The correlation comes as young drivers tend to drive cars that are attractive to thieves, including smaller and older models.

Among the most popular models owned by young drivers are the Mazda Axela, Toyota Corolla, Suzuki Swift, Mazda Demio, and Subaru Legacy.

However, both the Demio and Subaru are on the insurer’s top ten list of cars stolen in New Zealand.

“Compared to the rest of the population, younger drivers are more likely to drive an older, second-hand car that won’t break the budget,” says Wayne Tippet, AMI Executive General Manager.

“Unfortunately, that also makes young drivers more susceptible to theft. Many older, imported vehicles lack security features such as car alarms and immobilisers which deter thieves from attempting to steal a car in the first place.”

Other most frequently stolen cars include the Mazda Atenza (or Mazda6), Nissan Tiida, Mazda Familia, Subaru Imprezza, Toyota Hilux, Ford Courier, Subaru Forester, and Honda Civic.

How to prevent thieves from stealing your vehicle:

• Parking down a driveway or inside a garage where possible
• If off-street parking isn’t available, park in a well lit area
• Make use of anti-theft protection measures like:
  • An alarm system
  • Immobiliser
  • Steering wheel lock
  • Fuel cut out switch
  • Handbrake lock
  • Tracking system
• Do not leave your keys in your car
• Hide valuable items from sight
• Keep windows closed when out of the car