This is a press release courtesy of the NW Insurance Council.

The vehicle thieves target most often in Oregon is the 1992 Honda Accord, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau's annual Hot Wheels Report for 2008.

Last year, 13,325 vehicles were stolen across the state.  Based on theft rates, Eugene ranked 20th in the nation for auto theft while the Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton area ranked 81st - the only Oregon cities in the nation's Top 100. 

Vehicle theft is the nation's number-one property crime, costing an estimated $7.4 billion each year.

"Consumers literally pay billions each year for auto theft," said Darrin Sanger, NW Insurance Council communications director. "The cost to replace stolen vehicles and repair those that are recovered is reflected in your insurance rates." 

Vehicle theft is insured under the Comprehensive Coverage portion in an Auto Insurance policy.

Here is a Top 10 list of Oregon's most stolen vehicles, according to NICB:

1. 1992 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1990 Toyota Camry   
4. 1990 Acura Integra   
5. 1996 Subaru Legacy
6. 1993 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
7. 1995 Saturn
8. 1999 Ford F150 Pickup
9. 1991 Ford Explorer
10. 1986 Toyota Pickup 4x2

Is your car next?  NW Insurance Council offers the following tips to help you reduce the risk of your vehicle from being stolen:

• Keep your doors locked and windows completely rolled up.
• Remove keys from the ignition, even when briefly stepping away from your car.
• Keep valuable items such as bags, purses, cell phones and briefcases out of sight.
• Always park your vehicle in well-lit areas.
• Always activate your vehicle's security or alarm system when parked. 

Before buying a new vehicle, check with your insurance company to find out which vehicles have the highest risk of being stolen.

If you witness or have knowledge of an auto theft, contact your local law enforcement agency.  In some cases, auto theft is a form of insurance fraud when automobile owners stage phony accidents or arrange to have their vehicles stolen in hopes of collecting the insurance money. 

If you know of anyone who has filed a false insurance claim, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 in reward money offered by NW Insurance Council.  Call the Fraud Hotline at 800-TEL-NICB.  For more information about auto theft and insurance fraud, visit www.nwinsurance.org.