Larcenied Vehicles - Increase in vehicle thefts reported in Rhineland-Palatinate
In 2023, car thefts skyrocketed in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, with a whopping 277 insured vehicles being stolen. This marked a significant 13% increase compared to the previous year, 2022, as reported by the German Insurance Association (GDV). The financial toll reached 4.8 million euros last year, an additional 700,000 euros compared to the damage incurred in 2022.
Despite this uptick, GDV CEO Jörg Asmussen reassured that Rhineland-Palatinate, alongside Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Thuringia, continues to be among the least crime-ridden areas for car owners. On average, insurers shelled out approximately 17,400 euros per stolen vehicle.
Interestingly, the likelihood of car theft remains relatively scarce. Specifically, one theft was recorded for every 10,000 insured vehicles in Rhineland-Palatinate, while the overall national rate stands at four. In total, 14,585 insured vehicles were swiped nationwide in 2023, representing a 20% increase compared to the previous year. This led to a staggering 310 million euros in overall economic damage. The risk of theft was found to be particularly high in Berlin.
As reported by the insurance sector, high-end and luxury SUVs have become the preferred targets for criminals. In the event of full or partial insurance coverage, the insurance company typically compensates for the theft, calculating the vehicle's value at the time of the incident.
The authorities also offer tips to deter would-be car thieves:
Guidance from law enforcement to prevent car thefts
Despite the increase in car thefts in Rhineland-Palatinate, GVV insurance company, like others, provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring compensation for thefts. The cities with the highest risk of car thefts, according to GVV, include Berlin.
