The 10 most frequently stolen cars in 2008

Should you wait until your car is stolen to worry about protecting it? Of course not! Your car is a crucial part of your life, and it's important to keep it protected. With that in mind, here's the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's list of the most frequently stolen 2005-2007 model year vehicles in 2008:

1. Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-door 4WD
2. Ford F-250 SuperCrew 2WD/4WD
3. Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD
4. Dodge Charger
5. Ford F-350 SuperCrew 2WD/4WD
6. Hummer H2 SUT 4-door 4WD
7. Dodge Magnum
8. Hummer H2 4-door 4WD
9. Dodge Durango 4-door 2WD/4WD
10. Honda S2000 Convertible

If your vehicle is on the "most frequently stolen list," you're at even greater risk for theft -- and you're probably paying more for car insurance as a result.

4 Easy Ways to Prevent Car Theft

If your car made the "most frequently stolen" list, don't worry: there are a number of things you can do to keep it safe. Prevention is the best defense against car theft, and the NICB recommends using these four "layers of protection" to safeguard your vehicle from would-be thieves:

Layer 1 - Use Your Head!

This first layer is a no-brainer: lock your car's doors! An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use. Keeping your doors locked is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves.

Layer 2 - Purchase a Security Device

Installing a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected can help protect your car. As a bonus, a car alarm could land you a car insurance discount. Types of devices include audible alarms, steering column collars, steering wheel locks, brake locks and wheel locks.

Layer 3 - Immobilizing Device

If a thief does enter your vehicle, an immobilizing device can help prevent the car from being hotwired. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular third layer devices include smart keys, fuse cut-offs, kill switches and starter/ignition and fuel disablers.

Layer 4 - Tracking Device

The final layer of protection is a tracking device which emits a signal to a police or monitoring station when the vehicle is reported stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

Safety Devices = Car Insurance Discounts

Taking measures to protect your car against theft could save you money on car insurance! Anti-theft devices could save you 10% or more on your car insurance rate. Even better, using a LoJack® anti-theft device could cut your insurance costs as much as 30% with a participating insurer. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates that over one million vehicles are stolen in the U.S. each year-35% of which are never recovered. Now more than ever, make sure your vehicle is protected with a car insurance policy.

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