EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF INSURANCE PRACTICES ON PROFESSIONAL THEFT

Sub-program A: Reducing the Cost of Theft

Approach A3: Improving Investigative Responses and Inter-agency Co-operation.

Background

Professional car theft is highly sophisticated and involves skilled people with an intimate knowledge of the industries that manufacture, sell, repair and insure vehicles. Vigilance is required to ensure that the processes and practices of these industries do not inadvertently aid vehicle thieves.

As one of the industries most affected by car theft, insurers are active campaigners for theft reduction and an important provider of community education. While most of their efforts target opportunistic theft, the insurance industry is potentially influential in disrupting the practices of vehicle re-birthing and the trade in illicit parts.

Work Program

Evaluation of Insurance Practices Report - 2002

Tozer Corporation was contracted by the NMVTRC to undertake an analysis of the impact of insurance practices on professional vehicle theft and vehicle related insurance fraud including recommendations on how to minimise opportunities for professional thieves and fraudsters to exploit them. The company’s principal is a former insurance chief executive with more than 30 years experience.

Next Steps

The NMVTRC is continuing to consult the Insurance Council of Australia about how best to proceed with implementing the report’s recommendations.