Civics And Accords Major Targets For Airbag Thieves

Civics And Accords Major Targets For Airbag Thieves

The black market has been swelling with the influx of airbags recently stolen from newer model Accords and Civics. Recent findings by the National Insurance Crime Bureau have shown that incidents of theft have skyrocketed lately. Last year, they estimated nearly 50,000 airbag thefts were committed in the US. This year the number may be up to twenty percent higher. 

Honda airbags make an enticing target. Compared to other manufacturers, Hondas can be removed more easily than others. Accords and Civics are also the two most prevalent cars on the road, making the goods easier to fence. Law enforcement agencies estimate a thief can get between $500 and $700 per airbag, with their usual clients being disreputable body shops.

These body shops purchase the stolen airbags and install them into their client's vehicles under the premise that they are purchased from the manufacturer. They then charge the customer's insurance the full price for the install, committing insurance fraud. 

If you find yourself in need of an airbag replacement, our partners at Service King E Platte in Colorado Springs, CO recommend that you make sure you're going to a body shop you trust. The last thing you'd want to do is inadvertently become a part of this epidemic.

Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: autobodynews.com