The parts from popular older models often are collectively worth more than the intact vehicle. Many of these stolen cars end up in “chop shops,” where they are disassembled for parts sold to unscrupulous or unsuspecting repair shops or parts dealers. Some stolen vehicles are sold on the export market. Older, “classic” American cars are among those most valued overseas. It is estimated that at least 10 percent of automobile theft is a false report of a stolen car; that is, the vehicle has been given up or disposed of to pursue a fraudulent insurance claim. Some.
