Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance
Fraud Prevention

Visit the Publications page to review and/or download the most recent:

• Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Annual Report
• Statewide plans of operation for motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud
• Suggested guidelines for license plate reader operation.

Program Overview:

The New York Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Demonstration Program supports a variety of initiatives targeting auto theft and related auto insurance fraud.

A. Program Goals:

The goals of the program are to reduce the incidence of motor vehicle theft and motor vehicle insurance fraud by implementing programs supporting specialized law enforcement units and prosecutors. Provider agencies eligible to participate are defined as any locality, governmental agency, or not-for-profit organization providing one or more programs or driver safety activities approved by the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Board.

"Motor Vehicle", as defined, includes passenger cars, trailers, semi-trailers and tractors other than those used exclusively for agricultural purposes. It excludes fire and police vehicles, farm equipment, and heavy equipment.

B. Motor Vehicle Theft & Insurance Fraud Prevention Board:

A 12-member board chaired by the Commissioner of DCJS directs the program's administration. All Board members are appointed by the Governor; three appointees are on the recommendation of the Speaker of the Assembly, and three are on the recommendation of the Temporary President of the Senate. The remaining five are selected by the Governor. The members, who are not considered public officials, serve a four-year term. The Board represents consumers of auto insurance, auto insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, and the judicial system. The Board is required to meet a minimum of four times per year. It is charged with developing and recommending a coordinated plan which provides for the statewide reduction of auto theft and auto insurance fraud. Elements of the plan must include:

• An assessment of the magnitude and scope of the problem including an analysis of theft and fraud by region;
• Establishment of priorities to reduce motor vehicle theft and motor vehicle insurance fraud;
• Methods for combating the problem; and
• A Request for Proposal (RFP) process to competitively award demonstration grants.

C. Activities eligible for funding include:

• Targeted prosecution and adjudication efforts;
• Specialized law enforcement investigations;
• Community-based crime-prevention activities;
• Educational programs for auto owners; and
• Programs to examine the efficacy of theft prevention devices

Funds must be used to augment, not supplant, legally supported initiatives. In allocating funds, the Board will take into account the geographic incidence of theft and fraud, and target areas of greatest incidence.

Please send any questions, comments or requests for funding to dcjsfunding@dcjs.ny.gov, or call the MV Unit at (518) 457-8404.