In recent years, the appeal of vehicles from Chinese brands in Russia has not translated into easy targets for car thieves. This observation is supported by data compiled by the Soglasie insurance company and reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta. Over the past several years, the insurer has not recorded a single theft of a Chinese-made model among its clients, a trend that stands out in the local market.
Industry observers note that Chinese automakers are steadily expanding their footprint in Russia. For instance, within the same insurer, the share of new Chinese vehicles insured under comprehensive car policies at the close of 2023 rose nearly 2.5 times versus the year prior. A key factor behind this phenomenon, according to Pavel Nefedov, head of the insurance and product management department, is that about 90% of thefts involving Chinese vehicles have been linked to dismantling for the resale of parts rather than the cars being stolen for use as whole units. The influx of spare parts into the market, coupled with generous warranty periods of 5 to 7 years offered by many Chinese manufacturers entering the country, reduces the appeal and payoff for would‑be thieves. This combination makes the theft of Chinese cars less attractive and undermines the incentive to pursue these vehicles as targets in the black market.
Another important takeaway from insurer analyses is the pricing of comprehensive insurance policies for Chinese brands. Coverage that includes theft protection has remained among the most favorable options in terms of cost, reflecting the comparatively low risk of theft associated with these cars. Nevertheless, experts caution that any shift in theft dynamics could alter pricing, and if the share of car thefts involving Chinese brands increases, insurance rates could follow suit.
In related consumer safety notes meant to inform buyers across North America, industry voices emphasize that the value of robust theft prevention measures does not change with market, yet the practical realities of theft risk can vary by region and model. For buyers in the United States and Canada, this underscores a broader rule: a well‑structured insurance plan paired with smart security features often mitigates total cost of ownership, even as manufacturers continue to offer substantial warranties and readily available spare parts that support longer vehicle lifespans. This pattern aligns with the observed trend in Russia, where the combination of cheap, abundant parts and extended warranties lowers the likelihood that a vehicle becomes a theft target for the sole purpose of part resale. In North American markets, where consumer protection standards are high and theft dynamics differ, the same principles apply—comprehensive coverage that includes theft protection remains an important consideration for new car buyers and insurers alike. References: Soglasie, Rossiyskaya Gazeta (as reported in regional coverage), with attribution to the insurer’s statements on theft trends and warranty impacts.