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SUV Owners Seeking Gas Price Respite With Arson



Insurance Fraud on the Rise

Rising gas prices have had countless effects on todays automotive environment. Manufacturers are turning to alternative methods to reduce fuel consumption and thusly attract buyers; including ethanol blended gasoline, hydrogen fuel cells, and gasoline-electric hybrids; but whats a current car owner to do? Well, most sources suggest proper maintenance is the key to saving at the pumps; keeping your tires properly inflated, regular use of combustion chamber cleaner, and changing your spark plugs are a few favorites. But recently, gas-hungry
When designing their new Expedition, Ford placed a high emphasis on efficiency. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)
SUV owners have taken some action of their own. Namely, pouring gas all over the vehicle and lighting it on fire.

While certainly not the best use of pricey gasoline, insurance fraud of this type is a rising trend as a result of high fuel prices. A recent sting operation conducted in Southern California netted an entire arson ring that would torch a debt-ridden SUV owners vehicle
Cadillacs Escalade is one of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market, yet still costs upwards of $75,000. (Photo: General Motors)
in exchange for $300. Operating out of the financing department of a local car dealership, the SUV owner would contact the finance manager in hopes of trading their gas-guzzling SUV in exchange for something a little more economical. The finance manager then put them in touch with an arsonist who, for the $300 fee, would burn the car to the ground. Using an undercover office and an SUV-mounted camera, the ring was busted, and eight people in total were arrested.

This isnt a new trend either. Insurance fraud vehicle arsons went up by 34 percent between 1998 and 2002, prompting analysts
The Suburban ranks as one of the largest vehicles on the road today. That correlates into more gas; both to drive and light on fire. (Photo: General Motors))
to conclude that the rate of vehicle arsons increases during times of economic hardship, marked by periods in which the owners of financed vehicles find themselves in an "upside-down" financing situation where they actually owe more than the vehicle is worth. Of course, it shouldnt take a degree in macroeconomics to figure that out.
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