Private passenger cars have taken a back seat to pickup trucks and SUVs—at least in the minds of thieves, reports the Highway Loss Data Institute.

Such data is of interest to insurers, who factor theft risk into auto insurance coverage rates. But consumers should also take note, for reasons beyond potential insurance cost impact.

The hassles of having your vehicle stolen—both emotional and financial—may be an important additional consideration when you have narrowed your new vehicle purchase down to a few choices. Of course, one reason vehicles are stolen is because they are popular; if no one wanted them, there would be little reward for risk to the thief.

So whether your personal need is getting the kids to school in Quincy or loading crops on the farm, when shopping for a new vehicle, you might prefer to avoid attracting auto thieves and potentially higher insurance costs. Here are the top 10 vehicles targeted by thieves for the years 2010 through 2012:

1. Ford F-250 crew 4WD
2. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew
3. Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
4. GMC Sierra 1500 crew
5. Ford F-350 crew 4WD
6. Cadillac Escalade 4WD
7. Chevrolet Suburban 1500
8. GMC Sierra 1500 extended cab
9. GMC Yukon
10. Chevrolet Tahoe