Although the national average of auto theft has fallen slightly over the last year, the Boise metro area has undergone a rise in vehicle theft, and that is causing insurance rates to rise in the region as well.

According to a recent study by the Northwest Insurance Council, nearly 1,000 cars were stolen in the Boise Metro Area last year, which is a significant increase of about 5 percent from 2009.

In contrast to the Treasure Valley, there's been a more than 5 percent decrease in auto thefts statewide. In fact, Boise City proper saw a decrease in auto theft of about 10 percent, which Boise Police Spokesperson Lynn Hightower said in a press release has, "actually been one of the biggest decreases we've seen in any crime category over the past six years."

The Northwest Insurance Council says while that's encouraging, vehicle owners are still paying the price for this costly crime in the way of higher premiums, and because of the growing crime rate in the metro area, including Caldwell, Nampa and other surrounding towns, the savings that would normally go hand in hand with a huge decrease in theft aren't showing up.

Comprehensive insurance premiums, which cover auto theft, are calculated using a multitude of variables such as make, model, and year of the vehicle as well as the driver's age, driving record, and credit score. But, one variable that is a huge determinant of rates is location. Since theft rates are on the rise in areas surrounding the "Gem State's" capital, Boise is actually seeing a slight rise in insurance rates even though there was an overall decline in theft statewide.

"Insurance carriers are paying those [theft] claims. And if they don't have to pay the claims, then they don't have to pass on the losses in the form of premium increases to the consumer," said Boise insurance agent Bob Ricketts to Fox 12 Idaho.

The Boise Police are backing Ricketts claim, and advising drivers in the Treasure Valley to be more careful when leaving their vehicle susceptible to theft.