Key Auto Theft Trends in the U.S.
Drivers in the U.S. reported over a million motor vehicles stolen in 2023, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). While this figure mirrors the 2022 numbers, it’s part of an ongoing surge in auto theft since 2019. Technological vulnerabilities are a major contributing factor to vehicle theft.
Key Auto Theft Statistics
- In 2023, a total of 1,020,729 vehicles were reported stolen, a slight increase from 1,008,756 in 2022. (NICB)
- California continues to lead in the number of stolen vehicles, with 208,668 reported in 2023. However, Colorado has the highest theft rate. (NICB)
- Maryland and the District of Columbia experienced the greatest percentage increase in thefts from 2022 to 2023. (NICB)
- Theft claim frequency for 2003–2023 Hyundai and Kia models was nearly seven times greater than for all other makes during the initial six months of 2023. (IIHS-HLDI)
- The average claim severity for stolen cars, excluding Hyundai and Kia models, was $21,681 in the first half of 2023. (IIHS-HLDI)
- Motor vehicle theft ranks as the third most common property crime in the United States. (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics)
- Over 85% of stolen vehicles were recovered in 2022, with 34% recovered the same day. (NICB)
How Often Do Cars Get Stolen?
Car theft in the United States has become increasingly common. The NICB reports that 1,020,729 vehicles were stolen in 2023, compared to 1,008,756 in 2022 and 794,019 in 2019. This represents a concerning increase of 28.5% in just four years.
According to the FBI’s most recent data, the nationwide motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 people stood at 282.7 in 2022. The FBI also found that:
- 45% of auto theft victims in 2022 were between the ages of 20 and 39.
- 12% of offenders in 2022 were teenagers.
- Only 23% of auto thefts were committed by offenders confirmed to be known to the victim.
- 33% of stolen vehicles were taken from a residence, contrasting with 25% from a highway or street and 23% from a parking lot or garage.
These figures suggest that younger drivers who park their cars away from home may be at higher risk.
Where are Cars Stolen Most Often?
In 2023, the District of Columbia, Colorado, and Nevada had the highest motor vehicle theft rates per 100,000 people. The metropolitan statistical areas with the highest theft volume were Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin. The states with the largest increase in auto theft rates from 2022 were the District of Columbia (64%), Maryland (63%), Connecticut (33%), Nevada (18%), and Massachusetts (16%).
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area experienced the largest increase in thefts compared to 2022 (52%). The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area saw the largest decrease in auto thefts from 2022 to 2023 (-22%). San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas-Fort Worth saw significant spikes in auto thefts (28%, 19%, and 13% respectively). California, Texas, and Florida still have the highest overall number of car thefts in 2023 due to their large populations, but did not see major increases in theft rates from 2022 to 2023.
Car Theft Statistics by State
While the NICB hasn’t yet released its complete auto theft report for 2023, 2022 data points to states in the West and the Washington, D.C., area as key areas for motor vehicle theft, while New England states like Maine and New Hampshire see the lowest rates of auto theft overall.
What Vehicles Are Stolen Most Often?
Data from the NICB and HLDI indicate that full-size pickup trucks, older Honda sedans, and specific Hyundai and Kia models produced between 2011 and 2022 are the most frequently stolen vehicles in the U.S. today.
The most-stolen vehicle in 2022 was the full-size Chevrolet pickup with 49,903 thefts. Other large pickups like the Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra also made the top 10. The remaining vehicles on the list were primarily sedans.
According to research from the NICB, older used cars are more susceptible to theft than newer vehicles. With the exception of the Toyota Camry, the most-stolen model year for the top 10 models was at least five years old.
Hyundai and Kia Thefts Show Significant Increases in 2023
Theft of Hyundai and Kia vehicles increased dramatically because of a notable vulnerability in their technological security. Most vehicles built in the 2010s included immobilizers––passive security systems that need a programmed key fob to match the car’s security system before they can start. Unlike most manufacturers, Hyundai and Kia didn’t include these devices in many of their cars manufactured between 2011 and 2022. Only 26% of Hyundai and Kia vehicles from the 2015 model year had immobilizers, compared to 96% of vehicles from other brands. This security vulnerability was publicized on social media, leading to a surge in thefts.
In 2022, insurance claim frequency for Hyundai and Kia vehicles was 364% higher than for other makes and models; in the first six months of 2023, this number grew to 681%. The model years from 2011 to 2021 experienced the biggest increases in theft. Colorado and Wisconsin were among the first states to see a spike in thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, per HLDI. In 2023, a surge in thefts led the city of Baltimore to file a lawsuit against both automakers in May 2023.
Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?
Comprehensive coverage is the portion of your car insurance policy that typically covers vehicle theft along with the cost of any damage, like a broken window, lock, or ignition. If you don’t have comprehensive coverage, you won’t be able to file a theft claim. While comprehensive coverage covers the vehicle, it does not include any personal belongings left inside. If your personal items are stolen, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is the policy that would cover your loss.
Car insurance companies use vehicle theft rates as a rating factor. If the car model you own is often stolen or susceptible to theft, you will likely pay higher coverage premiums. For instance, some insurers will not offer policies to drivers who own a Hyundai or Kia model from 2011 to 2021 due to higher theft rates associated with these cars.
How to Prevent Car Theft
Modern thieves are increasingly tech-savvy and have found ways to exploit vehicle security systems. Car security is a moving target as they discover keyless entry hacks, reprogram the software, and find key codes linked to the VIN. To maximize your vehicle’s security, and potentially earn an extra insurance discount, consider these measures:
- Smart parking: Parking your car inside a locked garage at home is an excellent way to deter theft, but keeping your car locked, parking in well-lit areas, and keeping your key fob with you can help prevent theft.
- Keep your seats clear: Valuables visible on the seats or the dashboard will attract thieves. Blankets, coats, or other items that look as if they’re covering valuables will also attract them.
- Invest in locks: Purchase locks for your steering wheel, hood, and/or wheels to secure your car when it’s not in use.
- Add a GPS tracker: While a GPS tracker won’t prevent theft, it may aid in recovering a stolen vehicle.
