Car Theft Statistics 2024: An Updated Overview
Drivers in the U.S. continue to face a persistent threat of vehicle theft. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), over a million motor vehicles were reported stolen in 2023. This number mirrors the theft rate of the previous year, yet it reflects an ongoing surge in auto theft since 2019. Technological vulnerabilities remain a major contributing factor in 2024.
Key Auto Theft Statistics
- In 2023, a total of 1,020,729 vehicles were reported stolen, marking a slight increase from the 1,008,756 reported in 2022 (NICB).
- California continues to lead the nation in terms of the highest number of stolen vehicles in 2023, with 208,668 reported thefts, while 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).
- From 2003 to 2023, Hyundai and Kia models saw theft claim frequencies almost seven times higher than other makes during the first 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 U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics.
- Over 85 percent of stolen vehicles were recovered in 2022, with 34 percent recovered on the same day (NICB).
How Often Do Cars Get Stolen?
Car theft is a growing concern across the United States. The NICB reports that 1,020,729 vehicles were stolen in 2023, increasing from 1,008,756 in 2022 and 794,019 in 2019. This data signifies a 28.5 percent increase in just four years.
According to recent data from the FBI, the motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 people was 282.7 in 2022.
The FBI’s findings also reveal some interesting trends:
- Forty-five percent of auto theft victims were between 20 and 39 years old in 2022.
- Teenagers accounted for 12 percent of offenders in 2022.
- Only 23 percent of auto thefts were committed by offenders known to the victim.
- Thirty-three percent of stolen vehicles were taken from a residence compared to 25 percent from a highway or street and 23 percent from a parking lot or garage.
These statistics indicate a higher risk for younger drivers who park their cars in locations other than a home garage, and increasing prevalence of theft from residential properties.
Where Do the Most Cars Get Stolen?
In 2023, the District of Columbia, Colorado, and Nevada had the highest motor vehicle theft rates per 100,000 people. The metropolitan areas with the highest theft volume were Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, and Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.
The five states with the biggest increase in auto theft rates from 2022 were the District of Columbia (64 percent), Maryland (63 percent), Connecticut (33 percent), Nevada (18 percent), and Massachusetts (16 percent).
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area saw the largest increase in thefts compared to 2022 (52 percent). Conversely, the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood area experienced the largest decrease in auto thefts from 2022 to 2023 (-22 percent).
San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas-Fort Worth saw significant spikes in auto thefts, with increases of 28, 19, and 13 percent, respectively.
While California, Texas, and Florida still report the highest total number of cars stolen in 2023 due to their large populations, none of these states experienced a major increase in theft rates from 2022 to 2023.
Car Theft Statistics by State
While the NICB hasn’t released its complete auto theft report for 2023, 2022 data shows that states in the West and the Washington, D.C., area are key areas for motor vehicle theft. New England states, like Maine and New Hampshire, have the lowest overall rates.
What Vehicles Are Stolen Most Often?
Both the NICB and HLDI data indicate that full-size pickup trucks, older Honda sedans, and Hyundai and Kia vehicles from 2011 to 2022 are the most frequently stolen vehicles in the U.S. today. Full-size Chevrolet pickups top the NICB’s list of most stolen vehicles for 2022 with 49,903 total thefts that year. Two additional large pickups – the Ford F-150 and GMC Sierra – also ranked within the top ten.
Here’s a look at the most stolen vehicles:
- Full-size Chevrolet pickup (e.g., Silverado) – 2004 model year
- Full-size Ford pickup (e.g., F-150) – 2006 model year
- Honda Civic – 2000 model year
- Honda Accord – 1997 model year
- Hyundai Sonata – 2013 model year
- Hyundai Elantra – 2017 model year
- Kia Optima – 2015 model year
- Toyota Camry – 2021 model year
- Full-size GMC pickup (e.g., Sierra 1500) – 2005 model year
- Honda CR-V – 2001 model year
Used cars are more likely to be stolen than new cars. Excluding the Toyota Camry, the most frequently stolen model year among the top ten models cited above falls at least five model years old. Hyundai and Kia thefts saw considerable increases in 2023.
Hyundai and Kia Thefts Account for Huge Increases in Auto Thefts
Stealing Hyundai and Kia vehicles became more than a crime trend in 2023, turning into a social media driven trend.
Many Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022 did not include immobilizers – security systems, which require a programmed key fob to match with the car’s security system. Only 26 percent of Hyundai and Kia vehicles from the 2015 model year came with immobilizers, compared to 96 percent for vehicles from other manufacturers. This security oversight created opportunities for thefts.
TikTok users discovered this security flaw, leading to an auto theft fad, and causing a dramatic surge in theft claims for Kia and Hyundai vehicles during 2022 and 2023.
In 2022, the insurance claim frequency for Hyundai and Kia models was 364 percent higher than the rate for other makes. This claim frequency jumped to 681 percent during the first six months of 2023. Model years from 2011 to 2021 saw the most significant increases.
Colorado and Wisconsin were among the first states to see a spike in the theft of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, according to HLDI. Maryland’s rising auto theft rates in 2023 were significantly influenced by Hyundai and Kia thefts.
Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?
Theft and loss are covered through various mechanisms in your car insurance policy. The comprehensive portion of your policy typically covers the theft of your car, including any damage, such as broken windows or damaged ignitions.
However, if you do not have comprehensive coverage, you cannot file a theft claim with your insurance provider. Your comprehensive coverage protects the vehicle itself, but not the items inside. Homeowners or renters insurance typically covers personal belongings in your vehicle.
Vehicle theft rates are one of the many factors considered by auto insurance companies. Consequently, if you own a frequently stolen vehicle, you will most likely pay a higher rate for coverage. Some insurers might not issue policies to Kia or Hyundai drivers with models from 2011 to 2021 due to their high theft rates.
How to Prevent Car Theft
Car theft techniques are becoming more high-tech, as thieves exploit modern vehicle security systems. Hackers can easily gain access to vehicles through keyless entry, reprogrammed software and key codes tied to VINs. This means car security measures are constantly evolving.
To maximize vehicle security (and potentially secure an insurance discount), consider these steps:
- Smart parking: A locked home garage is one of the best theft deterrents. Locking your car when you’re not in it, parking in well-lit areas, and keeping your key fob close are helpful.
- Keep your seats clear: Visible valuables in your car can attract thieves, as can blankets, coats, or other items that could be hiding them.
- Invest in locks: Consider purchasing locks for your steering wheel, hood, and/or wheels to protect your car.
- Add a GPS tracker: Although tracking your car won’t prevent theft, it can increase the chances of successful recovery.
