Most Stolen Cars in 2024 by State
JA
Summary:
Car thefts are on the rise. By researching which car models are most susceptible to theft in each state, you can take extra precautions and stay one step ahead of potential criminals. This knowledge can also come in handy when considering a new car purchase. Remember, though, regardless of which car model you own, it’s still important to take steps to prevent car theft, such as parking in a well-lit area and installing an alarm system.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) — the insurance industry’s association that tracks annual car thefts — more than one million vehicles were stolen in 2022, the highest number reported since 2008. In other words, about two vehicles were stolen every minute.
If you’re a car owner or are considering purchasing a vehicle this year for yourself or your family, you may be wondering which car models are targeted most by thieves. Read on to learn which car models are most susceptible to theft in each state, as well as the steps you can take to keep your vehicle safe from car thieves.
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What are the most stolen cars in the U.S.?
Car theft is always a prevalent issue in the United States, and the statistics surrounding it can be a bit alarming to say the least. According to the July 2022 “Hot Wheels” report by the NICB, the most stolen cars in the U.S. in 2021 were the Chevrolet Pickup (full size), the Ford Pickup (full size), and the Honda Civic.
More broadly, by analyzing data from the past decade (as The Zebra did in a recent study), it becomes evident that the most stolen car from 2010 to 2020 was the Honda Accord, followed by the Honda Civic and the Ford Pickup (full size).
The most stolen cars by state
While we don’t have exact numbers for 2023 yet, the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s “Hot Wheels” report for July 2022 does outline the most stolen cars by state in 2021. Although these statistics are subject to change, it’s likely that many will remain the same in 2023.
The following are the most stolen vehicles by state and U.S. territory in 2021:
| State/Territory | Most Stolen Vehicle |
|---|---|
| Arizona | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Arkansas | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| California | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Colorado | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Connecticut | Honda Accord |
| Delaware | Honda Accord |
| District of Columbia | Toyota Camry |
| Florida | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Georgia | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Hawaii | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Idaho | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Illinois | Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee |
| Indiana | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Iowa | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Kansas | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Kentucky | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Louisiana | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Maine | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Maryland | Honda Accord |
| Massachusetts | Honda Accord |
| Michigan | Dodge Charger |
| Minnesota | Honda Civic |
| Mississippi | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Missouri | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Montana | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Nebraska | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Nevada | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| New Hampshire | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| New Jersey | Honda Accord |
| New Mexico | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| New York | Honda Accord |
| North Carolina | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| North Dakota | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Ohio | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Oklahoma | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Oregon | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Pennsylvania | Honda Accord |
| Puerto Rico | Kia Motors Corporation Sportage |
| Rhode Island | Honda Accord |
| South Carolina | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| South Dakota | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Tennessee | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Texas | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Utah | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| Vermont | Subaru Forester |
| Virginia | Honda Accord |
| Washington | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
| West Virginia | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) |
| Wisconsin | Hyundai Elantra |
| Wyoming | Ford Pickup (Full Size) |
Top tips for preventing car theft
If you’re concerned about car thefts in your area, here are some tips you can follow to keep your vehicle safe:
- Park in a well-lit area. The simplest way to prevent your car from getting stolen is to park it in a well-lit area with lots of foot or vehicle traffic. Car thieves tend to avoid populated areas since there’s a higher chance of getting caught. If you can, park your car in an area visible to passersby or under a street lamp.
- Install an alarm system. Most modern cars now have a factory-installed alarm system. However, if your car is an older model and does not come with an alarm system, consider installing one. Many anti-theft car device monitors and alarm systems will alert you via phone when your vehicle is moved while you aren’t near it.
- Lock your doors and windows. While this may seem like common sense, a large portion of car thefts occur because the owner forgot to lock their vehicle. Before leaving the parking lot, always double- or even triple-check to ensure your doors are locked and the windows are rolled up all the way.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Thieves are often on the lookout for valuable items left in plain sight, such as laptops, GPS devices, or smartphones. If you must leave your valuables in the car, store them out of sight, such as in the trunk or glove compartment.
- Use steering wheel locks. A steering wheel lock is an inexpensive and effective way to prevent car theft. It can be attached to your steering wheel when you park, making it difficult for a thief to steal your car. You can purchase one on Amazon for under $30.
What to do if your car is stolen
Despite your best efforts to keep your vehicle safe, you may still become a victim of car theft. Here are the steps you should take in the event your car is stolen:
- Contact the police. As soon as you realize your car has been stolen, contact your local police department and file a report. Let them know your car’s make, model, license plate number, and any other identifying features or characteristics of the vehicle.
- Contact your car insurance company. Contact your insurance company to report the auto theft and file a claim. Depending on your policy, they may also provide you with a rental car while your claim is being processed.
- Notify the DMV. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to report the vehicle theft and request a new title for your vehicle.
- Check with towing companies. Some stolen cars are towed by the police or found by towing companies. Check with any nearby towing companies to see if they have your vehicle.
- Post on social media. Post about your stolen car on social media, including any pictures you have of it, to increase the chances of it being spotted on the road.
- Prevent future theft. Take steps to prevent future theft of your new or recovered vehicle, such as parking in well-lit areas and installing an alarm system or steering wheel lock.
Pro Tip
Be aware of current car theft trends and take appropriate measures to protect your car. For example, if there’s a trend of thieves stealing cars with keyless entry systems, ask your dealership for advice on disabling the system or implementing other useful security measures.
FAQ
What cars get stolen the most?
According to the July 2022 “Hot Wheels” report by the NICB, the following models represent 15% of all stolen vehicles in the country in 2021:
- Chevrolet Pickup (full size)
- Ford Pickup (full size)
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- GMC Pickup (full size)
- Nissan Altima
- Honda CR-V
- Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
- Toyota Corolla
Why is Honda one of the most stolen cars?
Honda is one of the most stolen car makes because of the high demand for its replacement parts, especially older models. Honda Civics are very profitable to thieves since the car’s components are often worth much more than the vehicle and can easily be resold on the black market.
What is the #1 most stolen vehicle in America?
The number one most stolen car in the U.S. changes each year. However, based on data from the past decade, Honda Accord would take the number one spot as the most stolen car model in the country. According to a study by The Zebra, Honda Accords were stolen 513,025 times from 2010 to 2020, followed by Honda Civics and Ford Pickups (full size), which were stolen 471,327 and 337,287 times, respectively.
What cars can’t be stolen?
Obviously, all cars can be stolen. However, some cars are a much harder target for thieves. Tesla models, for example, are really hard to hide from the authorities if stolen due to their GPS tracking technology. So even though they are sometimes stolen, the recovery rates are extremely high.
According to a study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), car models that are unlikely to be stolen include the BMW 3 Series 4dr, the Tesla Model S, the Tesla Model X, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Buick Encore, and the Subaru Legacy. However, regardless of your car’s make and model, taking precautions like locking your doors, parking in well-lit areas, and installing anti-theft devices can go a long way in keeping your car safe.
Key Takeaways
- According to the most recent available data, the most stolen cars in the U.S. in 2021 were the Chevrolet Pickup (full size), the Ford Pickup (full size), and the Honda Civic.
- The most stolen car models in the U.S. from 2010 to 2020 were the Honda Accord, the Honda Civic, and the Ford Pickup (full size).
- Car models unlikely to be stolen include the BMW 3 Series 4dr, the Tesla Model S, the Tesla Model X, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Buick Encore, and the Subaru Legacy.
- Top tips for preventing car theft include parking in a well-lit area, installing an alarm system, always locking your doors and windows, keeping valuables out of sight, and using a steering wheel lock.
- If your car is stolen, contact the police and file a report, contact your car insurance company to file a claim, notify the DMV, check with towing companies for sightings of your car, post about the theft on social media, and take steps to prevent future theft of any new vehicle you acquire.
Car insurance can cover a stolen car, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. If you live in a state where your car’s model is especially susceptible to theft, consider investing in a more comprehensive policy. Use SuperMoney’s comparison tool to compare different car insurance companies and find the best auto insurance plan for your unique needs!
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