U.S. Auto Theft Statistics

The National Insurane Crime Bureau (NICB) reported less than 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2024 - a drop below the one millon mark for the first time since 2021 and the largest decrease in stolen vehicles in the last 40 years. The 2024 figure is a 16.7 percent decrease from 2023.

According to NICB Vehicle Theft Trend Data:

• Kia and Hyundia vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list
• If reported stolen in the first 24 hours, passenger vehicles had a 34 percent same-day recovery rate in 2023. More than 85 percent of stolen vehicles were recovered in 2023.

The District of Columbia, despite an 18% decrease in total vehicle thefts, still experienced the nation’s highest theft rate with 842.4 thefts per 100,000 residents – over three times the national average of 250.2 thefts per 100,000 residents. Colorado, on the other hand, broke a four-year trend of being the state with the highest vehicle theft rate. 

Auto theft is covered by the optional "comprehensive" coverage on your auto policy.

"For many of us, cars are essential to our livelihoods and the welfare of our families." said NICB President and CEO David Glawe. "NICB, along with our partners in law enforcement, are proactively working to prevent and deter vehicle theft, but vehicle owners can take simple steps to empower themselves. No matter who you are or where you live, theft prevention starts with good security hygiene. Lock your doors and keep your keys with you at all times."

NICB encourages vehicle owners to consider these tips to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle theft

1. Do not leave your keys in your vehicle
2. Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running
3. Park in well-lit areas
4. Close and lock all windows and doors when you park
5. Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk

Should your vehicle be stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately. NICB data shows that reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.

Car owners have become complacent about theft, with 56 pecent of americans reporting that they rarely or never worry that their car will be stolen according to III.org

A survey of American drivers conducted in April 2007 on behalf of the National Insurance Crime Bureau and LoJack, a manufacturer of an electronic vehicle tracking and recovery system, found:

• 79% always lock their vehicles.
• 93% never leave spare keys in their vehicle.

However, the survey also found:

• One-third admit they have left their car while it was running, which makes the vehicle an easy target for theft.
• 47% don't always park in a well-lit area.
• 40% don't hide their valuables. In fact, nearly half leave mail in their vehicle, a quarter have left a purse or wallet, and almost a third have left bank statements, all of which can put them at risk for identity theft.

Although 75% of respondents know that there are costs associated with vehicle theft in addition to paying the insurance deductible and the cost of replacing the vehicle that are not covered by insurance, virtually none knew that there are additional costs such as insurance premium increases, the cost of time spent dealing with police, vehicle rental costs, and the cost of time off from work. The survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.

Most Popular Stolen Vehicles

Top 5 Stolen Vehicles in the United States in 2024 by Make and Model According to the NICB Report:

Click here for the most popular vehicles stolen in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Does It Matter Where I Live?

Living in urban and higher crime areas has an impact on your risk of being a victim of auto theft. Port and border cities continue to be boomtowns for the auto theft business. Of the top 25 metro areas in the nation for vehicle theft, nearly half are ports or communities with easy access to borders (*National Insurance Crime Bureau, or NICB). The NICB study compares the auto theft rates per 100,000 population in 380 metro areas.

The top 10 metro areas with highest auto theft rates in 2022 (Theft rate is total thefts per 100,000 residents):

1. Pueblo, CO - 1086.44
2. Bakersfield, CA - 1072.36
3. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO - 1062.67
4. Memphis, TN-MS-AR - 845.68
5. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA - 796.94
6. Alburquerque, NM - 795.18
7. Seattle-Tacome-Bellevue, WA - 758.68
8. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkley, CA - 699.30
9. Greeley, CO - 589.42
10. Kansas City, MO-KS - 572.67

Reporting Auto Theft & Fraud

Report fraud and vehicle theft to your local law enforcement, as well as the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422). Your call to NICB can be anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward.