After four years of surging vehicle thefts, the number of thefts in 2024 trended downward to the tune of 17% from 2023 to 2024 — the largest annual decrease in stolen vehicles in the last 40 years, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and deterring insurance fraud and crime.
“The overall decrease in stolen vehicles nationwide is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between law enforcement, multi-jurisdictional auto theft task forces, governing bodies, vehicle manufacturers and NICB,” says David J. Glawe, president and CEO of NICB.
What are the most-stolen cars in the U.S.?
Beyond Kia and Hyundai models, full-size pickups and mid-size cars such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Honda Accord are among the most-stolen cars in the U.S. Below is a table of the most-stolen vehicle make/models in 2024.
| Rank | Make/Model | 2024 thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Elantra | 31,712 |
| 2 | Hyundai Sonata | 26,720 |
| 3 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 21,666 |
| 4 | Honda Accord | 18,539 |
| 5 | Kia Optima | 17,493 |
States with highest vehicle theft rate
Car thefts are more likely in some states than others. For example, Nevada was one of the states that led the nation with the largest decreases in vehicle thefts year over year with a 31% decrease, but still had enough vehicle thefts to put them in the top 5 states for vehicle thefts overall.
The states with the highest vehicle theft rate (per 100,000 people) are listed in the table below.
| Rank | State | 2024 thefts | 2023 thefts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 842.40 | 1,149.71 |
| 2 | California | 463.21 | 534.49 |
| 3 | New Mexico | 458.24 | 489.67 |
| 4 | Colorado | 430.04 | 583.25 |
| 5 | Nevada | 394.42 | 572.70 |
U.S. vehicle thefts from 2020-2024
After several post-pandemic years of vehicle thefts trending upward, they dropped lower than the 2020 figure in 2024. See the data from 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 in the table below.
| Year | Vehicles stolen nationwide |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 850,708 |
| 2023 | 1,020,729 |
| 2022 | 1,008,756 |
| 2021 | 932,329 |
| 2020 | 880,595 |
Emerging auto theft trends and criminal tactics
Several car-theft trends have emerged in recent years that put your vehicle at increased risk of being stolen, such as technology-driven vehicle thefts and the targeting of Hyundai/Kia models.
But some states are taking steps to fight back against auto theft.
Technology-driven vehicle thefts
The NICB notes that the use of technology is playing a more significant role in car theft.
For example, some thieves use a “relay attack” to steal the signal between a car’s key fob and the vehicle. This typically happens when the crook uses a device that intercepts the signal and transmits it to a thief near the car.
One way to lower the risk of a relay attack is to store your key fob in a metal container or a metal wire bag known as a Faraday cage. A low-tech version of this approach is to wrap the fob in aluminum foil.
Keeping the key fob deep in your house — and as far away from the vehicle as possible — can also help.
“Code grabbing” is another technological approach thieves use to steal cars. When a car’s owner clicks the key fob to lock the car door, thieves can use a device to steal the radio frequency and copy the code.
The targeting of Hyundai and Kia models
During the COVID-19 pandemic, viral social media posts showed how easy it is to steal some Hyundai and Kia models by removing the steering column cover and using a makeshift key to start the car.
The automakers responded to such thefts by releasing a software upgrade for about two dozen 2011-22 Hyundai and Kia models. The software prevents vehicles from starting unless the owner’s key – or an exact duplicate – is in the ignition.
“The companies’ solution is extremely effective,” says Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI. “If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle without an electronic immobilizer, you should call your local dealer about getting the software upgrade today.”
However, HDLI notes that theft claims for Hyundai and Kia vehicles are still high, even for models that have the new software. One reason for the continued trend of thefts is that the immobilizer only activates if the driver remembers to lock the vehicle with a fob instead of using the switch on the door handle.
How states are fighting auto theft
Several states are taking steps to try to curb auto theft rates.
In 2023, Colorado strengthened penalties related to auto theft, even for vehicles with relatively low values. From 2021 to 2023, New Jersey introduced more than four dozen theft-related legislative bills.
Wisconsin changed the penalty for carjacking from a Class C to Class B felony when the criminal has a weapon and threatens force. Mississippi and Louisiana also have increased minimum penalties for carjacking to up to 10 years.
Some of these efforts are met with success. For example, car theft fell sharply in Colorado in 2024.
Some states also have long-standing programs designed to address auto theft. For example, Minnesota’s Automobile Theft Prevention Grant Program has a decades-long history of collecting a surcharge from auto insurers that is then used to fund activities intended to reduce auto theft.
How drivers can protect their vehicles from theft
It’s essential to know how to prevent car theft. The NICB recommends several best practices, including the following:
- Keep your doors locked at all times.
- Completely close all windows.
- Don’t leave your vehicle running and unattended.
- Always remove your keys from the ignition, and avoid keeping a spare key anywhere near your car.
- Park in well-illuminated areas.
- Use a visible or audible deterrent device, such as a car alarm, steering column collar, steering wheel/brake pedal lock, wheel locks, window etching, micro dot marking or theft deterrent stickers.
- Employ a vehicle immobilizer, such as a smart key, kill switch, starter/ignition/fuel disabler, fuse cutoff, and wireless ignition authentication.
- Install a tracking system that sends a signal to a monitoring service or law enforcement if the automobile is reported stolen.
- Don’t store your vehicle’s title or valuables in your car.
- When parked on an incline, turn your wheels toward the curb or another obstruction, which makes it more difficult for bad actors to tow your vehicle away.
What to do if your vehicle is stolen
Take the following steps if your vehicle is stolen:
- Report your vehicle as stolen immediately to police. Reporting the theft to law enforcement provides a record for your insurer.
- Report your stolen vehicle to your insurer. Insurers might need a police report before honoring a claim.
- Be prepared to provide important vehicle information. Provide the make/model of the vehicle, color, license plate number and the VIN to the police.
- File a claim. You can file a stolen vehicle report to your insurer over the phone, online or directly with your insurance agent.
According to the NICB, 34% of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days, so reporting your vehicle as stolen is essential.
“Even as we work to deter crime, it is crucial for owners to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles,” Glawe says.
Can car thefts affect your car insurance rates?
Yes. Many factors go into calculating car insurance rates, including the number and severity of claims for your ZIP code and type of car you drive. That means that if you own a model that thieves favor, statistics show you will pay higher premiums, regardless of whether you have ever had a car stolen.
If your car is stolen, you’re not covered for theft unless you have bought comprehensive insurance coverage, which pays for physical damage losses resulting from incidents other than collisions.
Anti-theft device discounts can save you money on car insurance
Making your vehicle a challenging car to steal can reduce your chances of theft and your car insurance premiums. Using anti-theft devices keeps your car safe and results in premium discounts. Insurance companies typically offer car insurance discounts of 1-2% for anti-theft devices.
Final thoughts
Remember, thieves are using increasingly sophisticated methods to steal cars, so drivers must remain more vigilant than ever to keep their vehicles safe.
— Mark Vallet contributed to this story.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Colorado State Patrol Department of Public Safety. “Colorado auto theft laws are changing.” Accessed May 2025.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. “Anti-theft software tamps down viral theft trend targeting Hyundai, Kia vehicles.” Accessed May 2025.
- Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. “Automobile theft prevention program.” Accessed May 2025.
- National Insurance Crime Bureau. “Vehicle Thefts in United States Fell 17% in 2024.” Accessed May 2025.
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
Browse all FAQs