If you thought maintaining your vehicle was a task, a recent automotive report illustrates how difficult it is to keep some cars safe from thieves.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s vehicle theft report shows which vehicles thieves are targeting the most. The NICB’s data indicates that full-size pickups were the most stolen vehicles in the United States in 2022 — but other cars make the list as well.
What Are the Most Stolen Vehicles?
Full-size pickups by Chevrolet and Ford are #1 and #2 on the most-stolen vehicles list, according to the data. Those models made up more than 25% of the thefts reported in 2022.
Here are some key findings from the report:
- Although full-size pickups lead the list, they have been reported stolen 33% less than the previous year. Meanwhile, vehicle thefts overall have jumped 7%.
- Popular Hyundai models, the Sonata and Elantra, make the top 10 for the first time.
- Law enforcement was able to recover more than 85% of vehicles reported stolen, with 34% of them found within a day of being reported, according to the report.
| Vehicle Make/Model | 2022 Thefts | Model Year Most Often Stolen |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Pick-Up (Full Size) | 49,903 | 2004 |
| Ford Pick-Up (Full Size) | 48,175 | 2006 |
| Honda Civic | 27,113 | 2000 |
| Honda Accord | 27,089 | 1997 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 21,707 | 2013 |
| Hyundai Elantra | 19,602 | 2017 |
| Kia Optima | 18,221 | 2015 |
| Toyota Camry | 17,094 | 2021 |
| GMC Pick-Up (Full Size) | 16,622 | 2005 |
| Honda CR-V | 13,832 | 2001 |
Read the full report from the NICB.
How To Prevent Your Vehicle From Getting Stolen
While there is no foolproof way to keep your car from being stolen, there are some things you can do to tilt the odds in your favor. I’ll go over some tips and then tell you about some technology that can help protect your vehicle from thieves.
Money expert Clark Howard says a lot of car thefts can be thwarted by good old common sense.
“One general word of warning. Whether you have an old car or a new car, don’t create a crime of opportunity for a crook,” Clark says. “I see so many people who pull up to convenience stores and leave the car running with the key in the ignition to go into the store. Don’t create that opportunity for the criminal.”
Here are some other basic safety tips to keep in mind:
- Know your surroundings.
- Hide your valuables.
- Keep your car doors locked at all times.
Here are a few things you can buy to help deter car theft.
Invest in Anti-Theft Devices
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says it’s a good idea to have anti-theft devices in your car so a would-be crook can see that you’re protected.
“Visible devices create a visual threat/warning/deterrence, such as the use of steering-wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights, and window etching,” says the agency’s website.
A car alarm is another device that can deter criminals from stealing your car.
Install a Vehicle Immobilizer
A device that kills your ignition can come in handy if a crook gets behind the wheel of your car.
According to the NHTSA website, “These prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle’s ignition system and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some incorporate computer chips in ignition keys or disable the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine.”
You can pick up a vehicle immobilizer on Amazon starting at around $13.
Another device that could come in handy after your vehicle is stolen is a vehicle tracker.
Location-tracking software sold on Amazon and other places can make it easy to find your vehicle in real time.
AAA says on its website, “Signing up for a GPS-based or other location vehicle tracking system is one of the best ways to locate a stolen vehicle.”
Final Thoughts
Having your vehicle stolen can be a major headache. But there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances.
If you become a victim of car theft, the first thing you should do is contact your local law enforcement agency. They will likely ask for your license plate number, make, model and color of your vehicle, and your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) so be sure to have this information saved somewhere safe (think: outside of your vehicle).
After you have filed a police report, reach out to your car insurance company to start a claim. If the police recover your vehicle, make sure you inform your insurer immediately so they can update the status of your claim.
