### Most Stolen Cars: Protecting Your Vehicle from Theft

It may be disheartening to learn that some of the most stolen vehicles in America are also some of the most popular ones. Full-size pickup trucks such as the [GMC Sierra](https://www.autolist.com/gmc-sierra+1500), the [Ford F-150](https://www.autolist.com/ford-f+150), and the [Chevrolet Silverado](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-silverado+1500) are some of the most commonly targeted models, while best-selling models such as the [Honda Civic](https://www.autolist.com/honda-civic), the [Toyota Camry](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-camry), the [Hyundai Sonata](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-sonata), and the [Honda Accord](https://www.autolist.com/honda-accord) are also near the top of the list.

Making the 10 most stolen cars list is not an award that anybody should covet, but if you do own one of these models or one of a few more that are particularly susceptible to auto theft, then there are steps that you can take to minimize the risk of having your car stolen. 

### Understanding Car Theft Trends

The National Insurance Crime Bureau, or NICB for short, conducts yearly data analysis on the most stolen vehicles in America. The Highway Loss Data Institute, a subdivision of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, also conducts its own analysis. Having all of this data at our fingertips can help us determine trends that ultimately answer some of the “whys” and “hows” of vehicle theft. 

A vehicle is stolen roughly once every 35 seconds in America, and California sees the most car thefts by state with 16,625. That is a staggering 7,243 auto thefts more Texas, which saw 9,382 in 2023. This does not mean that no other U.S. State has its problems. Car theft increased by 17 percent in 2021, most likely due to a decline in the economy and the wide-ranging effects of the global pandemic at the time. Unfortunately, 2023 also witnessed a seven percent increase in vehicle thefts over 2021. 

The slowing economy and pandemic are just two factors that have contributed to a rise in the number of auto thefts. A handful of things can stop, or at least slow down, a car thief determined to steal your vehicle, but owner carelessness is also a huge contributing factor. Not knowing what thieves want, not understanding how they operate, and simply locking your car can go a long way to decrease your risk of being a victim. 

Car thieves commonly target cars that are easy to access in areas with poor visibility to lower the risk of being caught. Older vehicles are also high targets, because their security systems tend to be less robust than those of newer vehicles. In fact, some of the most commonly stolen vehicle models are from the 1990s and 2000s.

A good rule of thumb is that the harder it is to get into the car and start it, the higher its chance of being left alone. If a car thief can break in and start a car in less than a minute, they will be more likely to accomplish their goal. 

### The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in America

There are two main lists that show the most stolen vehicles in two different lights. The Highway Loss Data Institute’s list tells us about the most stolen vehicles from model years 2020, 2021, and 2022 by auto theft claims per insured vehicle year. 

__The HLDI’s list provides the advantage of showing us high-volume auto theft per model without that model’s popularity being a factor.__ 

1. [Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat](https://www.autolist.com/dodge-charger-srt+hellcat)

2. [Dodge Charger Hemi](https://www.autolist.com/dodge-charger)

3. [Infiniti Q50](https://www.autolist.com/infiniti-q50)

4. [Dodge Challenger](https://www.autolist.com/dodge-challenger)

5. [Land Rover Range Rover](https://www.autolist.com/land+rover-range+rover)

6. [Kia Sportage](https://www.autolist.com/kia-sportage)

7. [Land Rover Range Rover Sport](https://www.autolist.com/land+rover-range+rover+sport)

8. [Kia Sportage (All-Wheel-Drive)](https://www.autolist.com/kia-sportage#driveline[]=AWD)

9. [Honda CR-V (All-Wheel-Drive)](https://www.autolist.com/honda-cr+v#driveline[]=AWD)

10. [BMW X6 (All-Wheel-Drive)](https://www.autolist.com/bmw-x6#driveline[]=AWD)

Three different Dodge models, including the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, the Dodge Charger Hemi, and the Dodge Challenger take nearly every top spot on the list. All of these models are fairly common performance vehicles, and each one is appealing love if a car thief can get their hands on one. The SRT Hellcat, in particular, has a 60 times higher theft rate than any other model. 

Land Rover and Kia have two SUVs in the top 10. Like the Dodge models above, Land Rover offers attractive vehicles with large, powerful engines. The Kia Sportage, on the other hand, is on the list with several other Kia models because of recent viral videos and trends that have exposed their security shortcomings, including the lack of immobilizers and the relative ease of hotwiring.

We will see the Honda CR-V a little later as well, but with the Civic being such a popularly stolen vehicle, especially in California, it is no wonder the Honda CR-V follows in its footsteps. It is both popular and easy to access, because it shares its underpinnings and several components with its sibling. 

Unfortunately for the Infiniti Q50, there is little evidence to back up why it is stolen so frequently. It has made consistent appearances on this list since 2014. 

__The NICB’s list is much more straightforward. It looks at motor vehicle thefts by the numbers without any extra factors to level the playing field.__

1. [Chevrolet Silverado](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-silverado+1500)

2. [Ford F-150](https://www.autolist.com/ford-f+150)

3. [Honda Civic](https://www.autolist.com/honda-civic)

4. [Honda Accord](https://www.autolist.com/honda-accord)

5. [Hyundai Sonata](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-sonata)

6. [Hyundai Elantra](https://www.autolist.com/hyundai-elantra)

7. [Kia Optima](https://www.autolist.com/kia-optima)

8. [Toyota Camry](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-camry)

9. [GMC Sierra](https://www.autolist.com/gmc-sierra+1500)

10. [Honda CR-V](https://www.autolist.com/honda-cr+v)

It's no surprise that some of the most stolen vehicles in America are also some of the most popular. Ford and Chevrolet pickups are two of the most popular models on the market, giving them a larger presence and thus providing a broader target for car thieves. RAM and GMC pickups are also popular, though RAM models fall farther down in the rankings. The most common model year for Chevy Silverado thefts is 2004, while 2006 is the Ford pickup year of choice for vehicle thefts.

Other popular models on the list include the Honda Civic, the Honda Accord, the Hyundai Sonata, the Hyundai Elantra, the Toyota Camry, and the Honda CR-V. The Kia Optima is no longer sold new, but its lack of overall security features and typical immobilizer devices helps it join the long list of other Kia and Hyundai models that have been exposed for their ease of access, even when locked. 

Other popular models such as the [Nissan Altima](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-altima), the [Toyota Corolla](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-corolla), the [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://www.autolist.com/jeep-grand+cherokee), the [Chevy Impala](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-impala), the [Nissan Maxima](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-maxima), and the [Dodge Caravan](https://www.autolist.com/dodge-caravan) missed out on the top 10 lists, but they are still more likely to be stolen than the average vehicle.

Just because you have one of these models does not mean that it will be stolen, because you can take simple preventative measures to lower the risk. If you do not have a garage, try and park your vehicle in a well-lit area. Do not keep any valuables, including your car title, inside your car, and always lock the doors behind you as you leave. Finally, never leave your vehicle running unattended. 

### Protecting Your Car from Theft

Apart from the simple, free steps you can take to secure your car, there are a few extra practices to help keep your vehicle as secure as possible. 

#### Use Simple Anti-Theft Devices

There are multiple anti-theft devices on the market that do not require complicated, extensive setups. The likes of wheel locks, steering wheel clubs, and brake pedal or clutch locks may not deter the most determined thieves, but they are simple to install and can certainly frustrate someone enough to leave your vehicle alone. 

#### Install an Alarm

A more complex anti-theft device is an alarm. Many cars come equipped with a panic alarm, but if your vehicle does not, one can easily be purchased online or from a local security company. Many alarms can be fitted to doorss, so they activate before thieves reach to the steering wheel and ignition. 

#### Install a Kill Switch

A kill switch is a device that can be installed in your car that prevents the vehicle from being started. It's wired into your vehicle’s electronics and completes the electrical circuit when it is switched on. When it is off, you will need a special key, sensor, or other device to enable it. 

#### Install a GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker can be installed alongside any of the devices mentioned above. It is more helpful after a car is stolen, but can help track down a stolen car quickly. 

These devices can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on which one you purchase and from where. This can be worth it, though, especially if you live in a high-crime area. Each one can help to stop thieves before they actually steal your vehicle, and the GPS tracker can expedite its recovery. All of these things can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run, even if you're meticulous about securing your vehicle with the latest technology.

### What to Do if Your Car Is Stolen

If your vehicle is stolen, the first thing you should do is call the police. You can file an auto theft report, containing the necessary information about your vehicle. After that, you should call your insurance agent and report your vehicle as stolen. Filing a claim with your auto insurance provider will ensure that you will be covered if the stolen vehicle causes property or bodily damage while in the hands of a thief. 

Lastly, you need to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles and check the NICB’s VINCheck system. The DMV and the NCIB both have a database of stolen vehicles that can assist you in a fast recovery of the stolen vehicle. 

After your vehicle has been recovered, you will need to prepare documentation to prove it is yours. The vehicle itself will need to be identified and impounded, and the circumstances surrounding the theft will need to be investigated by local law enforcement before it is turned back over to you. 

After the investigation is complete, a court will determine whether the vehicle should be returned to you or not. If it is determined that it should be returned to you, you will, unfortunately, be responsible for taking care of any repairs and any impound fees.

### Preventing Car Theft: Tips for Car Owners

Car thieves are becoming smarter and more capable as technology gets better and more readily available. This means that even the most advanced security features may not even be enough to prevent the smartest, most tech-savvy, and most determined car thieves from getting what they want. There are several things that you can do to make it more difficult for them, though.

#### Park Smart

Many car owners do not have garages. If that applies to you, park in a well-traveled area as often as possible and whenever you leave your vehicle unattended. This will make it harder for thieves to access your vehicle without being noticed. Always park in a garage or a secured area with security cameras when they're available. 

#### Secure Your Vehicle

Never leave keys, valuables, your car title, or other desirable easy-to-grab items in your vehicle. Lock your doors, roll up your windows, and take your main set of keys inside the house with you. Keep them in a secure location within the house for good measure. The likes of steering wheel clubs or brake locks can also be inexpensive options to secure your vehicle while unattended.

#### Add Security Measures

Anti-theft devices are not the only things you can buy to increase security where you store your vehicle. Install floodlights and motion sensors in the areas in which you park your car. Security cameras facing your parked vehicle will also help to prevent theft and assist in any recovery efforts. If you do not have the money to purchase high-tech security devices for your vehicle, something as simple as a baby monitor can help. 

### Car Theft Insurance Coverage and Claims

Unfortunately, commonly stolen vehicles like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Ford F-150 tend to come with pricier insurance policies than other comparable models due to their high number of thefts. The good news is that a comprehensive policy will often cover vehicle theft, even if it comes with a higher price tag.

If your vehicle is stolen, you should contact your insurance agent and provide them with the details from the vehicle theft report that you filed with the police. This should include the information found in your vehicle’s title as well as other details, such as the people who had access to your vehicle, the location of your keys at the time of the robbery, the condition of your vehicle when it was stolen, and when you filed the initial theft report. 

You should also inform your insurance agent as soon as your vehicle is recovered. All of these factors can help the legal and recovery process go as smoothly as possible while ensuring that you are fully covered if something should happen to your car. 

If you do not have full insurance coverage or you are unsure if vehicle theft is covered by your current insurance policy, you should contact your insurance agent to discuss how to extend the cover and how much that would cost. It may save you tons of hassle should an unfortunate event like auto theft occur in future. 

We name the most stolen cars in the country and provide advice about how to prevent auto theft. 

These Are the Most Stolen Cars in the U.S.

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