How likely is your vehicle to be stolen? A new study from the Highway Loss Data Institute reveals the most-targeted vehicles on the road today, and some may surprise consumers.
When it comes to the top of the list, two Dodge muscle cars with large, powerful engines attract the eyes of thieves.
At the very top of the list of vehicles most likely to be stolen: the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Theft claims for the Hellcat were 60 times more frequent than average for all 2020-22 models, relative to their numbers on the road, according to HLDI data.
Theft claims for the Charger HEMI were also more than 20 times higher than average.
“There's some commonalities here that we see on a regular basis. And that is, vehicles that are powerful vehicles that are pricey, expensive vehicles, and or pickup trucks. A lot of the vehicles on this list are some combination of those three things,” said HLDI's Matt Moore.
Another bit of surprising data: while Kia and Hyundai thefts in Chicago skyrocketed more than 1,500% over last year, no Hyundai’s were on the HLDI's "most stolen" list, while four Kia models were mentioned.
Theft claims for the Kia Sportage were five times more frequent than the average for all 2020-22 models, relative to their numbers on the road.
Other Kia models on the list include the Kia Forte, Rio and Sportage 4-wheel-drive.
Thieves have gravitated towards older models of the vehicles, as many Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack standard electronic immobilizers like other brands possess, making them more vulnerable to theft and even vandalism.
“We're also seeing a rise in vandalism claims for some of these via some Hyundai-Kia vehicles. And we assume what's occurring there is novice thieves believe they have identified a vehicle which has the vulnerability, they break a window, and find that they don't have the knowledge or the skills to take the vehicle. So they walk away from the theft but leave the vehicle in a damaged state,” said Moore.
The vehicles least likely to be stolen, according to this study, feature a variety of Tesla models.
“Presumably, they are plugged in at nighttime, and it's probably safe to assume that they are in a garage at nighttime or at least often parked in places that are well lit, possibly protected by security cameras,” said Moore.
Experts say it’s likely that if you have a vehicle that ranks highly on this list, you’re likely paying more for comprehensive coverage. To see the full list and study, visit HLDI's website.
FAQs
At the very top of the list of vehicles most likely to be stolen: the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat. Theft claims for the Hellcat were 60 times more frequent than average for all 2020-22 models, relative to their numbers on the road, according to HLDI data.
Are new or old cars more likely to be stolen? ›
The most frequently targeted models tend to be from the mid to late '90s because they lack the anti-theft technology that's standard in more modern cars. With these older models, it's important to take extra precautions and use anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or brake locks.
What makes a car more likely to be stolen? ›
What are cars so easy to steal? Cars can be vulnerable to theft due to various reasons. Older models and some basic versions often lack modern security features, making them easier targets. Keyless entry systems, while convenient, can be hacked, and immobilizers may sometimes fail to deter thieves.
Which type of vehicle is most likely to be stolen? ›
Chevrolet Full-Size Pickup
Chevrolet's full-size pickup retains its title as the most stolen car in America for 2022. From 49,903 reported thefts in 2021, numbers for this full-size pickup truck increased by 3.5% in 2022, putting it at 49,903 reported thefts. Most incidents still involve the 2004 model.
What is the reason most cars are stolen? ›
Thieves often steal cars to strip them down and sell the parts individually, which can be more lucrative than selling the car as a whole. Economic Factors: Economic hardships and increased unemployment rates can lead to a rise in crime, including car theft.
What is the #1 stolen car in America? ›
Full-size Chevrolet pickups are the most commonly stolen vehicle in the U.S., with 49,903 total thefts in 2022. Car thieves in California and Texas accounted for nearly 53% of all stolen Chevy pickups.
What color of car gets stolen the most? ›
Neutral colors are popular among thieves.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and MotorBiscuit, black, silver and white are the colors most frequently associated with vehicle thefts.
What state steals the most? ›
In 2022, the District of Columbia had the highest larceny-theft rate in the United States, with 2,783 cases of reported larceny-theft per 100,000 inhabitants. Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Louisiana rounded out the top five states for larceny-theft in that year.
What state has the most stolen vehicles? ›
In 2022, California was the state with the most motor vehicle thefts, with 202,685 motor vehicle thefts.
Which keyless cars are most stolen? ›
The keyless car theft epidemic isn't just constrained to high-end vehicles, though. The Ford Fiesta holds the unwanted title of being the most stolen car, with almost 6,000 being taken last year, according to the DVLA.
Using those parameters, a total of 21,711 SUVs/CUVs were reported stolen during the period. The top five makes and models stolen during the period were: Ford Escape (1,421), Ford Edge (1,140), Ford Explorer (958), Jeep Grand Cherokee (912) and the Kia Sorento (725).
How to prevent your car from being stolen? ›
Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle:
- Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas if possible.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
Top 10 States With The Most Number Of Motor Vehicle Thefts, 2021-2022
| Rank | State | 2021 |
|---|
| 1 | California | 201,034 |
| 2 | Texas | 95,082 |
| 3 | Washington | 35,921 |
| 4 | Florida | 43,250 |
6 more rowsDeliberate scratches on a car's surface represent a more overt yet effective marking method employed by thieves to signal vulnerability. Unlike discreet chalk or marker pen markings, scratches are visible and draw attention to the targeted vehicle.
Which country has the most car thefts? ›
New Zealand has the highest auto-theft rate for any fairly large country in the world, at 1172.0 per 100,000 residents in 2018. However Bermuda in its most recent year of reported auto-thefts (2016), reported a rate of 1215.3 per 100,000 people.
Are old cars less likely to be stolen? ›
Classic cars have been a popular target of car thieves for decades. Classics are popular with thieves because: They're (usually) easier to break into and steal than new cars. They're harder to track down/identify by licensing authorities when they are stolen.
Are older cars harder to steal? ›
That's because classic cars:
May be easier to break into and steal than new cars. Are typically harder to track down or identify by licensing authorities when they're stolen. Include parts that are considered valuable.
Why are older cars more likely to be stolen? ›
“The older vehicle is, the chances are it doesn't have full coverage for insurance,'' said Scafidi. “If it gets banged up in a crash and needs a fender replaced, the chances are it's from another identical vehicle that's been stolen. '' Third, they have less sophisticated security.
Are old cars or new cars safer? ›
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), modern cars are much safer, notably, since the implementation of seat belts, airbags, and crash avoidance technology has considerably improved the chances of a driver surviving a car crash.
