A recent report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reveals a significant shift in vehicle theft trends. For years, full-size pickup trucks have dominated lists of the most stolen vehicles. However, 2023 saw sedans, particularly models from Kia and Hyundai, surge to the top, experiencing the highest theft rates. This change marks a notable departure from previous patterns and highlights the evolving landscape of vehicle theft in the United States.
The Shift in Vehicle Theft Trends
The NICB report indicates that social media trends demonstrating how to easily steal certain Kia and Hyundai models are likely a major contributing factor to this change. These viral trends have seemingly empowered thieves to target these specific makes, propelling Kia and Hyundai vehicles to occupy six of the top ten spots on the most stolen list, including the top three positions. While full-size pickups like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ford F150 Series Pickup, along with mid-size cars such as the Honda Accord and Honda Civic, remain on the list, the dominance of Kia and Hyundai sedans is undeniable. Despite the rise in thefts, the report offers a silver lining: over 85 percent of stolen passenger vehicles are recovered, with a significant 34 percent found within just one day of being reported stolen.
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles of 2023
The data clearly illustrates the shift in preference for car thieves. The Hyundai Elantra tops the list with 48,445 thefts, followed by the Hyundai Sonata (42,813) and the Kia Optima (30,204). These sedans are followed by the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Kia Soul, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Ford F150 Series Pickup, and Kia Sportage, rounding out the top ten. This ranking underscores the significant impact social media trends have had on targeting specific vehicle makes and models for theft in 2023.
Key Takeaways from the NICB 2023 Vehicle Theft Report, highlighting the rise of sedan thefts and overall vehicle theft trends in the United States.
Expert Insights on Rising Car Thefts
“These rankings highlight the persistent threat of vehicle theft across the country,” stated David J. Glawe, President and CEO of NICB. He emphasized NICB’s commitment to collaborating with law enforcement and industry partners to deploy advanced technologies and strategies against vehicle theft. While efforts to combat crime are ongoing, Glawe stressed the importance of vehicle owners taking proactive steps to protect their property. This report follows a previous NICB analysis indicating a nationwide surge in vehicle thefts that began at the start of the pandemic, with a further 1 percent increase in vehicle theft claims from 2022 to 2023.
Protecting Your Vehicle: Prevention Tips
To mitigate the risk of vehicle theft, NICB recommends several preventative measures:
- Park your car in well-lit and secure areas.
- Always ensure all windows and doors are completely closed and locked when parking.
- Keep valuables hidden from plain sight, preferably in the glove compartment or trunk.
- Never leave your car keys inside the vehicle, even for a moment.
- Avoid leaving your vehicle unattended while it is running.
What to Do If Your Car Is Stolen
In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is stolen, immediate action is crucial.
Report the theft to the police immediately. NICB data shows that prompt reporting significantly increases the chances of recovery, with 34 percent of stolen vehicles recovered on the same day and 45 percent within two days. A police report is also essential for insurance claims.
Contact your insurance provider to report the stolen vehicle. Insurers typically require a police report before processing a claim.
Be prepared to provide detailed information about your vehicle, including the make, model, color, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN can be found on your insurance documents or proof of insurance card. Reporting a stolen vehicle to your insurer can often be initiated over the phone, online, or through your insurance agent.
By staying informed and taking preventative measures, vehicle owners can play a crucial role in reducing vehicle theft and protecting their property.
