OAK BROOK, IL, May 9, 2024 — For years, full-size pickup trucks have dominated lists of the most stolen vehicles in America. However, a recent report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reveals a significant shift in 2023. Kia and Hyundai vehicles have surged to the top, experiencing the highest theft rates and claiming six spots, including the top three, in the list of the 10 most stolen vehicles. This marks a notable change, bumping full-size pickups from their long-held top positions.
This dramatic rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai models is largely attributed to social media trends that demonstrated how to easily steal these vehicles. These viral trends have unfortunately provided thieves with readily available methods, leading to a spike in thefts. While Hyundai and Kia models lead the list, traditional targets like full-size pickups and mid-size cars such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F150 Series Pickup still feature prominently among the most stolen vehicles. Despite the high volume of thefts, the report also offers a positive note: over 85 percent of stolen passenger vehicles are recovered, with a significant 34 percent found within just one day of being reported stolen.
“These new rankings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing and evolving threat of vehicle theft across the United States,” stated David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the NICB. “At NICB, we are committed to collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies and industry partners. We are actively deploying cutting-edge technologies and strategies to aggressively combat vehicle theft, targeting both organized criminal networks and individual offenders. While we dedicate our efforts to deterring crime, it is absolutely essential for vehicle owners to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to safeguard their vehicles from theft.”
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in the US – 2023
| Rank | Make/Model | 2023 Thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Elantra | 48,445 |
| 2 | Hyundai Sonata | 42,813 |
| 3 | Kia Optima | 30,204 |
| 4 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 23,721 |
| 5 | Kia Soul | 21,001 |
| 6 | Honda Accord | 20,895 |
| 7 | Honda Civic | 19,858 |
| 8 | Kia Forte | 16,209 |
| 9 | Ford F150 Series Pickup | 15,852 |
| 10 | Kia Sportage | 15,749 |
This recent report reinforces findings from a previous NICB analysis, which highlighted a concerning nationwide surge in vehicle theft rates that began at the start of the pandemic. This upward trend continued into the past year, with vehicle theft claims increasing by 1 percent from 2022 to 2023, indicating that vehicle theft remains a significant problem across the country.
The NICB is actively working with auto manufacturers to address the issue of frequently stolen vehicles and to implement preventative measures. Furthermore, they are collaborating with state and federal law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks involved in vehicle theft and to enhance the recovery of stolen vehicles for insurance companies and owners alike. NICB’s efforts extend to participation in various task forces, fusion centers, and intelligence groups at federal, state, and local levels, all aimed at deterring vehicle theft. They also strategically engage with lawmakers and regulators across all 50 states to strengthen the collective fight against insurance fraud and vehicle theft.
2023 Vehicle Theft Key Takeaways Infographic showing theft increase and recovery rates
Protecting Your Vehicle: Prevention Tips
To minimize the risk of vehicle theft, the NICB recommends the following preventative measures:
- Park Smart: Choose well-lit and populated areas whenever possible.
- Lock Up: Always ensure all windows are fully closed and doors are locked when you park your vehicle.
- Hide Valuables: Keep any valuable items out of sight. Store them in the glove box or trunk to avoid attracting potential thieves.
- Key Safety: Never leave your keys inside the vehicle, even for a moment.
- Stay with Running Vehicle: Do not leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
If Your Vehicle is Stolen: Immediate Actions
In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is stolen, prompt action is crucial:
1. Report to the Police Immediately:
- File a police report as soon as you realize your vehicle is stolen. NICB data shows that quick reporting significantly increases recovery chances. A substantial 34 percent of recovered stolen vehicles are found on the same day, and 45 percent within two days. A police report is also essential documentation for your insurance claim.
2. Notify Your Insurance Provider:
- Contact your insurance company to report the theft. Insurers typically require a police report before processing a stolen vehicle claim.
3. Provide Vehicle Information:
- Be ready to provide detailed information about your vehicle, including the make, model, color, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can usually find your VIN on your insurance documents or proof of insurance card.
- Inquire about the preferred method for filing a stolen vehicle report with your insurer, which may be via phone, online, or through your insurance agent.
For more detailed information on reporting stolen vehicles, you can visit here.
If you suspect you have been a victim of insurance fraud, please contact the NICB directly at 1-800-TEL-NICB.
