What are the most stolen cars in America?
The most stolen cars in America are Ford full-size pickup trucks, Chevy full-size pickup trucks, and Honda Civics. The Honda is one of the main targets for vehicle thieves. You'll pay more for comprehensive insurance rates in states with higher than average car thefts. However, you can get affordable rates with the right company. Shop around and compare multiple companies to secure the best rates.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Kristen is a licensed insurance agent working in the greater Boston area. She has over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and businesses on which insurance policies best fit their needs and budgets. She knows everyone has their own unique needs and circumstances, and she is passionate about counseling others on which policy is right for them. Licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,...
Kristen Gryglik
Updated February 2024
- Vehicle thefts can impact comprehensive auto insurance rates
- California leads the nation in car thefts
- Pickup trucks are the most stolen model in the U.S.
Did you know that auto insurance companies determine comprehensive insurance costs by vehicle thefts?
If your vehicle’s make and model is a popular target for car thieves, car insurance companies may increase your rates. Don’t worry — we’ll explain which vehicles have higher than average rates.
But which cars face more expensive rates due to vehicle theft? Are most stolen cars recovered?
Read this guide to learn about the most stolen cars in 2020 and discover which state has the most stolen vehicles.
After you learn about the most stolen cars in America, enter your ZIP code in the free online quote tool above to compare multiple insurance companies in your area.
What are the most stolen cars in America?
The full-size Ford pickup truck has the highest theft rate in the United States. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that the 2006 full-size Ford pickup truck had the most vehicle robberies in 2020. But what about other vehicles?
Let’s examine the top ten most stolen cars in 2020.
Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in 2020
| # | Vehicle Make & Model | Thefts | Increase from 2019 | Most Common Model Year Stolen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Full Size Pickup | 44,014 | 13.00% | 2006 |
| 2 | Chevrolet Full Size Pickup | 40,968 | 25.70% | 2004 |
| 3 | Honda Civic | 34,144 | 2.80% | 2000 |
| 4 | Honda Accord | 30,814 | 0.20% | 1997 |
| 5 | Toyota Camry | 16,915 | 8.00% | 2019 |
| 6 | Nissan Altima | 14,668 | 9.80% | 2020 |
| 7 | GMC Full Size Pickup | 13,016 | 16.60% | 2005 |
| 8 | Toyota Corolla | 12,515 | 3.10% | 2020 |
| 9 | Honda CR-V | 12,309 | 21.90% | 2000 |
| 10 | Dodge Full Size Pickup | 11,991 | 6.20% | 2001 |
Read more: What is the most common car in America?
The 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck came in second as the most stolen vehicle in America. Meanwhile, Hondas were among those most likely to become purloined in 2020. However, most stolen Hondas had model years older than 2001.
Are most stolen vehicles recovered?
According to Statista, 56.4% of motor vehicles are recovered after being stolen. Only 43.6% of cars aren’t recoverable after being stolen.
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How much are auto insurance rates for the most stolen cars in America?
On average, full coverage car insurance is $90 a month; however, auto insurance rates vary based on the vehicle you drive.
Let’s look at an example of how auto insurance costs vary for each vehicle.
Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Vehicle and Coverage Option
| Vehicles | Monthly Comprehensive Rates | Monthly Collision Rates | Monthly Liability Rates | Monthly Full Coverage Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $26 | $38 | $33 | $109 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $26 | $45 | $37 | $122 |
| Honda Civic | $22 | $53 | $37 | $127 |
| Honda Accord | $22 | $40 | $33 | $108 |
| Toyota Camry | $25 | $48 | $33 | $118 |
| Nissan Altima | $26 | $48 | $33 | $119 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | $27 | $48 | $33 | $120 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25 | $45 | $33 | $115 |
| Honda CR-V | $22 | $33 | $28 | $94 |
| Dodge RAM | $29 | $45 | $37 | $126 |
The car insurance rates for the most stolen vehicles are more expensive than average. However, this is a result of the car’s value.
Areas with a higher crime rate may increase your comprehensive rates by 5% at the very least.
What is the cost of auto insurance at the best companies?
Your car insurance rates are also different when you shop at various companies. Here are the average monthly rates for the most affordable insurance companies in the United States.
Average Monthly Liability-Only vs. Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates by Company
| Companies | Monthly Liability-Only Coverage Auto Insurance Rates | Monthly Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $162 | $318 |
| American Family | $114 | $224 |
| Farmers | $147 | $288 |
| Geico | $91 | $179 |
| Liberty Mutual | $203 | $398 |
| Nationwide | $117 | $229 |
| Progressive | $144 | $283 |
| State Farm | $120 | $235 |
| Travelers | $147 | $287 |
| USAA | $82 | $161 |
| National Average | $133 | $260 |
USAA, Geico, and American Family have inexpensive insurance rates. However, your rates could increase if you live in an area with higher than average vehicle thefts.
Why do vehicle thefts affect auto insurance rates?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for damage after your vehicle is stolen. In addition to uninsured motorist coverage, comprehensive car insurance covers damage to a stolen vehicle.
Some auto insurance companies may even cut you a check for a stolen vehicle that you can’t recover.
If you live in a state, city, or county with a high crime rate, your insurance rates will increase. Vehicle theft correlates to more comprehensive or uninsured motorist insurance claims. Therefore, where you live and what you drive can impact your car insurance rates.
How have vehicle thefts changed over the years?
Car heists have fluctuated during the past ten years. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, vehicle thefts have increased by 85,528.
Here’s a breakdown of how motor vehicle theft statistics have changed over the years.
Motor Vehicle Thefts from 2011 to 2020
| Year | Vehicles stolen | Percent change |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 716,508 | -3.1% |
| 2012 | 723,186 | 0.90% |
| 2013 | 700,288 | -3.20% |
| 2014 | 686,803 | -1.90% |
| 2015 | 713,063 | 3.80% |
| 2016 | 767,290 | 7.60% |
| 2017 | 772,943 | 0.70% |
| 2018 | 751,904 | -2.70% |
| 2019 | 724,872 | -3.60% |
| 2020 | 810,400 | 11.80% |
The year 2020 had the most vehicle thefts despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Car insurance rates increased due to the rise of vehicle robberies, particularly in states with high crime rates.
What are the vehicle theft statistics by state?
Each state in the nation has different car theft data. Let’s explore each state to see which one has the most vehicle heists. Use the search box in the top right-hand corner to quickly locate your state.
Vehicle Thefts by State
| States | Vehicles Stolen |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 10,926 |
| Alaska | 1,969 |
| Arizona | 17,937 |
| Arkansas | 7,933 |
| California | 168,323 |
| Colorado | 30,452 |
| Connecticut | 8,422 |
| D.C. | 3,399 |
| Delaware | 1,665 |
| Florida | 38,271 |
| Georgia | 25,506 |
| Hawaii | 5,344 |
| Idaho | 1,767 |
| Illinois | 21,332 |
| Indiana | 15,435 |
| Iowa | 6,235 |
| Kansas | 7,229 |
| Kentucky | 11,497 |
| Louisiana | 12,400 |
| Maine | 862 |
| Maryland | 10,469 |
| Massachusetts | 6,835 |
| Michigan | 18,385 |
| Minnesota | 14,146 |
| Mississippi | 6,083 |
| Missouri | 24,189 |
| Montana | 2,676 |
| Nebraska | 5,048 |
| Nevada | 10,556 |
| New Hampshire | 1,044 |
| New Jersey | 10,278 |
| New Mexico | 9,006 |
| New York | 19,656 |
| North Carolina | 20,520 |
| North Dakota | 2,074 |
| Ohio | 20,077 |
| Oklahoma | 15,047 |
| Oregon | 16,585 |
| Pennsylvania | 15,474 |
| Puerto Rico | 1,978 |
| Rhode Island | 1,509 |
| South Carolina | 14,718 |
| South Dakota | 2,315 |
| Tennessee | 21,098 |
| Texas | 84,276 |
| Utah | 10,288 |
| Vermont | 264 |
| Virginia | 10,853 |
| Washington | 27,399 |
| West Virginia | 2,271 |
| Wisconsin | 9,393 |
| Wyoming | 964 |
The average number of vehicle larceny in the United States is 15,623. However, your state could have fewer car thefts, which is beneficial to your safety and auto insurance rates.
Which states have the most vehicle thefts?
If you live in a state with higher than average car robberies, you could pay more for car insurance rates. Let’s review the most stolen cars by state.
- California – 168,323 thefts
- Texas – 84,276 thefts
- Florida – 38,271 thefts
- Colorado – 30,452 thefts
- Washington – 27,399 thefts
- Georgia – 25,506 thefts
- Missouri – 24,189 thefts
- Illinois – 21,332 thefts
- Tennessee – 21,098 thefts
- North Carolina – 20,520 thefts
You’ll likely pay more for comprehensive car insurance in California, Texas, and Florida. And if you reside in densely populated areas in these ten states, expect your auto insurance rates to be higher than average.
Which states have the least vehicle thefts?
Now that you know about the states with the greatest amount of car thefts, let’s look at the states with the least amount of stolen vehicles.
- Vermont – 264 thefts
- Maine – 862 thefts
- Wyoming – 964 thefts
- New Hampshire – 1,044 thefts
- Rhode Island – 1,509 thefts
- Delaware – 1,665 thefts
- Idaho – 1,767 thefts
- Alaska – 1,969 thefts
- North Dakota – 2,074 thefts
- West Virginia – 2,271 thefts
All states on the list are known for their small population and rural areas. Therefore, comprehensive insurance rates will be lower than average.
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Most Stolen Cars in America: The Bottom Line
Vehicle thefts have a moderate impact on your car insurance rates. It isn’t something that you can control. However, you can decrease monthly auto insurance rates when you qualify for multiple discounts.
If you live in a state where vehicle thefts are lower than average, you can save hundreds of dollars per month.
Now that you know more about the most stolen cars in America, use our free online quote tool to compare multiple insurance companies near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most stolen cars in America?
The most stolen cars in America can vary from year to year. However, based on historical data, the following models have consistently ranked among the most stolen:
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Ford Pickup (full-size)
- Chevrolet Pickup (full-size)
- Toyota Camry
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Corolla
- Dodge Pickup (full-size)
- GMC Pickup (full-size)
- Chevrolet Impala
Why are these cars targeted by thieves?
Several factors contribute to the popularity of these cars among thieves. Firstly, they are popular and widely available models, which means there is a higher demand for their parts. Additionally, these vehicles often lack advanced anti-theft technology or have older security systems, making them easier targets for theft.
How can I protect my car from theft?
To help protect your car from theft, consider the following tips:
- Always lock your vehicle and close the windows when leaving it unattended.
- Park your car in well-lit areas or secure parking lots.
- Install an anti-theft device, such as an alarm system, steering wheel lock, or a vehicle tracking system.
- Never leave your keys in the car, even for a short period.
- Do not leave valuable items or packages visible inside your car.
- Consider using a visible deterrent, such as a sticker or sign indicating that your car has a security system.
- Be cautious when sharing your vehicle information or keys with others.
- Maintain good visibility around your parked car, and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
What should I do if my car gets stolen?
If your car gets stolen, take the following steps:
- Contact the police immediately and provide them with all the necessary details, including the make, model, color, license plate number, and any distinguishing features of your vehicle.
- Inform your insurance company and file a police report. Provide them with all the required information and documentation.
- Keep copies of all correspondence and records related to the theft.
- If you have a vehicle tracking system, notify the service provider, as it may help locate your car.
- Cooperate with the authorities and provide any additional information they may require during the investigation.
Does insurance cover stolen cars?
Yes, if you have comprehensive car insurance, it typically covers theft of your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage protects against various risks, including theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and more. However, coverage specifics may vary depending on your insurance policy, so it’s crucial to review your policy documents or consult with your insurance provider for precise details.
It’s worth noting that insurance companies usually require a waiting period before declaring a stolen vehicle as unrecovered. If the car is eventually found, damaged, or recovered after the waiting period, the insurance company may assess it for potential repairs or declare it a total loss, depending on the extent of the damage.
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