Top Stolen Cars of 2025: How Much Does It Cost to Insure Your Vehicle?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has released its latest annual report highlighting the most frequently stolen vehicles in 2024. Understanding these trends can help you protect your car and manage your insurance costs effectively.

Contrary to common assumptions, luxury and sports cars are not the primary targets for thieves. Instead, older model vehicles lacking advanced anti-theft technology are most vulnerable, often stolen for parts or ease of access, as detailed in the NICB's recent report.

Key Insights

• Popular pickups and Japanese-brand cars dominate the list of most stolen vehicles in 2024.
• Auto thefts surged to record highs in 2020, with a vehicle stolen approximately every 36 seconds nationwide.
• Your auto insurance rates are influenced by theft claims history and regional theft risk factors.

Record-Breaking Auto Theft Rates

For the second consecutive year, the Ford full-size pickup truck tops the list of stolen vehicles, closely followed by Chevrolet's full-size pickup. Other frequently targeted models include the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, GMC full-size pickups, Toyota Corolla, Honda CR-V, and Dodge full-size pickups.

According to David Glawe, NICB President and CEO, theft rates for Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC pickups, as well as the Honda CR-V, increased significantly in 2020 compared to 2019. This rise aligns with a decade-high spike in overall auto thefts and a quadrupling of catalytic converter thefts during the same period.

Glawe attributes the surge in vehicle thefts to pandemic-related factors such as economic challenges, shifts in law enforcement priorities, disruptions in social and educational programs, and, in many cases, vehicle owner complacency.

In total, the NICB reports 880,595 vehicle thefts across the United States in 2020, marking an increase from 794,019 thefts in 2019.

How Vehicle Theft Influences Insurance Premiums

Vehicle theft rates are a significant factor in calculating the cost of comprehensive auto insurance coverage. Insurance premiums primarily depend on claims frequency and payout amounts, explains Loretta Worters, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.

Worters clarifies, "Your insurance premium won't automatically rise just because your car model is frequently stolen. However, if you file multiple claims due to theft incidents, your rates are likely to increase."

Additional factors that insurers consider include:

• The prevalence of auto theft in your geographic area. For example, Bakersfield, California, is currently identified as the U.S. metropolitan area with the highest vehicle theft rate.
• The presence of security features such as anti-theft alarms, engine immobilizers, and whether the vehicle is parked in a secure garage versus on the street.

When a theft claim is filed, insurers generally treat the vehicle as a total loss. Comprehensive coverage typically reimburses the actual cash value of the vehicle minus the deductible.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average annual comprehensive insurance premium nationwide is $167.91. The combined average for all auto insurance coverage types (liability, collision, and comprehensive) totals approximately $1,189.64 annually.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Car Theft

The NICB recommends practical steps to reduce the risk of vehicle theft, such as always taking your keys or key fobs, locking all doors and windows, and parking in well-lit, secure locations. Additionally, installing alarms, immobilizers, and GPS tracking devices can deter thieves, provide alerts to owners, and assist law enforcement in vehicle recovery.

For a comprehensive list of prevention techniques, visit the NICB website.

Have a news tip for our team? Contact us at tips@investopedia.com.

Discover engaging topics and analytical content in Personal Finance News as of 27-10-2021. The article titled " Top Stolen Cars of 2025: How Much Does It Cost to Insure Your Vehicle? " provides new insights and practical guidance in the Personal Finance News field. Each topic is meticulously analyzed to deliver actionable information to readers.

The topic " Top Stolen Cars of 2025: How Much Does It Cost to Insure Your Vehicle? " helps you make smarter decisions within the Personal Finance News category. All topics on our website are unique and offer valuable content for our audience.