According to analysis by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance industry’s association dedicated to predicting, preventing, and prosecuting insurance crime, vehicles with the highest theft rate last year were full-size pickups. These vehicles made up more than 25 percent of the thefts reported in 2022, which was a decrease from a high of 33 percent in 2021.

While vehicle theft rates have been soaring since the start of the pandemic, recovery rates have also risen. More than 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen in 2022 were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34 percent recovered within a day of the vehicle being reported stolen.

“Approximately one motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds, which adds up to more than one million vehicles stolen last year," said David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. "Vehicle theft disrupts lives, causes financial hardship, and undermines community safety. Addressing this problem is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it requires a partnership between vehicle owners, community members, as well as federal, state, and local governments.”

Vehicle theft rates for sedans, including Honda, Hyundai and Kia, followed those of full-size pickups, with recovery rates for Hyundais and Kias between 87 and 95 percent. Social media trends were a likely factor in their high theft rankings in 2022. 

“There are some commonsense steps to keep cars from being stolen. First, remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them out of sight. Next, lock the doors, roll the windows all the way up, and don't leave your keys or key fob in the car,” Glawe said.

2022 Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles Nationally

Rank Vehicle Make/Model 2022 Total Thefts Model Year Most Often Stolen
1. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) 49,903 2004
2. Ford Pickup (Full Size) 48,175 2006
3. Honda Civic 27,113 2000
4. Honda Accord 27,089 1997
5. Hyundai Sonata 21,707 2013
6. Hyundai Elantra 19,602 2017
7. Kia Optima 18,221 2015
8. Toyota Camry 17,094 2021
9. GMC Pickup (Full Size) 16,622 2005
10. Honda CR-V 13,832 2001

 

To combat vehicle theft, the NICB suggests taking simple but effective precautions such as removing valuables from the vehicle and keeping them out of sight. Additionally, vehicle owners should always lock their doors, roll up the windows entirely, and avoid leaving their keys or key fobs inside the car. Installing anti-theft devices that disable the fuel system or ignition can further deter potential thieves.

Source: NICB