Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in a May 9, 2024 News Release (excerpts listed below). 

This new report comes after another NICB trend analysis, which indicated that the U.S. is still experiencing a surge in vehicle theft rates that started at the onset of the pandemic. This past year, the nation saw another increase as vehicle theft claims rose 1 percent from 2022 to 2023.

Sedans Bump Full Size Pickups from Top Spot

Social media trends highlighting how to steal these vehicles likely played a factor in pushing Kia and Hyundai models to occupy six spots, including the top three, on the list of the 10 most stolen vehicles. Also featured on this list behind Hyundai and Kia models are full-size pickups and additional mid-size cars, including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F150 Series Pickup. More than 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34 percent recovered within a day of the vehicle being reported stolen. NICB is  the insurance industry’s association dedicated to preventing and prosecuting insurance crime and fraud.

 National Top 10 Vehicle Makes/Models and Number Stolen 2023

NICB recommends the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk.
• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
• If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately because reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.

If your vehicle is stolen:

Report your vehicle as stolen immediately to police:

• According to NICB data, 34 percent of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45 percent are recovered within two days. Reporting the theft to law enforcement also provides a record to show to your insurer.

Report your stolen vehicle to your insurer:

• Oftentimes insurers need a police report before honoring a claim.

Be prepared to provide important vehicle information:

• You will need to provide the make/model of the vehicle, color, license plate number, as well as the vehicle’s VIN number.  (The VIN can be found on your insurance policy documentation or on the Proof of Insurance card.)
• The process for filing a stolen vehicle report to your insurer could be over the phone, online, or even directly to your insurance agent.

Learn more about reporting stolen vehicles here.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), May 9, 2024 News Release