Vehicle thefts continue their skyward trajectory in the U.S. with 2023 being named a record-breaking year for auto thefts, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The NICB is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying, investigating, preventing and deterring insurance fraud and crime.
In 2023, more than one million vehicles were reported stolen and overall vehicle thefts increased about 1% nationwide from 1,008,756 in 2022 to 1,020,729 in 2023. Vehicle theft rates have risen steadily since 2019.
“Criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, including the use of advanced technology to bypass security systems,” says David J. Glawe, president and CEO of NICB. “From keyless entry hacks to relay attacks on key fobs, perpetrators are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security measures with alarming success rates. It is critical that industry and law enforcement work together to develop more effective strategies for combating auto theft and safeguarding public safety.”
- In 2023, the District of Columbia and Maryland saw significant rises in thefts, with increases of 64% and 63%, respectively.
- In 2023, California had the highest number of vehicle thefts nationwide, with 208,668 vehicles reported stolen.
- Hyundai and Kia models top the list of the most-stolen vehicles in 2023.
Which states had the most car thefts?
In 2023, California had the highest number of vehicle thefts nationwide, with 208,668 vehicles reported stolen. The District of Columbia had the highest theft rate in the country, with 1,149.71 thefts per 100,000 people, over three times the national average.
Top states for vehicle thefts by percentage
Urban centers and densely populated areas continued to be hotspots for auto theft, with metropolitan regions like the Washington, D.C. area experiencing more incidents compared to suburban or rural areas. In 2023, the District of Columbia and Maryland saw significant rises in thefts, with increases of 64% and 63%, respectively.
In the table below, see the states with the greatest percentage of vehicle theft increases from 2022 to 2023.
| Rank | State | Percentage change 2022-23 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 64% |
| 2 | Maryland | 63% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 33% |
| 4 | Nevada | 18% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 16% |
| 6 | Delaware | 15% |
| 7 | New York | 15% |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 13% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 12% |
| 10 | Louisiana, North Carolina & Tennessee | 10% |
Top states for vehicle thefts by volume
The top 10 states by volume of vehicle thefts remained consistent throughout 2023. Following California, Texas and Florida ranked second and third with 115,013 and 46,213 reported stolen vehicles, respectively.
Notably, five states—California, Texas, Washington, Colorado, and Missouri—appeared in both the top 10 list for theft volume and the top 10 list for highest theft rates. See the states with the greatest volume of vehicle thefts in 2023 in the table below.
| Rank | State | 2023 vehicle thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 208,668 |
| 2 | Texas | 115,013 |
| 3 | Florida | 46,213 |
| 4 | Washington | 43,160 |
| 5 | Illinois | 41,528 |
| 6 | Colorado | 34,068 |
| 7 | New York | 32,715 |
| 8 | Ohio | 31,647 |
| 9 | Georgia | 28,171 |
| 10 | Missouri | 27,279 |
Most-stolen cars in the U.S.
Kia and Hyundai vehicles were the most stolen vehicles of 2023, breaking the trend of pickup trucks being at the top of the NICB’s list of the most stolen vehicle make/models.
As we reported last year, some large insurers like State Farm and Progressive stopped writing policies for certain older Hyundai and Kia models due to their lack of auto-theft prevention technology.
Biggest holidays for motor vehicle thefts
While most of us celebrate the holidays, car thieves may be headed to work. New Year’s Day is the biggest day for motor vehicle theft, but Labor Day runs a close second. Here are the top 10 holidays for car theft:
- New Year’s Day
- Labor Day
- Presidents Day
- New Year’s Eve
- Halloween
- Valentine’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Christmas Eve
- Independence Day
- Thanksgiving
Comprehensive insurance covers car theft
You need comprehensive car insurance to file a replacement claim if your vehicle is stolen. Comprehensive insurance also covers damage due to flooding, fire, hail, wind, vandalism and animal strikes. If your car is stolen and you file an auto insurance claim, you’ll get your car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible.
“The average cost to add comprehensive coverage to your auto policy won’t break the bank – it typically runs less than $300. About 80% of American drivers carry comprehensive coverage, which is mandatory if you have an auto loan or lease,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute in St. Johns, Florida.
But you can reduce your chances of theft and get a discount on your car insurance by using anti-theft devices. Car insurance doesn’t cover personal items in your car. Instead, you would file a claim through your homeowners or renters policy if personal items are stolen.
Read more: Does car insurance cover theft?
What to do if you’re a victim of car theft
If your car is stolen, file a stolen vehicle report with the police as soon as possible. Then, contact your insurance agent to report the loss.
“A police report will help expedite the claims process. But you must have comprehensive coverage on your policy to be covered for theft,” Friedlander says.
If you’re stolen car is leased or financed, you’ll also need to report the theft to your leasing or finance company. Additionally, keep your liability insurance intact for at least 30 days following the theft. If your covered vehicle is never located or is totaled by the perpetrator, your insurer will pay out the actual cash value.
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Sources
National Insurance Crime Bureau. “Vehicle Thefts Surge Nationwide in 2023.” Accessed July 2024.
National Insurance Crime Bureau. “New Report: Imports Top List for America’s Most Stolen Vehicles.” Accessed July 2024.
— Mark Vallet and Erik Martin contributed to this story.
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