A motor vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022. Knowing this statistic, is your vehicle properly protected?
Across the country total vehicle theft surpassed 1 million for the first time since 2008; a seven percent increase year-over-year. States hit the hardest by motor vehicle theft include Colorado, California, Washington D.C., New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) recently released its annual report cataloging the vehicles most likely to be stolen for all 2020-2022 models. For the second year in a row, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and the Dodge Charger Hemi top the list.
Vehicles With The Highest Claim Frequencies For Whole-Vehicle Theft (2020-2022)
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Dodge Charger HEMI
Infiniti Q50
Dodge Challenger
Land Rover Ranger Rover 4WD
Kia Sportage
Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4WD
Kia Sportage 4WD
Honda CR-V 4WD
BMW X6 4WD
Kia Rio
Kia Forte
Ford F-350 SuperCrew 4WD
BMW X7 4WD
Ford F-250 SuperCrew 4WD
Honda Accord
Ram 3500 crew cab long-wheelbase 4WD
Infiniti Q50 4WD
Nissan Maxima
Honda CR-V
By looking at claims per insured vehicle year, the HLDI’s report attempts to help people compare the relative risk of each vehicle. The results are also adjusted to account for demographic and geographic factors.
Other most-stolen-vehicle lists report raw numbers of thefts so they tend to be dominated by the most common vehicles on the road (e.g., Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Ford Trucks, etc.)
“The models most likely to be stolen tend to be powerful, pricey, or pickups, but vehicle theft is also a crime of opportunity,” says HLDI Senior Vice President Matt Moore.
Preventing Car Theft
Whether you own a vehicle that appears on this list or not, there are simple steps you can take to improve your car’s defense against thieves:
- Close the windows, lock the doors, and take the key. Recent vehicle theft data found an increase of more than 20% in thefts facilitated by keys or fobs left inside the vehicle.
- Don’t leave a running car unattended. "Puffing," or leaving your car running unattended, is a common practice of drivers during both winter and summer months. But warming up or cooling down your car without you in it is basically serving up the vehicle on a silver platter.
- If you have a garage, organize it so you can park inside. If the garage is unavailable, or if you don’t have a garage, consider upgrading the lighting around your garage or parking space to discourage thieves.
- Use a reliable car anti-theft system. A steering wheel lock, vehicle immobilizer, and loud car alarms are all effective theft-prevention measures. Many insurance companies offer discounts on your car insurance if you install an alarm system or other devices.
- Always try to park in well-lit areas. No one committing a crime wants to call attention to themselves. Parking in well-lit areas while you’re out shopping or at work is a great way to discourage anyone looking to break into or steal cars.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Anything of value is attractive to a thief, so make sure your valuables are either with you, locked in the trunk, or hidden from view in the back seat.
Your car is likely one of the most expensive things you own. Isn’t it worth protecting? Please share these simple tips with friends and family to help others avoid vehicle break-ins and theft.