If you own a Ford or Chevrolet pickup truck, you may want to keep your eyes peeled – they’re the most stolen cars in America.
Both of those vehicles were reported stolen around 48,000 times in 2021, according to the annual auto theft report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The year’s top 10 most stolen cars includes common models such as the Honda Civic, Nissan Altima and the most popular car of all-time, the Toyota Corolla. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also made it’s first appearance on the list.
Interestingly, the most commonly stolen vehicle in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island was the same: Honda Accord.
Car theft of all makes and models increased by 8% in 2021 compared to 2020. “Crime is a business, and business is good,” the NICB reports. And with used car values at historical highs, they are even more sought-after by criminals.
“We have seen a nearly 35% increase in used car values over the last two years due to supply chain issues and inflation,” said David Glawe, President and CEO of NICB. “Stolen cars can be shipped overseas and resold or broken down for valuable used car parts here in the U.S.”
If your car is stolen, here’s what to do.
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The 10 Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles in 2021
- Chevrolet Pickup (full-size)
- Ford Pickup (full-size)
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- GMC Pick-up (full-size)
- Nissan Altima
- Honda CR-V
- Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
- Toyota Corolla
How to Prevent Your Car From Being Stolen
To guard against car theft, the NICB recommends these basic precautions:
- Roll up your windows, lock the doors and take the keys or fob with when you leave.
- Park in well-lit areas and, when possible, areas protected by security personnel and surveillance cameras.
- Remove valuables from your car or keep them locked in your trunk or out of view.
- Consider an immobilizing or tracking device for your vehicle.
Another hot topic on car owner’s minds is the rise of catalytic converter theft. Learn more about why these car parts are being stolen and how to avoid becoming a victim.
If you are concerned about car theft, you can also reach out to a AAA Insurance agent to discuss your auto insurance coverage options.
Do you own one of the most stolen cars in America? Let us know in the comments below.
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Both our vehicles are in this list, Chevrolet full sized pick up and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. If they get stolen, we are covered. Then we buy more economic vehicles.
We purchased a 2015 Honda Accord V-6 EX when it was new. So far we haven’t had any trouble in the theft department. Love the car except for the middle of the road gas mileage.
What would be interesting to note is the number of vehicles stolen as a percentage of that vehicle. So, BMW 3-series is best but is that 10 out of 100 or 10 out of 1,000? That makes a difference rather than just the pure number of stolen vehicles. And there are relatively few Teslas compared to a Dodge Charger.
Great points and I would definitely be interested in the replies.
Those are all great points, Allison, thanks so much for reading. The report measured the theft claim frequency per 1,000 insured vehicle years and an
average loss payment per whole vehicle theft (or claim severity), resulting in an average loss payment per insured vehicle year. So, it’s a relative number (like a per-capita data set) and I’m sure plenty of extrapolation was done to arrive at the final numbers. But when it comes to the Tesla, I really think the fact that they’re often garaged (or otherwise often close to a power source overnight) may explain part of why they’re not stolen as often.
Unlocked doors and keys left in ignition
Around here, that’s the most common reason cars are stolen. You’d think people would learn, but the local police have to keep reminding us, at least once a month!
There’s a slogan that goes back to at least the 1960s – “Lock it – pocket the key.” Still good advice.