10 Cars with the Highest Theft Rates & Their Insurance Impact

If you own one of the most stolen cars in America, it's essential to understand how this can impact your insurance premiums and coverage options.

» Own a theft-prone car? Compare our best car insurance providers with specialized theft coverage for 2025.

Key Insights

• High-theft vehicles like certain Hyundai and Kia models face 10-15% higher insurance premiums.
• Car theft risk increases from social media trends, outdated anti-theft tech, and black market parts demand.
• California led 2023 vehicle thefts with 208,000+ incidents, with regional variations in targeted models.
• Owners can reduce theft risk through anti-theft devices, software updates, and strategic insurance choices.

How Car Theft Can Impact Your Insurance

High-Risk Vehicles Lead to Higher Premiums

Car theft directly influences insurance premiums, particularly for owners of high-risk vehicles. Insurers assess risk based on factors like theft rates and repair costs. If your car is on the list of most stolen cars in America, you may face higher premiums because insurers anticipate a greater likelihood of claims.

Comprehensive Coverage is Costly

Vehicle theft can result in significant financial losses if you don't have comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance protects against theft but often comes at a higher cost for frequently stolen vehicles.

To find the right car insurance that balances protection and affordability, compare multiple quotes from different providers, ask specifically about theft coverage details, and inquire about potential discounts for security features.

Theft Impacts More Than Just Replacement Costs

The financial impact of car theft extends beyond replacing your vehicle. Owners may also face expenses related to temporary transportation, increased premiums after filing claims, and potential deductibles.

10 Cars with the Highest Theft Rates

1. Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra tops the list with 48,445 reported thefts in 2023. Its affordability and widespread availability make it a common target for thieves. Older models, particularly those without advanced anti-theft features, are especially vulnerable.

2. Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata ranks second with 42,813 thefts. Known for its sleek design and reliability, it’s also targeted due to vulnerabilities in older models that lack engine immobilizers.

3. Kia Optima

The Kia Optima has a reported 30,204 vehicles stolen. It experienced a sharp rise in thefts due to its popularity and ease of access for thieves exploiting older models’ security flaws.

4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a reported 23,721 cars stolen. This full-size pickup remains a favorite among thieves for its durability and high resale value. Its versatility makes it both a practical vehicle and an appealing target.

5. Kia Soul

The Kia Soul has a reported 21,001 vehicles stolen in 2024. Its unique design and affordability contribute to its popularity—and its vulnerability to theft. Many older models lack modern anti-theft technology.

6. Honda Accord

With 20,895 cars stolen, the Honda Accord has long been a target for thieves due to its high demand for parts on the black market. Older models without immobilizers are particularly at risk.

7. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic remains a frequent target thanks to its popularity and availability, with a reported 19,858 vehicles stolen. Thieves often target older models that lack advanced security features.

8. Kia Forte

This compact sedan is known for its affordability and fuel efficiency, but it has become increasingly targeted due to a lack of robust anti-theft measures in older versions. It has a reported 16,209 theft rate.

9. Ford F-150 Series Pickup

There have been a reported 15,852 stolen Ford F-150 Series Pickups. As one of America’s best-selling trucks, it’s highly sought after by thieves for its versatility and high resale value.

10. Kia Sportage

With 15,749 vehicles stolen, the Kia Sportage rounds out the list with its practicality and stylish design, making it both a popular choice for buyers and an attractive target for thieves.

Why These Cars Top America's Most Stolen List

Several factors contribute to why these vehicles dominate the list of most stolen cars in America:

• The "Kia Challenge" social media effect: Widespread TikTok videos exposing security flaws in 2011-2021 Hyundai and Kia models without push-button ignitions caused theft rates to skyrocket by over 200% in many cities. This prompted class-action lawsuits and manufacturer security updates.
• Lack of anti-theft technology: Many older models lack features like engine immobilizers, advanced alarm systems, or tracking capabilities, making them easier targets.
• Popularity and parts value: High-demand vehicles like Hondas are often stolen for their parts, which fetch high prices on the black market.

» Curious about safer, more affordable options? Discover the 10 safest cars with the lowest insurance rates in 2025.

Where Most Cars Are Stolen in America

According to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), car theft trends vary significantly across regions, with clear patterns in both volume and rate:

Top 10 States by Vehicle Theft Volume (2023)

California tops the list with over 208,000 vehicles stolen in 2023, while the Washington DC area experienced a concerning 52% increase compared to 2022.

Thieves also target different vehicles depending on location—pickup trucks are more likely to be stolen in rural areas, while urban areas see different models being targeted.

Insurance Implications for America's Most Stolen Cars

Owning one of America's most frequently stolen vehicles can significantly impact your insurance costs and coverage needs:

• Higher premium costs: Insurers charge 10-15% more for comprehensive coverage on high-theft models like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima.

• Comprehensive coverage is essential: This protection covers your vehicle's replacement value (minus deductible) if stolen and repairs for attempted theft damage.

• Location-based rate adjustments: Living in urban areas with higher theft rates can compound premium increases for these models.

What to Do if Your Car is Stolen