Top 5 most stolen cars—and how to help protect yours

Knowing which vehicles get targeted most can help you stay alert and better protect your car. The list below comes from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), which tracks vehicle theft trends each year.

• 2024 thefts: 17,493

• Common model years targeted: 2015–2020

• 2024 thefts: 18,539

• Common model years targeted: 1997–2007

• 2024 thefts: 21,666

• Common model years targeted: 2004–2019

• 2024 thefts: 26,720

• Common model years targeted: 2011–2020

• 2024 thefts: 31,712

• Common model years targeted: 2011–2020

Thieves steal vehicles for several reasons—many tied to the value of the vehicle or the parts they can sell. Some common reasons include:

• Lack of anti-theft features on older models

• High resale value of parts like catalytic converters, rims, and electronics

• Personal items left in view, such as phones or laptops

• Social media trends that highlight theft methods

Continued awareness is a crucial factor. Here are some precautionary measures you can take to help keep your car in your possession:

• Never leave the keys in the car

• Always lock your doors and roll up your windows

• Never leave valuables in plain sight

• Use a steering wheel lock or install an alarm

• Park in well-lit or secure areas whenever possible

• Consider installing a GPS tracker or kill switch

• If your vehicle is affected by a theft-related recall, stay updated on software fixes

Some everyday habits can unintentionally make your car a target:

• Keeping spare keys in or around the car

• Forgetting to lock the doors

• Leaving your vehicle running unattended

In colder climates, warming up a car while unattended is common—but it also creates easy opportunities for theft. Many states and localities have laws prohibiting leaving a running car unattended, even in a driveway, to help deter theft.

If your car is stolen, follow these steps to help improve the chance of recovery:

• Call your local police and file a report

• Get a case number or report copy

• Notify your insurance company right after speaking to law enforcement

• Stay in contact with both authorities and your insurance provider during the investigation

In the event you find your car before you've heard back from law enforcement— avoid approaching it. Thieves may still be nearby, and law enforcement needs to document the scene.

• Immediately call the officer you spoke with to provide the vehicle's location.

• Contact your insurance representative with the updated information.

• Wait for the police to arrive before approaching or entering your vehicle. Entering the vehicle too soon may affect your insurance claim.

Even with the best prevention, theft can still happen. That’s why having the right coverage in place matters.

Dairyland®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, offers comprehensive auto insurance that can help provide financial protection if your vehicle is stolen or damaged in a covered event. Comprehensive insurance may help with the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after a theft—based on actual cash value and your policy’s coverage limits.