Sedans Bump Full-Size Pickups from Top Spot

Vehicle theft continues to be a significant issue across the United States, with a noticeable shift in the types of vehicles most targeted by thieves. According to a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Kia and Hyundai vehicles experienced the highest theft rates in 2023, breaking the years-long trend of full-size pickups topping the list.

Key Statistics

Top 3 Most Stolen Vehicles in 2023: Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima
Total Thefts of Hyundai Elantra: 48,445
Percentage of Stolen Vehicles Recovered: Over 85%
Percentage of Vehicles Recovered Within a Day: 34%
Increase in Vehicle Theft Claims from 2022 to 2023: 1%

Rising Theft Rates for Kia and Hyundai

Social media trends demonstrating how to steal Kia and Hyundai vehicles likely contributed to their increased theft rates. These models now occupy six of the top ten spots on the list of the most stolen vehicles. Following Hyundai and Kia models, full-size pickups and additional mid-size cars, such as the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F150 Series Pickup, also feature prominently on this list.

National Top 10 Vehicle Makes/Models Stolen in 2023

Rank	Make/Model	2023 Thefts
1	Hyundai Elantra	48,445
2	Hyundai Sonata	42,813
3	Kia Optima	30,204
4	Chevrolet Silverado 1500	23,721
5	Kia Soul	21,001
6	Honda Accord	20,895
7	Honda Civic	19,858
8	Kia Forte	16,209
9	Ford F150 Series Pickup	15,852
10	Kia Sportage	15,749

Persistent Threat of Vehicle Theft

"These rankings highlight the persistent threat of vehicle theft across the country," said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. The NICB works with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to deploy advanced technologies and strategies to combat vehicle theft from organized criminal networks and individuals. Despite these efforts, it remains crucial for vehicle owners to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their vehicles.

Vehicle Recovery Rates

The NICB report indicates that more than 85% of passenger vehicles reported stolen in 2023 were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means. Interestingly, 34% of these vehicles were recovered within a day of being reported stolen, showcasing the effectiveness of prompt reporting and coordinated recovery efforts.

Preventive Measures Against Vehicle Theft

NICB recommends several measures to help prevent vehicle thefts:

Park in well-lit areas.
Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk.
Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.

Steps to Take if Your Vehicle is Stolen

If your vehicle is stolen, it's crucial to act quickly:

Report Your Vehicle as Stolen to the Police: According to NICB data, 34% of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days. Reporting the theft to law enforcement provides a record for your insurer.
Report Your Stolen Vehicle to Your Insurer: Insurers often require a police report before honoring a claim. Be prepared to provide important vehicle information, such as the make/model, color, license plate number, and VIN number. This information can be found on your insurance policy documentation or on the Proof of Insurance card.
File a Stolen Vehicle Report with Your Insurer: The process for filing a report can be over the phone, online, or directly with your insurance agent.

For more information on reporting stolen vehicles, you can visit the NICB website.

Conclusion

The shift in vehicle theft trends underscores the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to protect vehicles from theft. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, industry partners, and vehicle owners is essential in combating this growing issue. By staying informed and adopting recommended security measures, vehicle owners can significantly reduce the risk of theft and contribute to broader efforts to deter vehicle theft nationwide.