According to analysis by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance industry’s association dedicated to predicting, preventing and prosecuting insurance crime, vehicles with the highest theft rate last year were full-size pickups. These vehicles made up more than 25% of the thefts reported in 2022, a decrease from a high of 33% in 2021.
While vehicle theft rates have been soaring since the start of the pandemic, recovery rates have also risen. More than 85% of passenger vehicles reported stolen in 2022 were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34% recovered within a day of the vehicle being reported stolen.
“Approximately one motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds, which adds up to more than 1 million vehicles stolen last year," said David J. Glawe, president and CEO of the NICB. "Vehicle theft disrupts lives, causes financial hardship, and undermines community safety. Addressing this problem is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it requires a partnership between vehicle owners, community members, as well as federal, state and local governments.”
Vehicle theft rates for sedans, including Honda, Hyundai and Kia, followed those of full-size pickups, with recovery rates for Hyundais and Kias between 87% and 95%. Social media trends were a likely factor in their high theft rankings in 2022.
“There are some commonsense steps to keep cars from being stolen. First, remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them out of sight. Next, lock the doors, roll the windows all the way up, and don't leave your keys or key fob in the car,” Glawe said.
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles by 2022 Total Thefts
1. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size), 49,903
2. Ford Pickup (Full Size), 48,175
3. Honda Civic, 27,113
4. Honda Accord, 27,089
5. Hyundai Sonata, 21,707
6. Hyundai Elantra, 19,602
7. Kia Optima, 18,221
8. Toyota Camry, 17,094
9. GMC Pickup (Full Size), 16,622
10. Honda CR-V, 13,832
Source: NICB
