Starting on a positive note, vehicle thefts in the first half of 2025 actually dropped 23% compared to those in the first half of 2024. A total of 334,114 cars were stolen in the U.S. in the first half of 2025, which was notably lower than the 435,754 vehicles stolen in the first half of 2024.
While it's also great that you might be able to get your car back (though, who knows in what shape), cars of all kinds are stolen these days, some more frequently than others. If you own one of these vehicles, it's critical to be aware of how you can reduce your chances of experiencing auto theft.
But no matter what car you drive, you need car insurance to protect you if your car is stolen. An independent insurance agent in your area can help you get the coverage you need. First, we'll break down the 10 most stolen cars in the U.S. for 2026.
America’s Top 10 Most Stolen Cars
Check out this year's most frequently stolen vehicles. If your car is on the list, you may want to take the extra precautions listed below to protect it from thieves.
Top 10 Vehicles by Theft Rate
| Rank | Vehicle | Theft Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Sonata | 157 for every 10,000 sold |
| 2 | Hyundai Elantra | 154 for every 10,000 sold |
| 3 | Kia Soul | 142 for every 10,000 sold |
| 4 | Kia Sportage | 132 for every 10,000 sold |
| 5 | Kia Forte | 124 for every 10,000 sold |
| 6 | Chevrolet Pick-Up | 48 for every 10,000 sold |
| 7 | Jeep Grand Cherokee | 39 for every 10,000 sold |
| 8 | Dodge Charger | 38 for every 10,000 sold |
| 9 | Honda Accord | 36 for every 10,000 sold |
| 10 | Honda Civic | 35 for every 10,000 sold |
States with the Biggest Recent Reductions in Vehicle Thefts
Auto thefts were down significantly in the U.S. last year compared to 2023. Of all states, a few had the most noteworthy vehicle theft reductions in 2024.
Auto Theft Declines by State
| Rank | Vehicle | Theft Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 32% decline |
| 2 | Nebraska | 31% decline |
| 3 | Nevada | 30% decline |
| 4 | Oregon | 29% decline |
| 5 | Colorado | 26% decline |
If you live in one of these states, it might be reassuring to see just how drastically auto theft rates have decreased in the past year. However, it's still important to take measures to protect your vehicle from getting stolen to help these stats continue to decline.
Does Insurance Cover a Stolen Car?
Car insurance will cover a stolen car if you have comprehensive coverage included in your policy. Comprehensive coverage is an optional auto insurance coverage that pays for losses that result from incidents other than a collision, including theft, fire, vandalism or malicious mischief, glass breakage, falling objects, explosion or earthquake, windstorm, hail, accidents with large animals like deer, and more.
Like collision coverage, which covers physical damage to your vehicle after a collision, comprehensive coverage is not required by law in most states, but your lender or leaseholder may require it. Both types of coverage are usually subject to a deductible.
If you have comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy, it can help pay for your stolen vehicle if it's not recovered. If you get your vehicle back, it can cover the damage that has been done to it. However, keep in mind that you may need additional coverage for custom parts, paint, rims, and other aftermarket additions.
Further, any personal property or valuables (e.g., cell phones, laptops, tools, etc.) stolen out of your car or stolen with your car won’t be covered by auto insurance, but you’ll likely have coverage under your homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or condo insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage only covers the components and features that are permanent, pre-installed parts of the car. If your car was stolen with personal items inside, you would need to file one claim with your auto insurance policy and another with your home, condo, or renters insurance policy.
10 Tips to Protect Your Car From Being Stolen
A few simple practices can help you protect your vehicle from theft and all of the costs and inconveniences that follow.
- Always take your key; never leave it in your vehicle.
- At home, keep your vehicle in the garage whenever possible.
- Never leave your vehicle running when you leave it, even if you think it will only be for a few minutes or that you are in a safe area.
- Always roll up the windows and lock your car, even if it's parked in front of your home.
- Always park in high-traffic, well-lit areas.
- When possible, park in lots that have security or parking lot attendants.
- Don’t park in the farthest corner of the lot. Keep your vehicle in plain sight.
- Consider installing a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, steering column, or brakes.
- Consider purchasing a vehicle theft tracking or security system.
- Don’t leave spare keys in your car or a magnetic box attached to the underside of your car. Thieves are aware of all the common hiding places.
Following these simple tips can help you avoid dealing with auto theft and insurance claims altogether.
Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help
If you’re shopping for car insurance, get help from a local independent insurance agent. Independent agents aren’t tied down to one insurance company. They can help you shop around for the best coverage at a price that fits your budget.
What’s more, your independent agent will get to know you and your family and be there for you at claim time. Your agent will guide you through the claims process and help you get life back to normal as soon as possible.
Sources
https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2025/03/26/cars-most-likely-to-be-stolen-in-2025/
