Most Stolen Cars in America

In its annual "Hot Wheels" report, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) lists 2020’s top 10 most stolen cars in America. Aside from seeing a dramatic increase in the number of thefts from 2019, the Ford full-size pickup truck was the top stolen vehicle in the U.S. for the second year in a row. It was followed by the Chevrolet full-size pickup in second place, overtaking the Honda Civic’s 2019 spot and making it the third most stolen car in America in 2020.

Vehicle theft can occur anywhere, but some places are more at-risk than others. For instance, California has the most number of vehicle thefts in 2020 at 168,323, where the top 10 most stolen cars take up 41.23% (69,407) of the total number.

In contrast, Vermont has the least number of vehicle thefts at 264, but the top 10 most stolen vehicles in the state consist of more than half (63.64%) of the overall number.

Regardless of where you live or what you drive, keeping an eye on your vehicle and taking the proper measures to avoid theft is essential. Find out what the top stolen car is in your state by clicking or tapping the states on the interactive map below.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

Thieves like certain vehicle models for a number of reasons, such as being easy to steal or having parts that are popular to sell. Owner complacency can also play a big role in vehicle theft, especially if key fobs are left in the car or if you leave your vehicle running in a parking lot or your driveway. Being aware of which car models are most often stolen can help you determine if you should take extra safety precautions with your vehicle. The following are the top 10 most stolen cars in America.

The 2001 Dodge Ram is a reliable and tough car — perfect for any need. This may be why in 2020, there were 11,991 of them stolen. This is 699 more than in 2019, which ranked eighth at the time. This late model truck may be a popular theft choice because of its lack of high-tech anti-theft devices.

In terms of size and demeanor, the CR-V resembles your typical sedan, while still maintaining many features buyers want in an SUV. Beyond that, the CR-V is a family-friendly SUV that comes with front and four-wheel drive, which explains its popularity in many states regardless of the climate. This may be why such a classic car has been stolen over 12,309 times in 2020, which is 2,215 or 22% more than in 2019.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is a five-seat, four-door compact sedan that comes with several luxuries and outstanding safety tech.Unfortunately not enough. In 2020, 12,515 units of this model were stolen, a small increase from 2019, where 12,137 units of the 2018 model were stolen, ranking seventh for the year. Compared to older models, the 2020 Toyota Corolla has a more crisp style, a classier interior and touchscreen dashboard with Apple and Amazon integration, which may be why this model is popular amongst thieves.

The GMC Sierra is another pickup on the list, with 13,016 units stolen in 2020 — up by 16.6% from 2019 for the 2018 model. With front and all-wheel drive options, this quiet pickup truck is a reliable option given its price range. As the third most stolen pickup truck and the seventh most stolen vehicle, GMC full-size pickup owners may want to invest in alarm systems, as older models lack the necessary technology to help prevent theft.

The Nissan Altima is a five-seat, mid-size sedan that offers front and all-wheel drive, one of the few of its kind. With a sleek exterior and several tech integrations, it’s no wonder thieves target this modern model. There were 14,668 units stolen in 2020, 9.8% or 1,313 higher than in 2019 for the 2015 model. Despite having multiple safety features, its keyless ignition may lead owners to be complacent and leave their key fobs in the car which can lead to theft.

The Toyota Camry has long been a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability and great resale value. This may be why it's so popular amongst thieves. The 2019 model boasts a fuel-efficient engine and a hybrid version, which can be appealing for eco-friendly drivers. Such features may be why 16,915 units were stolen in 2020, up by 8% from 2019 for the 2007 model.

The Honda Accord is a popular model across the U.S. known for its high resale value and part-reliability. However, with it being an old model, security is limited. In 2020 alone, 30,814 models were stolen — just 69 or 0.2% higher than in 2019. A slim jim is all a thief may need to get in, which could be a good reason for current 1997 Honda Accord owners to upgrade their security.

The 2000 Honda Civic is known for being a compact sedan with a lot of power, making it a popular option amongst drivers and thieves. In 2020, 34,144 units of the 2000 Honda Civic were stolen, higher by 2.8% compared to 2019 for the same model. This may also be because the Honda Civic shares parts across other Honda models, making it ideal for thieves to strip parts to sell.

The 2004 Chevrolet Silverado is both the second most stolen pickup and the second most stolen car in America in 2020, with 40,968 units stolen. This is up a whopping 25.7% from 2019. With an expansive interior space, stellar performance and great overall value, it’s no wonder this pickup is a favorite for many consumers and thieves alike.

Topping the list of the most stolen cars in America in 2020 is the 2006 Ford F-150. This is the second year the pickup has topped the listing, with over 44,014 units stolen in 2020, 13% higher than in 2019. Pickup trucks are clearly a favorite amongst thieves, especially given their power, reliability and versatility. The F-150 in particular, however, may be the most popular option given how it boasts a great hauling capacity, a spacious interior and a powerful engine.

Next to a home, one of the largest investments many people will ever make is a car. With around 873,080 car thefts in 2020 — up by 9.2% from 2019 — knowing how to keep your car safe is a must. Make sure you protect your investment by following the tips below.

Vehicle theft can be an extremely stressful experience, which is why being aware of vehicle theft statistics can help you protect your ride. In order to promote safer driving and car practices, below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car theft.

Protecting your car from theft is essential, but there are more ways you can protect your bottom line. Find out the ins and outs about auto insurance and find out how you can find the best option for you and save money in the long run.

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