Driving an older car can be a great way to save money. They're affordable to buy, simple to maintain, and often cheaper to insure. However, there’s a downside that many overlook: older cars are prime targets for theft.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), car thefts in the U.S. remain alarmingly high, with thieves targeting both modern vehicles and older classics that lack advanced security systems.
If your car happens to be one of the Most Stolen Vehicles in the United States, understanding how Car Theft Insurance works is essential. Let’s explore the updated 2025 statistics, insurance coverage details, and smart ways to keep your ride safe.
The Most Stolen Cars in the U.S
Vehicle theft trends have shifted dramatically in recent years. While older Hondas once dominated the list, newer data shows that Hyundai and Kia models have taken the top spots largely due to missing engine immobilizers in earlier models.
Here are the Most Stolen Cars in the U.S, according to the latest NICB and industry reports:
| Rank | Vehicle | Total thefts (2024) | Notable Model Years Targeted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hyundai Elantra | 31,712 | 2013–2019 |
| 2 | Hyundai Sonata | 26,720 | 2011–2018 |
| 3 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 21,666 | 2019–2022 |
| 4 | Honda Accord | 18,539 | 1997–2007 |
| 5 | Kia Optima | 17,493 | 2012–2019 |
| 6 | Honda Civic | 15,727 | 1998–2005 |
| 7 | Kia Soul | 13,562 | 2014–2019 |
| 8 | Ford F-150 Series | 12,952 | 2018–2023 |
| 9 | Toyota Camry | 12,296 | 2015–2021 |
| 10 | Dodge Charger | 11,452 | 2020–2023 |
Key Trends:
- Hyundai and Kia models surged to the top due to viral theft methods shared online.
- Full-size pickups like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado remain constant theft targets due to high resale part value.
- High-performance cars like the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 were found to be 39 times more likely to be stolen than average cars.
- Nationally, 850,000+ vehicle thefts were reported in 2024, a slight decline from 2023, suggesting anti-theft measures are starting to work.
What Is Car Theft Insurance?
Car Theft Insurance isn’t a separate policy, it's covered under your comprehensive car insurance. This type of coverage protects your vehicle against non-collision-related damage, including theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and even animal collisions.
Comprehensive Insurance Covers:
- Car theft (if the vehicle isn’t recovered)
- Damage caused during theft or attempted theft
- Vandalism and fire
- Natural disasters like floods or hail
Not Covered:
- Stolen personal items inside the car (covered by renters' or homeowners' insurance)
- Theft resulting from fraud (like selling your car to a scam buyer)
How a Stolen Car Insurance Payout Works
When your car is stolen and not recovered, your Stolen Car Insurance Payout equals your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) minus your deductible. The ACV is your car’s market value before it was stolen, not what you paid for it.
Example:
- Vehicle: 2018 Toyota Camry
- Market Value: $17,900
- Deductible: $1,000
- Insurance Payout: $16,900
If you own an older car with a low market value, it’s worth considering whether maintaining comprehensive coverage makes sense, as premiums may outweigh potential payout benefits over time.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Car Theft?
Many drivers assume their renters' insurance will pay for a stolen car but it doesn’t. Renters insurance only covers personal belongings stolen from inside your vehicle, such as laptops, bags, or phones. It does not cover the loss of the car itself. For full theft protection, you need comprehensive car insurance.
Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?
Yes, if you have comprehensive insurance coverage.
Standard liability or collision-only policies don’t cover theft. Comprehensive coverage ensures that if your car is stolen and unrecovered, your insurer compensates you for its actual cash value after deductibles.
Cost of Car Theft Insurance
Here’s a general look at annual costs for comprehensive and collision coverage (with a $1,000 deductible) for high-theft models:
| Vehicle | California | Florida | Texas | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Honda Accord | $296 | $251 | $307 | $3,675 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | $644 | $548 | $740 | $17,900 |
| 2015 Nissan Altima | $682 | $580 | $719 | $13,075 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | $661 | $560 | $683 | $13,200 |
| 2021 Ford F-150 | $900 | $730 | $780 | $28,000 |
Rates vary based on location, theft risk, and vehicle value. Areas with higher theft rates usually have higher premiums for Car Theft Insurance.
Tips to Prevent Car Theft
Even with great insurance, prevention is the best protection. Here’s how to keep your car safe:
- Lock and remove keys every time you exit your car.
- Install anti-theft systems like steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, and immobilizers.
- Park in well-lit, visible areas to avoid long-term street parking.
- Turn the wheels toward the curb to make towing difficult.
- Etch your VIN onto windows to deter resale of stolen parts.
- Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your vehicle.
Is Car Theft Insurance Worth It?
If your vehicle is on the Most Stolen Cars list or has a high replacement value, Car Theft Insurance is a smart investment.
However, if your car’s market value is under $3,000, you might save money by dropping comprehensive coverage but only if you can afford to replace it out of pocket.
Use this simple formula to decide:
Total Premiums Paid Over 5 Years vs. (Car’s Value – Deductible)
If the premiums are higher, consider skipping coverage for older cars.
Behind the Data
Data comes from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), and FBI Uniform Crime Reports (2024–2025). Theft data includes insurance claims, law enforcement reports, and NADA market valuations.
Rates reflect averages for 30-year-old drivers with clean records in California, Florida, and Texas.
Final Thoughts
Car thefts aren’t slowing down anytime soon, but awareness and preventive action can make all the difference. Whether you drive a Honda, Ford, or Kia, understanding 2025’s car theft trends helps you stay one step ahead of criminals.
Keep your car locked, your tech updated, and your insurance active because in 2025, prevention is still the best protection.
FAQs:
A: Car Theft Insurance is part of comprehensive car insurance that covers the loss of your vehicle if it's stolen and not recovered, along with protection from vandalism and fire.
A: Yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Liability and collision insurance alone do not cover vehicle theft.
A: Your payout is based on your vehicle’s current market value minus your deductible, also known as the actual cash value (ACV).
A: No, renters insurance covers personal items stolen from inside your car, but not the car itself.
A: Recent data lists the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Kia Optima as the most stolen vehicles in the U.S.