The most-stolen cars and what theft coverage really costs
Older and high-theft cars are prime targets for thieves — and if yours makes the most-stolen list, knowing how car theft insurance works can save you thousands.
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.
1 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.
2 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)
3 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.
4 Renters vs. Car Insurance for 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.
5 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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 Behind the Data & Final Thoughts
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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Car Theft Insurance?
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.
Does Car Insurance Cover Theft?
Yes, but only if you have comprehensive coverage. Liability and collision insurance alone do not cover vehicle theft.
How much can I expect from a Stolen Car Insurance Payout?
Your payout is based on your vehicle's current market value minus your deductible, also known as the actual cash value (ACV).
Does Renters Insurance Cover Car Theft?
No, renters insurance covers personal items stolen from inside your car, but not the car itself.
What are the Most Stolen Vehicles in the United States in 2025?
Recent data lists the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Silverado, Honda Accord, and Kia Optima as the most stolen vehicles in the U.S.
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Car Theft Insurance Protect Your Vehicle from America’s Rising Auto Theft Wave.
Older and high-theft cars are prime targets for thieves — and if yours makes the most-stolen list, knowing how car theft insurance works can save you thousands.
Driving an older car can be a great way to save money.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), car thefts in the U.S.
If your car happens to be one of the Most Stolen Vehicles in the United States, understanding how Car Theft Insurance works is essential.
Vehicle theft trends have shifted dramatically in recent years.
Here are the Most Stolen Cars in the U.S, according to the latest NICB and industry reports.
Car Theft Insurance isn’t a separate policy, it's covered under your comprehensive car insurance.
Comprehensive Insurance Covers.
When your car is stolen and not recovered, your Stolen Car Insurance Payout equals your vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) minus your deductible.
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.
Many drivers assume their renters' insurance will pay for a stolen car but it doesn’t.
Does car insurance cover theft?.
Here’s a general look at annual costs for comprehensive and collision coverage (with a $1,000 deductible) for high-theft models.
Rates vary based on location, theft risk, and vehicle value.
Even with great insurance, prevention is the best protection.
