There are a lot of factors a driver needs to weigh when selecting a vehicle — safety features, seating, cargo space, fuel type, gas mileage, and cost, to name just a few. It can be challenging enough to find a vehicle that checks all of those boxes, so the thought of whether their vehicle might be a prime target for theft never even crosses most people’s minds.
Certain makes and models are more likely to get stolen, though, especially in cities known for auto theft.
Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most commonly stolen vehicles and what drivers who own them can do to protect themselves.
The top 10 most stolen cars in 2023
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) identified the following 10 vehicles as the most stolen cars of 2023:
- Hyundai Elantra (48,445)
- Hyundai Sonata (42,813)
- Kia Optima (30,204)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (23,721)
- Kia Soul (21,001)
- Honda Accord (20,895)
- Honda Civic (19,858)
- Kia Forte (16,209)
- Ford F150 Series Pickup (15,852)
- Kia Sportage (15,749)
Kia and Hyundai models have taken six of the top 10 spots. This is because of a security flaw in many of these models that left them vulnerable to theft. A popular social media video released in 2021 explaining how to exploit this vulnerability led to a stealing spree that’s still ongoing.
Full-size pickup trucks are also popular targets for theft. However, it’s important to note that owning one of these vehicles is not a guarantee that yours will be stolen. Nor is owning a vehicle that’s not on this list a guarantee that yours will be safe.
How to reduce the risk of auto theft
Kia and Hyundai owners worried about security flaws should contact their local dealerships to learn about the fixes available to them. They may also want to invest in steering wheel locks in the interim. This can make it more difficult for would-be thieves to exploit the car’s vulnerabilities.
Beyond this, the key to reducing auto theft often lies in common-sense behaviors, including:
- Locking the car when leaving it
- Closing all windows when leaving the car
- Parking it in a garage whenever possible, instead of out on the street
- Parking it in a busy, well-lit area when out and about
- Installing an alarm to deter thieves
- Removing valuables from the car or hiding them from plain view
In addition, drivers should consider purchasing car insurance with comprehensive coverage. This is an optional protection, though lenders and lessors often require it. It protects drivers against a host of disasters, including bad weather, animal-vehicle collisions, vandalism, and theft.
Purchasing this protection will increase the cost of insuring the vehicle, but drivers can minimize the premium increase by opting for a higher deductible. Shopping around with multiple companies is also a great way to find cheap car insurance.
If the worst happens, be sure to notify the police of the theft right away. This can significantly increase the odds of recovery. Get a copy of the police report to forward to the insurer in the event that the car isn’t recovered.
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