People steal things that have value. People steal things they can resell. Used car values have soared over the last two years. That, unsurprisingly, has meant an increase in car theft.
Auto theft grew 8% in 2021, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). President and CEO David Glawe says the reason is simple. “We have seen a nearly 35% increase in used car values over the last two years due to supply chain issues and inflation. Stolen cars can be shipped overseas and resold or broken down for valuable used car parts here in the U.S.”
Because most cars are stolen for resale or disassembly, thieves don’t go after cars they intend to keep. They go after cars that can easily be sold or cars whose parts are in high demand. The list of the most stolen cars, then, tracks close to the list of most common cars.
For the second year in a row, the two most commonly stolen vehicles matched the two best-selling vehicles in America (though their order flipped). All 10 appear perennially on lists of the best-selling cars in America.
More recent models are stolen less often because anti-theft technology has improved. That may also account for the almost total lack of SUVs on the list.
America’s love for crossovers (we bought more of them than cars and trucks combined last year) means many are too new to spark heavy demand for black-market parts.
The Most Stolen Cars Last Year:
- Chevy Silverado
- Ford F-150
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- GMC Sierra
- Nissan Altima
- Honda CR-V
- Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
- Toyota Corolla
How to Protect Your Car
The NICB recommends that drivers take common-sense steps to protect their cars. They include:
- Roll up your windows, lock your doors, and take the keys or fob.
- Park in well-lit areas and, when possible, areas staffed by security personnel and further protected by surveillance cameras.
- Remove valuables from your car or keep valuables locked in your trunk or out of sight under a rear deck cover.
- Consider adding an immobilizing or tracking device for your vehicle.
If your car is stolen, the bureau says, report it as soon as possible. “NICB data shows that reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.”
