Research from the Insurance Information Institute (III) shows that nearly 230 people out of every 100,000 in the U.S. fall victim to motor vehicle theft annually.
Theft prevention starts with knowing the risks and dangers associated with owning a vehicle, as well as how to keep it as protected as possible. That’s why we’re here.
Today, we’re taking a look at the most stolen cars in the U.S. We’ll share how our vehicle GPS tracking devices can help you keep an eye on yours at every turn.
The Five Most Stolen Cars in the U.S.
Every year, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) releases its “Hot Wheels” report. This report describes the makes and models of vehicles that were stolen the most frequently that year.
The vehicles below made the top five in last year’s report. Let’s take a look at each one in greater detail.
1. 2000 Honda Civic
In all, there were 38,426 Honda Civics stolen in the U.S. in 2018. Of these, 5,290 were 2000 models. This designates it as the top stolen car in the country.
One of the most popular cars in the country, there were more than 325,000 Honda Civic sold that year.
2. 1997 Honda Accord
Yes, Hondas took the top two spots. In 2018, there were 36,815 Honda Accord thefts in the U.S., with 5,029 being 1997 models.
Again, this is another one of Honda’s most popular cars, selling more than 384,000 units.
3. 2006 Ford F-150
In 2018, there were 36,355 Ford F-150s stolen in the U.S. Of these, 3,173 were 2006 models. This particular model continues to be a top-selling superstar for Ford, as well as the third most likely car to be stolen.
The numbers in 2018 reflect an increase of 1,250 thefts from the year before.
4. 2004 Chevrolet Silverado
There were 31,566 Chevrolet Silverados stolen in 2018. Of these, 2,097 were 2004 models.
As with the 2006 Ford F-150, theft numbers for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado were also up from 2017. This vehicle was the most commonly stolen one in 13 states!
5. 2017 Toyota Camry
It’s easy to see that the 2017 Toyota Camry is the newest make and model on our list. It’s also one of the most in-demand. In 2018, there were 16,906 Toyota Camrys stolen, with 1,144 being 2017 models.
How to Prevent Car Theft
Don’t want to become a statistic?
While it’s impossible to eliminate the possibility of car theft, there are a few ways you can lower your risk as much as possible. Let’s review a few.
Use Common Sense
First, make sure to never walk away from your car with the keys in the ignition. Always lock your doors and windows and park in a well-lit area.
Use a Warning Device
Next, protect your vehicle with an audible or visible signal that alerts a would-be thief that your car is guarded.
These can range from alarms and steering column collars to wheel/brake locks and more.
Use an Immobilizing Device
You can also invest in an immobilizing device that will keep a thief from hot-wiring your vehicle. A few examples include:
- Smart keys
- Kill switches
- Strategic disablers (starter, ignition, fuel pump)
Use a Tracking Device
Finally, don’t forget to use a vehicle GPS tracking device like ours.
Not only will this help monitor your driving behavior and alert you when it’s time for a tune-up, but they’ll also help the police track and locate your vehicle as soon as possible if it’s stolen.
Once you install the device on your vehicle, you can track it with your mobile app!
Don’t Fall Victim to Car Theft
With the right tools and resources, you can keep your car safe, no matter where you take it. This list of the most stolen cars doesn’t have to include yours.
Want to keep a close eye on your vehicle, no matter where it goes? Our trackers can help. Contact us today to learn more and let’s connect.