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Here are the top (and bottom) vehicles that were stolen the most (and least) in 2023 according to reports.
Even though vehicle thefts rose dramatically throughout the U.S. following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is positive news for worried motorists. A leading researcher from the Council on Criminal Justice has stated that improvements in this area may be imminent. carjacking rates declined 26% from the first half of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2024. According to the Real-Time Crime Index, this increase pertains to non-violent auto theft cases. also decreased In 2024, both non-violent car thefts and carjackings continue to be significantly more prevalent compared to pre-pandemic levels; however, the figures are now showing signs of improvement as they move in the correct direction.
As illustrated by the virally spread example "Kia Challenge" on social platforms , certain vehicles tend to be more frequent targets for theft than others. . Using information from the Highway Loss Data Institute from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the period covering 2020 through 2022, Way.com put together a list of the top (and bottom) vehicles that were frequently targeted by thieves in 2023.
Is your car featured in that list? Keep reading to discover more.
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The top stolen vehicles in 2023
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and HEMI lead as the most frequently stolen vehicle models from 2020 through 2022. Indeed, once more, Dodge Chargers dominate this ranking. As per the recent data provided by HLDI regarding complete vehicle thefts, the number of insurance claims due to the theft of the Charger SRT Hellcat was notably above the overall average for all cars produced between those years.
The number of theft claims for the Charger SRT Hellcat occurred over 60 times more frequently compared to its representation on roads. Likewise, theft claims for the Charger HEMI were more than 20 times above the typical rate.
Starting from 2011, Dodge Chargers and Challengers equipped with large, powerful engines have regularly ranked within the top five most stolen cars. Over the past three years, however, the frequency of insurance claims related to their theft has risen dramatically. Recently, due to an internet phenomenon, four different Kia models have gained popularity, placing them inside the top 20 list of frequently targeted vehicles.
From 2020 through 2022, there were about 25 theft claims for each 1,000 insured vehicle years related to Charger SRT Hellcat vehicles. This represents an increase compared with roughly 18 theft claims during the period from 2019 to 2021. For some comparison, consider this: over the span from 2017 to 2019, the Infiniti Q60 was reported as the most frequently stolen car, yet it still saw just two theft cases out of every 1,000 insured vehicle years.
Theft loss amounts for entire vehicles based on their types
Between 2020 and 2022, the rate of insurance claims due to complete car thefts for passenger cars stood at 0.41 for every 1,000 insured vehicle years. Each full vehicle theft claim resulted in an average payout of $45,068. Additionally, the mean payment made towards all loss events per insured vehicle year, which reflects total losses, amounted to $18.
Sedans experienced the most frequent instances of complete vehicle theft claims, at a rate of 0.55. Conversely, pickup trucks showed the highest average claim severity, totaling $61,071, along with the greatest total losses, reaching $29 million.
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Most of the vehicles with the lowest theft rates were EVs and midsize SUVs.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that electric vehicles (EVs) have a lower risk of being stolen. This might be due to the fact that these cars are typically charged in brightly lit and safe locations. Theft claim data shows that among all models, the Tesla Model 3 with dual motors experienced the fewest instances of complete vehicle theft. Following closely behind was the Tesla Model Y.
The single-motor variant of the Tesla Model 3, along with the Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, and Nissan Leaf, are featured among the top 20 least-stolen cars from 2020 through 2022. Additionally, six models listed here come from General Motors.
Should the trend of minimal EV theft persist, future Dodge owners might find themselves with fewer concerns. As the gas-powered Charger and Challenger models are gradually discontinued, they will be succeeded by an electric muscle car. The Charger Daytona SRT concept is giving us a glimpse of this upcoming vehicle.
This story was produced by Way.com and examined and disseminated by Media.
This story was produced by Way and reviewed and then disseminated by .
