Car Theft in America: Is Your State a High-Risk Zone?

Car theft is a pervasive issue across the United States, causing significant financial loss and emotional distress for vehicle owners. While it's a nationwide problem, the risk is not evenly distributed. Certain states, due to a combination of factors like population density, proximity to international borders, and specific vehicle popularities, consistently rank as hotspots for auto theft. Understanding which states have the highest rates of theft is not just a matter of curiosity; it's crucial information that directly impacts your car insurance rates and highlights the importance of taking preventative measures to protect your vehicle, no matter where you live.

What States Have the Most Car Thefts?

Based on the most recent data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), analysis of FBI statistics, and trends observed in 2025, a few states consistently stand out for having the highest rates of motor vehicle theft. The rankings can shift slightly year to year, but the top contenders often remain the same. The data reveals that a significant portion of all vehicle thefts in the U.S. is concentrated in these specific regions. The District of Columbia, while not a state, currently has the highest per capita rate of car thefts in the nation, followed closely by Colorado and California.

Here are the top 10 states with the highest rates of vehicle thefts per 100,000 residents:

  1. District of Columbia: A staggering rate makes it the number one spot for theft risk.
  2. Colorado: Consistently battling high theft numbers, particularly in the Denver metro area.
  3. California: Due to its massive population and numerous large ports, California has the highest total number of thefts annually.
  4. Washington: The Pacific Northwest has seen a significant surge in auto theft in recent years.
  5. Oregon: Following the regional trend, Oregon also faces a major challenge with vehicle theft.
  6. New Mexico: Proximity to the border and other factors contribute to its high per capita rate.
  7. Missouri: St. Louis and Kansas City are major urban centers that drive the state's high ranking.
  8. Nevada: Las Vegas is a primary hotspot for auto theft in the state.
  9. Maryland: Proximity to major East Coast cities contributes to its high theft numbers.
  10. Texas: Like California, its large population and border location result in a high volume of total thefts.

What Are the Most Stolen Cars in America?

The list of most stolen vehicles is often surprising to owners. It's not dominated by high-end luxury cars, but rather by the most popular and common vehicles on the road. Thieves target these models because they are plentiful, and their parts are in high demand on the black market. Full-size pickup trucks from Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC consistently top the list. Sedans like the Honda Accord and Honda Civic are also perennial targets, especially slightly older models that may lack modern anti-theft technology. The Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima are other frequently stolen sedans. In recent years, certain Kia and Hyundai models have become extremely vulnerable to theft due to a lack of engine immobilizers, a trend that continues to impact theft statistics.

Rank Vehicle Model Primary Reason for Theft
1 Full-Size Pickup Trucks (Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado) High demand for parts, especially catalytic converters and tailgates.
2 Honda Accord / Civic Popularity and interchangeability of parts for older models.
3 Toyota Camry Reliability and high volume on the road create a strong market for stolen parts.
4 GMC Sierra Similar to other full-size trucks, high value of parts.
5 Select Kia / Hyundai Models Lack of engine immobilizers in certain model years makes them easy targets.


What Is Comprehensive Coverage and Why Is It Essential?

If you are concerned about car theft, there is only one type of insurance that will protect you: **comprehensive coverage**. This is an optional part of your auto policy that covers damage to your vehicle from non-collision events. This includes fire, hail, vandalism, and most importantly, theft. If your car is stolen and not recovered, your comprehensive coverage will pay you the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle, minus your deductible. If it is stolen and later recovered with damage, this coverage will pay for the repairs. It is absolutely essential for protecting your investment. If you only carry liability insurance, you will receive nothing from your insurance company if your car is stolen. Similarly, collision coverage only applies to damage from an accident, not theft.

Key Takeaways