Vehicle Thefts Drop to Historic Low in 2024

In a significant turnaround, vehicle thefts in the U.S. dropped below one million in 2024 for the first time since 2021, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The total number of reported thefts was 850,708—a 16.7% decrease from 2023 and the largest annual decline in over 40 years. Despite this improvement, certain makes and models remain prime targets for thieves.

Kia and Hyundai vehicles were the most frequently stolen in 2023, marking a shift from the longstanding trend of full-size pickups dominating theft statistics. The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata, along with the Kia Optima and Soul, topped the list. Meanwhile, Chevrolet and Ford pickups also remained among the most stolen, but at lower volumes than in past years.

The recovery outlook remains strong: over 85% of stolen vehicles were recovered in 2023, and a third of passenger vehicles reported stolen were found within the same day. These figures suggest improved reporting and tracking measures may be aiding law enforcement and insurers alike.

Regionally, vehicle theft rates varied dramatically. While Colorado, California, and Washington cities led the list of high-theft metro areas, states like New York and Texas experienced notable year-over-year increases in thefts. Conversely, Colorado saw a sharp 19% decline in vehicle thefts from 2022 to 2023. Ongoing analysis will reveal whether these shifts represent a lasting trend or a temporary anomaly.