Full-Sized Pickup Trucks Have The Highest Theft Rate

If you drive a full-size pickup, you'll want to pay particular attention to keeping it locked and in a secure place. That's because a new analysis by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) finds that full-size pickups had the highest theft rate last year, followed by sedans.

The NICB says that in 2022, full-size pickups made up more than 25 percent of reported thefts.  On the bright side, that's a decrease from a high of 33 percent in 2021. In a bit more good news,  more than 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen in 2022 were recovered by law enforcement or other means, with 34 percent recovered within a day of the vehicle being reported stolen. 

Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in 2022

Here's a look at the top 10 stolen vehicles as reported by the NICB. It's dominated by full-size trucks, sedan with only one of them listed an SUV/crossover.

"Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States," said David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. "Approximately one motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds, which adds up to more than one million vehicles stolen last year. Vehicle theft disrupts lives, causes financial hardship, and undermines community safety. Addressing this problem is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it requires a partnership between vehicle owners, community members, as well as federal, state, and local governments."

Researchers say that vehicle theft rates for sedans, including Honda, Hyundai and Kia, followed those of full-size pickups, with recovery rates for Hyundais and Kias between 87 and 95 percent. Social media trends were a likely factor in their high theft rankings in 2022. Read more about the Hyundai/Kia thefts here →

"There are some commonsense steps to keep cars from being stolen. First, remove valuables from the vehicle or lock them out of sight. Next, lock the doors, roll the windows all the way up, and don't leave your keys or key fob in the car," Glawe said.

The NICB says July is traditionally the most with the most vehicle thefts. Last month, the NICB joined forces with the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) on a national public awareness campaign to deter and prevent vehicle theft.  

Some common sense actions that can deter vehicle theft include installing anti-theft devices that disable the fuel system or cut off the ignition. Using visible deterrents like steering wheel locks or brake pedal locks can also serve as a deterrent.

If you're vehicle is stolen, here's what the NICB says you should do:

Report your vehicle as stolen immediately to police

• According to NICB data, 34% of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days. Reporting the theft to law enforcement also provides a record to show to your insurer.

Report your stolen vehicle to your insurer

• Oftentimes insurers need a police report before honoring a claim.

Be prepared to provide important vehicle information

• You will need to provide the make/model of the vehicle, color, license plate number, as well as the vehicle's VIN number. (The VIN can be found on your insurance policy documentation or on the Proof of Insurance card.)
• The process for filing a stolen vehicle report to your insurer could be over the phone, online, or even directly to your insurance agent.

Learn more about reporting stolen vehicles here.

Photo Credit: Eric Buermeyer/Shutterstock.com.