Written by: Rex Villanueva | Insurance Specialist at InsuRabbit.com | Updated on: October 31, 2026
Car thieves don’t pick vehicles at random. Every year, the same popular models show up at the top of the list of the most stolen cars in America, usually because there are so many of them on the road, their parts are in demand, or older versions are easier to steal.
The short answer: In 2025, the most stolen vehicle in the U.S. was the Hyundai Elantra, followed by the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Sonata, according to National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) data reported by the Insurance Information Institute. The good news is that vehicle thefts fell sharply for the second year in a row.
Here’s the full list, why these cars are targeted, and how to protect your vehicle and your wallet.
The 10 most stolen cars in America (2025)
These are the most stolen vehicles of 2025, all model years combined, with the number of thefts for each, according to NICB data published by the Insurance Information Institute:
- Hyundai Elantra: 21,732
- Honda Accord: 17,797
- Hyundai Sonata: 17,687
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 16,764
- Honda Civic: 12,725
- Kia Optima: 11,521
- Ford F-150: 10,102
- Toyota Camry: 9,833
- Honda CR-V: 9,809
- Nissan Altima: 8,445
Notably, many of these are among the most common vehicles on the road. In other words, a car can rank high partly because there are simply so many of them to steal.
Car thefts are falling: the national trend
Although the list above may look alarming, the overall trend is encouraging. According to NICB figures reported by the Insurance Information Institute, about 659,880 vehicles were stolen in the U.S. in 2025, down 22.4% from 850,708 in 2024. Moreover, the 2025 total is 35.4% lower than in 2023, when thefts topped one million.
Keep in mind that these figures can change, since law enforcement agencies may still be reporting thefts.
Which states have the most car thefts?
Car theft is far more common in some states than others. In 2025, the states with the most vehicle thefts were, according to the Insurance Information Institute:
- California: 136,988
- Texas: 75,269
- Illinois: 28,327
- Florida: 27,142
- New York: 24,206
Because these are large states with many vehicles, raw totals don’t tell the whole story. Still, where you live and park is one reason your premium may differ from a friend’s in another state. Learn more about why car insurance rates change.
Why thieves target certain cars
Several factors make some vehicles more attractive to thieves than others:
- Popularity: the more of a model on the road, the more opportunities to steal one, and the bigger the market for its parts.
- Valuable parts: thieves often strip vehicles for parts that are easy to resell. The Texas Department of Insurance notes that thieves target pricey parts such as air bags and catalytic converters.
- Weaker security on older models: vehicles without modern anti-theft systems can be easier to steal.
- Resale and export demand: pickups and popular sedans can be in high demand, whether whole or in pieces.
Thieves’ interest can also affect what you pay. Insurers consider the likelihood of theft when pricing a policy, so a frequently stolen model may cost more to insure. In some cases, a high-risk vehicle can even be hard to insure at all; see reasons your car could be uninsurable.
How to protect your car from theft
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a few simple habits:
- Take your key with you. Never leave it in or on your vehicle.
- Lock up. Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
- Hide valuables, or better yet, never leave them in your vehicle.
In addition, NHTSA describes three types of anti-theft devices that can add protection:
- Audible and visible devices, such as horn alarms, steering-wheel locks, and window etching, which deter thieves by drawing attention.
- Immobilizing devices, which prevent thieves from bypassing the ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle.
- Vehicle recovery systems, which help law enforcement locate a stolen vehicle.
Some insurers offer discounts for anti-theft devices, so ask yours. For more ideas, see these car insurance discounts that could save you money.
Does car insurance cover theft?
It depends on your coverage. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, your auto insurance will probably cover the damages if you have comprehensive coverage, including stolen parts such as air bags and catalytic converters.
Liability-only policies generally don’t cover theft of your own car, so check what you carry. Our guide to the types of car insurance coverage explains the difference.
The Texas Department of Insurance also notes two related points:
- Personal items stolen from your car, such as a laptop, are probably covered by your homeowners or renters insurance, not your auto policy. See what renters insurance covers.
- Rental reimbursement coverage can pay for a rental car if your car is stolen or damaged by thieves. Ask your insurer whether you have it or can add it.
What to do if your car is stolen
If your car is stolen, NHTSA recommends that you act quickly:
- Contact the police immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report.
- Gather your vehicle’s details: license plate, make, model, color, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and any identifying features.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of the theft.
- If your car is recovered, notify both the police and your insurer right away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most stolen car in America?
In 2025, the most stolen vehicle was the Hyundai Elantra, with 21,732 thefts across all model years, according to NICB data reported by the Insurance Information Institute.
Are car thefts going up or down?
Down. Thefts fell about 22.4% in 2025, to roughly 659,880 vehicles, after a 16.7% drop in 2024, according to the same NICB data.
Which state has the most car thefts?
California, with 136,988 vehicle thefts in 2025, followed by Texas, Illinois, Florida, and New York.
Does insurance pay if my car is stolen?
Usually, if you have comprehensive coverage. The Texas Department of Insurance notes that comprehensive coverage will probably cover theft-related damages. Liability-only coverage generally does not.
Does owning a frequently stolen car raise my insurance rate?
It can. Insurers consider the likelihood of theft when pricing a policy, along with many other factors, such as where you live and your driving record.
The bottom line
The most stolen cars in America tend to be popular, everyday models, led in 2025 by the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. Fortunately, thefts are falling nationwide. Simple habits, anti-theft devices, and the right coverage can help protect you either way.
If you’re not sure your policy covers theft, take a few minutes to compare car insurance quotes and find coverage that fits.
Related reading: 13 ways to lower your car insurance rate and What to do after a car accident
