The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently released its report regarding which vehicles have the highest theft rates nationwide. In 2022, more than one million vehicles were stolen in the United States. The report shows that vehicle theft rates have risen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. On a positive note, more than 85% of passenger cars stolen in 2022 were eventually recovered.
Auto Theft is on the Decline in Florida
Auto Theft has been a problem in Florida for many years. Fortunately, auto thefts in Florida have been on the decline in recent years. Car theft reports in 2018 show that in Florida 196 vehicles per 100,000 were reported as stolen. In 2021 this figure decreased to 162.2. According to a report released by the National Crime Insurance Bureau (NCIB), there are ten vehicles that are most likely to be stolen in Florida.
Here are the figures for the top stolen vehicles in Florida in 2022:
Rank | Make/Model | Year | Thefts |
1 | Ford Pickup (Full Size) | 2006 | 2,030 |
2 | Honda Accord | 2021 | 1,003 |
3 | Nissan Altima | 2015 | 1,000 |
4 | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) | 2021 | 992 |
5 | Toyota Camry | 2021 | 898 |
6 | Toyota Corolla | 2021 | 887 |
7 | Honda Civic | 2020 | 772 |
8 | Dodge Charger | 2021 | 639 |
9 | Honda CR-V | 2021 | 580 |
10 | Hyundai Sonata | 2013 | 577 |
According to NICB President and CEO David Glawe, “Approximately one motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds, which adds up to more than 1 million vehicles stolen last year. Vehicle theft disrupts lives, causes financial hardship and undermines community safety.”
While the NICB found that full-size trucks have the highest theft rate nationwide, theft rates for Honda, Hyundai and Kia sedans follow closely behind. NICB reported that a disturbing trend on Tik Tok challenging users to use a technology glitch to steal these cars. They cited this as likely factor for their high rates in 2022.
Here are the figures for the top stolen vehicles nationally in 2022:
Rank | Make/Model | Years | Thefts |
1 | Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) | 2004 | 49,903 |
2 | Ford Pickup (Full Size) | 2006 | 48,175 |
3 | Honda Civic | 2000 | 27,113 |
4 | Honda Accord | 1997 | 27,089 |
5 | Hyundai Sonata | 2013 | 21,707 |
6 | Hyundai Elantra | 2017 | 19,602 |
7 | Kia Optima | 2015 | 18,221 |
8 | Toyota Camry | 2021 | 17,094 |
9 | GMC Pickup (Full Size) | 2005 | 16,622 |
10 | Honda CR-V | 2001 | 13,832 |
If your vehicle is stolen there are some important steps that you can take to protect yourself:
- Report your vehicle as stolen to police as soon as possible to provide evidence of the theft. Your insurance carrier is going to need this to process your claim.
- Report your stolen vehicle to your insurer as soon as possible.
- Be prepared to provide important vehicle information, including make/model, license plate number and VIN number.
There are ways that you can secure your vehicle to avoid having it stolen. Here are some things that you can do to ensure that you do not become a victim of auto theft in Florida.
Here are three easy things that you can do to secure your vehicle:
- Remove your keys from the ignition
- Lock your doors/close your windows
- Park in a well-lit area
You can also purchase anti-theft devices to help keep your vehicle safe:
- Audible alarms
- Steering column collars
- Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
- Brake locks
- Wheel locks
- Theft deterrent decals
- Identification markers in or on vehicle
- VIN etching
- Micro dot marking
- GPS tracking device
It is very important that you carefully review your auto insurance policy to make sure that you are fully covered in the event that your vehicle is stolen. The coverage that would protect you if your vehicle is called Comprehensive Coverage. If you do not have this coverage on your auto insurance policy, you will not be able to file a claim to be compensated for your lost vehicle.
Pittman Law Firm, PL has over 30 years of experience in helping people who are involved in accidents. If you have questions about an insurance claim or are injured in an accident, call us today for a free consultation.
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