Auto Theft in America: Stolen Vehicle Statistics to Know
- March 29, 2022
- Ashvir Toor
A car is stolen in America every 36 seconds. According to stolen car statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car theft in 2020 was up 9% – a total of 880,595 vehicles were reported stolen.[1] While the Covid-19 pandemic and its related economic hardships likely contributed to the uptick in thefts, auto theft is a potential occurrence at any time. For many years, the Honda Civic was the most stolen car, but in 2020, the Chevy Silverado was the most targeted vehicle.[2]
Car part theft is also something to consider, as certain parts can be resold for five times their value and render your car totaled. The catalytic converter, airbags, wheels, and aftermarket in-car entertainment and navigation systems are all popular targets. Skilled thieves can remove a piece of your car and be gone in under half an hour, so it’s important to take extra steps toward protecting your vehicle.
Experts suggest welding a piece of metal over the converter, or etching your VIN into it. Lug nuts will protect your wheels and tires, and there are hood locks you can install to protect everything in the engine bay. Having a modern car alarm system installed will alert you to anyone who breaks a window or opens your car unauthorized.[3]
There are several steps you can take to protect your car from being stolen whole. Parking in a locked and secure garage is the safest place for your car, but many people don’t have that option. Having a robust, up-to-date car alarm and a tracking device like LoJack installed can not only protect your car in the event of an attempted theft but can potentially lower your car insurance, too.
If the worst happens, then having LoJack installed will make reporting to the police and recovering your vehicle much easier. Cars with LoJack installed that are stolen have a high recovery rate and are considered crimes in progress, which typically results in faster police response. Car theft may be on the rise, but with LoJack you don’t have to be a statistic.
[1] https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/nicb-hot-spots-auto-thefts-significantly-across-country
[2] https://insurify.com/insights/most-stolen-cars-2021/
[3] https://www.wawanesa.com/us/blog/5-most-stolen-car-parts