The States with the Highest Car Theft Rates – Is Your Car at Risk?
Car theft is a big problem across the U.S., and some states have it worse than others. Whether you live in a high-theft area or are thinking about buying a used car, knowing the trends can help you stay ahead.
In this article, we’ll go over the states with the most car thefts, the top stolen car models, tips to keep your car safe, and why checking a car’s VIN is a must before buying.
Before we go any further, be sure to do a VIN theft check first!
States with the Highest Car Theft Rates
Car theft is more common in some states because of things like how crowded they are, the economy, and how close they are to international borders. According to Market Watch, the following states report the highest vehicle theft rates:
| State
|
Description
|
Auto Theft Statistics (2023) |
| California | With major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, California consistently tops the list for car thefts. Its dense population and proximity to the Mexico border make it a hotspot for vehicle theft. | 208,668 |
| Texas | Houston and Dallas see high numbers of stolen vehicles, with thieves often targeting trucks and SUVs. | 115,013 |
| Florida | The large number of tourists and rental cars make Florida a prime target for vehicle theft, particularly in Miami and Orlando. | 46,213 |
| Washington | Seattle’s high rate of car thefts is often attributed to the easy access to ports, allowing stolen vehicles to be quickly shipped overseas. | 43,160 |
| Illinois | Chicago ranks among the top cities for vehicle theft, with organized crime and carjacking incidents contributing to the problem. | 41,528 |
| Colorado | Denver has seen a significant rise in vehicle theft, partly due to an increase in organized crime rings. | 34,068 |
| New York | While overall crime has decreased, vehicle theft remains an issue in major cities like New York City and Buffalo, especially for high-end luxury vehicles. | 32,715 |
| Ohio | Cities like Cleveland and Columbus see frequent vehicle thefts, often linked to street racing rings and resale scams. | 31,647 |
| Georgia | Atlanta is a major hub for car theft due to its extensive highway system, making it easier for stolen vehicles to be moved across state lines. | 28,171 |
| Missouri | St. Louis consistently ranks among the top cities for car theft in the U.S., with reports showing a rise in vehicle-related crimes in recent years. | 27,279 |
Most Stolen Car Models
Some cars are bigger targets for thieves because they have high resale value, their parts are in demand, or they’re easier to steal due to weak security features. According to NICB’s 2023 report, the top stolen vehicles were:
| Rank | Vehicle Make/Model | Thefts |
| 1 | Hyundai Elantra | 48,445 |
| 2 | Hyundai Sonata | 42,813 |
| 3 | Kia Optima | 30,204 |
| 4 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 23,721 |
| 5 | Kia Soul | 21,001 |
| 6 | Honda Accord | 20,895 |
| 7 | Honda Civic | 19,858 |
| 8 | Kia Forte | 16,209 |
| 9 | Ford F150 Series Pickup | 15,852 |
| 10 | Kia Sportage | 15,749 |
If you own one of these vehicles, taking extra precautions to prevent theft is crucial.
How to Prevent Car Theft
Car theft can happen anywhere, but you can take simple steps to reduce the risk:
✔️ Use a Steering Wheel Lock – A big, visible lock makes your car a less appealing target.
✔️ Park in Well-Lit Areas – Thieves prefer the dark, so stick to bright, busy spots.
✔️ Install a GPS Tracker – If your car gets stolen, a tracker can help police find it fast.
✔️ Keep Valuables Out of Sight – Bags, wallets, and electronics can attract thieves.
✔️ Lock Your Doors and Windows – Sounds obvious, but many thefts happen because people forget.
✔️ Use a VIN Etching Kit – Etching your VIN on the windows makes it harder for thieves to sell your car for parts.
Taking these precautions can go a long way in keeping your car safe!
How to Check If a Car Is Stolen for Free
If you’re buying a used car, you definitely want to make sure it hasn’t been reported stolen. The good news is, besides VinCheck.info, there are other free tools you can use to check a VIN. You just need the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which you can find on the driver’s side dashboard, by the door jamb, or on vehicle documents.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Contact Local Law Enforcement
Your local police department can also help.
- Call or visit a station and give them the VIN or license plate number.
- They have access to stolen vehicle databases and can check for free.
2. Use Your State’s DMV Website
Some Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) websites let you check a car’s title history using its VIN.
- This helps you see if it’s been reported stolen or has a salvage title (meaning it was declared a total loss).
3. Check with the Seller
- Ask the seller for the title and registration and other documents.
- Cross-examine the sources and make sure the details match the VIN on the car.
- Watch out for missing, altered, or suspicious paperwork.
4. Look for Red Flags
- Altered VIN – If the VIN looks scratched, replaced, or tampered with, the car might have a fake or cloned VIN.
- Seller refuses to give the VIN – That’s a big warning sign! A legit seller should have no problem sharing it.
- Too good to be true price – If the deal seems way too cheap, the car could be stolen. Unsure about the price? Look up car estimators like KBB and J.D. Power.
VinCheck.info: A Free VIN Theft Check and Full Vehicle History Report
VinCheck.info is a free VIN theft check tool that also provides a complete vehicle history report to help buyers make informed decisions. Here’s what it offers:
- VIN Theft Check – See if the car has ever been reported stolen and recovered.
- Title History – Find out if the car was branded as salvage, rebuilt, or damaged.
- Basic Vehicle Info – Includes make, model, and manufacturing year.
- Vehicle Specs – Lists key details like engine type and transmission.
- Damage Check – Detects flood, fire, or hail damage.
- Recalls & Defects – Alerts you to safety recalls or known issues.
- Loan & Lien Check – Checks for outstanding loans tied to the car.
- Market Value – Estimates the car’s current worth.
- Sales History – Tracks previous sales and locations.
- Safety Ratings – Shows crash test results and safety scores from NHTSA and IIHS.
- Ownership Costs – Provides estimates for fuel, maintenance, and repairs.
- Insurance Estimates – Helps you understand potential insurance costs.
- Warranty Info – Tells you if the car is still under warranty.
- Insurance Options – Offers insights into possible coverage plans.
This free report gives you the details you need to avoid stolen or risky vehicles and make a smart, safe car purchase.
Stay informed, stay protected, and always verify a car history with VIN before making a decision!
