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 through the NICB stolen vehicle lookup 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:

These states have a lot of car thefts, so it’s extra important to check a NICB theft report before buying a used car.

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:

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. Use the NICB Stolen Vehicle Lookup

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) offers a free VIN check to see if a car has been reported stolen. Here’s how to use it:

• Find the VIN – usually on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the driver’s door frame. The VIN can also be found on the insurance card or registration/title. 
• Go to the NICB website and enter the VIN in their lookup tool.
• The system checks national databases for theft or salvage records.
• If the car is reported stolen, do not buy it—report it to the police.

2. 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.

3. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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 Safe – Run an NICB VIN Check Today

Car theft is a real problem, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Whether you’re buying a used car or just want to be extra cautious, running a NICB VIN check is a smart move. It helps you find out if a car has been reported stolen before you spend your hard-earned money.

Don’t take risks—use the NICB stolen vehicle lookup to make sure the car you’re considering is safe to buy. A quick check can save you from a lot of trouble. 

Stay informed, stay protected, and always verify a car history with VIN before making a decision!