In 2019, there were 721,885 stolen vehicles, which equates to $6.4 billion in motor vehicle thefts. It is a decrease of 4% from 2018, when 751,885 cars were stolen. However, this still means that almost 722,000 vehicle owners suffered that loss in a single year.
The FBI’s motor vehicle theft statistics include many types vehicles, and not just cars. Motor vehicle theft statistics include automobiles as well as trucks, buses, motorbikes, scooters and snowmobiles.
These are the most recent car theft statistics, based on the latest research and data.
Key car theft facts
- In 2019, 721,885 cars were taken, a decrease of 4% from 2018, when 751,885 cars were stolen. (III).
- In 2019, motor vehicle thefts amounted to $6.4 billion. (III).
- Motor vehicle theft in 2019 was at an average of $8,886 per incident. (III)
- New Year’s Day is the holiday that sees the most vehicle thefts. (NCIB)
How many cars are stolen every year?
In 2019, car thefts have fallen by 2% compared to 2018, when 721,885 cars were stolen. This is a decrease of 4% from the 751,885 that was reported in 2018. This is a decrease of 4% in car thefts and a rate that’s 219.9 per 100,000. This can partly be attributed to user error, according to the NCIB. The NCIB found that 229,339 motor vehicle thieves occurred between 2016 and 2018. In these cases, the owners left the fobs or keys in the car. There was an increase of 56% in vehicle thefts when keys or fobs were left in vehicles between 2013 and 2015.
Is car insurance able to cover theft?
The car insurance covers theft and loss in several ways. Your insurance policy usually covers theft. You may also be eligible for repairs such as replacing broken windows or locks.
Your car insurance does not cover personal items. Comprehensive coverage covers only the vehicle. If you have homeowners insurance, your personal property would be covered by your renters and condo insurance. This means that you will need to file a home insurance claim.
Statistics on car theft
Car theft can occur anywhere, but is more common in higher-populated areas. Vehicle thefts are much more common in metropolitan areas than in non-metropolitan regions.
Car security
Thieves are getting smarter every year, even if they don’t have a key. They adapt to new technology by using smart keys instead of hot-wiring and swapping vehicle identification numbers. Some even go so far as to obtain auto loans using false identities in order to steal luxury cars of high value.
Car manufacturers and accessory companies are developing new security measures to combat car theft.
- Steering wheel locks are easy to store and use. They can stop the wheel from moving during inactivity.
- To prevent theft, you can attach a tire and rim lock to your vehicle.
- Hood locks: These are used to prevent the hood opening from thieves so that they can’t gain access to your engine and other parts.
- A GPS device can be added. A GPS device can be used to track your vehicle in case it is stolen.
Car alarm systems
Many cars come with an alarm system. However, if you don’t have one, you can purchase an external model with an optional key remote start. You can buy additional tools to prevent car theft even if your vehicle already has an alarm system.
A killswitch will prevent your engine being started while you aren’t driving it. Some alarms can be activated automatically when you take your key out of the ignition. Others will let you sound an alarm no matter where you are at the moment.
It doesn’t matter what type of security system you choose, it is important to ensure that you are protected. You can be prepared for anything, even if your car is stolen.