The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that vehicle thefts in the United States are on the rise, with more than 1 million motor vehicles stolen in 2022—a 25% increase from previous years. In partnership with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the NHTSA encourages all vehicle owners to be extra vigilant in their security practices to prevent theft.

Key Takeaways

Perhaps the most noteworthy revelation from the report is that vehicle theft costs the country billions. According to the report, thieves stole more than $8 billion in motor vehicle value last year alone.

The following are some additional takeaways from the report:

• Historically, 74% of all stolen vehicles have been passenger cars.
• More than 2,000 stolen vehicles were transported to other countries in 2022.
• There were 250,000 stolen vehicles reported in the fourth quarter of 2022 alone.

Vehicle Security Best Practices While theft prevention measures cannot guarantee protection in all instances, taking precautions to help ward off would-be thieves can still make a difference.

The following tips can help discourage vehicle theft:

• Close all windows before leaving your vehicle.
• Keep car doors locked.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Never leave your car unattended while it’s running.
• Never leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Hide valuables in your glove box or trunk.
• Consider purchasing additional anti-theft devices for your vehicle.

Additional Information

Critically, not all auto insurance policies cover theft by default, though such coverage may be available to add to your plan.

Contact your agent to discuss your auto insurance coverage to ensure you’re protected against theft or vandalism.

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