Vehicle Theft Statistics by State — and Most Stolen Cars and Motorcycles
Vehicle Theft Statistics by State — and Most Stolen Cars and Motorcycles
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Motor vehicle thefts are on the rise, with a 25.1% increase since 2019. In fact, nearly 2 vehicles are stolen every minute. But where are vehicle thefts most common — and which makes are most often stolen?
This study goes over both motor vehicle thefts and motorcycle thefts. Additionally, stick around to learn about how your auto insurance handles motor theft.
On this page
- Motor vehicle theft key findings
- Motorcycle theft key findings
- Motor vehicle thefts are up 25.1% since 2019
- Which states saw the biggest year-over-year jump in thefts?
- Bakersfield, Calif., has the highest motor vehicle theft rate
- Chevrolet pickups are the most stolen car in 15 states
- Motorcycle thefts are up 25.6% since 2019 — here’s how they compare to motor vehicle thefts
- How auto insurance treats motor theft: Expert tips
- Methodology
Motor vehicle theft key findings
- Motor vehicle thefts are up 25.1% since 2019. 1,001,967 vehicles were stolen in 2022, according to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) analysis of data via the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which means 1.9 vehicles are stolen every minute. Preliminary 2022 data shows the states with the most motor vehicle thefts were California (202,685), Texas (105,015) and Washington (46,939).
- 31 states saw a year-over-year increase in motor vehicle thefts in 2021 — the latest year for which data from every state is available. Vermont (57.2%) saw the biggest jump between 2020 and 2021, followed by Wisconsin (41.5%) and Colorado (31.8%). In contrast, motor vehicle thefts in this period decreased the most in West Virginia (11.9%), Alaska (11.2%) and Utah (9.1%).
- The metro with the highest motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 residents is Bakersfield, Calif., at 1,023.7. Two Colorado metros, Denver and Pueblo, follow at 964.9 and 891.4, respectively. The metros with the biggest year-over-year changes in motor vehicle thefts between 2020 and 2021 were Williamsport, Pa. (92.1%), Ithaca, N.Y. (82.8%), and Utica, N.Y. (80.1%).
- 48,206 full-size Chevrolet pickups were stolen in 2021, making it the most stolen car in 15 states. While full-size Ford pickups were the second most-stolen vehicle in 2021 at 47,999, they were the top vehicle taken in 20 states. Honda Civics were the third-most stolen car at 31,673. The recovery rate in 2021 for motor vehicles reported stolen within the first 24 hours was 34%, according to an NICB analysis.
Motorcycle theft key findings
- Motorcycle thefts are up 25.6% since 2019. 51,291 motorcycles were stolen in 2021 — the latest year for which motorcycle theft data is available — or 141 a day. Motorcycle thefts dropped by 3.4% between 2020 and 2021. 42% of motorcycles stolen in 2021 were recovered, according to an NICB analysis.
- California led the U.S. with 9,345 motorcycles stolen in 2021. Texas (4,263) and Florida (3,698) follow.
- Honda was the most stolen motorcycle brand in 2021 at 10,282. Yamaha (8,185) and Kawasaki (5,904) follow.
- August is the month when the most motorcycle thefts occur (5,693). September (5,540) and July (5,476) follow.
Motor vehicle thefts are up 25.1% since 2019
Since 2019, motor vehicle thefts have risen by 25.1%. In total, 1,001,967 vehicles were stolen in 2022 — or 1.9 every minute.
According to ValuePenguin auto insurance expert Divya Sangameshwar, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely a key factor in the large increase since 2019.
"The increase in car thefts is seen as an unpleasant byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic," she says. "With a large volume of cars left parked in place due to work-from-home mandates and business shutdowns, cars became easy targets for thieves — who stole cars to make a quick buck from the increase in demand for used cars and spare parts."
Additionally, the pandemic indirectly led to a reduction in law enforcement and an increase in car prices across the U.S., which may have encouraged motor thefts. In fact, 2020 saw the largest year-over-year rise in motor vehicle thefts dating to 2007, jumping 10.9%.
Motor vehicle thefts by year
Year | Estimated total thefts | % change |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1,095,769 | N/A |
| 2008 | 958,629 | -12.5% |
| 2009 | 795,652 | -17.0% |
| 2010 | 737,142 | -7.4% |
| 2011 | 715,373 | -3.0% |
| 2012 | 721,053 | 0.8% |
| 2013 | 699,594 | -3.0% |
| 2014 | 689,527 | -1.4% |
| 2015 | 707,758 | 2.6% |
| 2016 | 765,484 | 8.2% |
| 2017 | 833,740 | 8.9% |
| 2018 | 819,988 | -1.6% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) data obtained via the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
As for the states with the most thefts, preliminary 2022 data from 10 reporting states shows California ranks first — so far, the Golden State reported 202,685 motor vehicle thefts in 2022. That’s followed by Texas (105,015) and Washington (46,939).
California and Texas have significantly larger populations than most states, which may contribute to the higher number of thefts there. In fact, according to a ValuePenguin analysis of car ownership statistics, both states lead the nation with the most registered vehicles.
In Washington, a new law limiting police pursuits (which went into effect in July 2021) may contribute to the spike in thefts here. The new law states that police can’t pursue a suspect in a vehicle without probable cause, even if they believe they have the suspect.
States with the most estimated vehicle thefts in 2022
Rank | State | Total estimated thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 202,685 |
| 2 | Texas | 105,015 |
| 3 | Washington | 46,939 |
| 4 | Florida | 45,973 |
| 5 | Colorado | 42,237 |
| 6 | Illinois | 38,649 |
| 7 | Ohio | 29,913 |
| 8 | Missouri | 29,345 |
| 9 | New York | 28,292 |
| 10 | Georgia | 26,529 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC. Note: Data is preliminary, meaning these numbers may change. Data was only provided for these 10 states.
When do these thefts occur? Perhaps unsurprisingly, motor vehicle thieves strike at night. Based on available data from the FBI, the most motor vehicle thefts occur from midnight to 12:59 a.m., when there were 38,819 thefts in 2021. The next most common time was 10 p.m. to 10:59 p.m., when 30,209 occurred.
It’s important to note that the number of motor vehicle thefts differs widely between the FBI and NICB analyses. While we found the NICB analysis to be more accurate overall, the FBI data can highlight trends not available via the other.
Motor vehicle thefts by time of day, 2021
Time of day | Motor vehicle thefts |
|---|---|
| Total | 554,618 |
| Total thefts during a.m. hours | 235,348 |
| Midnight to 12:59 a.m. | 38,819 |
| 1 a.m. to 1:59 a.m. | 16,134 |
| 2 a.m. to 2:59 a.m. | 14,475 |
| 3 a.m. to 3:59 a.m. | 12,908 |
| 4 a.m. to 4:59 a.m. | 12,485 |
| 5 a.m. to 5:59 a.m. | 14,367 |
| 6 a.m. to 6:59 a.m. | 17,980 |
| 7 a.m. to 7:59 a.m. | 21,040 |
| 8 a.m. to 8:59 a.m. | 24,820 |
| 9 a.m. to 9:59 a.m. | 21,200 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of FBI data. Note: Information is based on available data reported by law enforcement agencies.
Which states saw the biggest year-over-year jump in thefts?
Overall, 31 states saw a year-over-year increase in motor vehicle thefts between 2020 and 2021 (the latest year for which data from every state is available). Of these, Vermont saw the biggest jump — 57.2%.
Following Vermont, Wisconsin (41.5%) and Colorado (31.8%) saw significant year-over-year jumps in motor vehicle thefts.
States with the biggest year-over-year increases in motor vehicle thefts
Rank | State | 2021 thefts | % change from 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 621 | 57.2% |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 13,957 | 41.5% |
| 3 | Colorado | 38,430 | 31.8% |
| 4 | Washington | 35,746 | 26.1% |
| 5 | Oregon | 20,006 | 22.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
In contrast, motor vehicle thefts in this period decreased the most in West Virginia (11.9%), Alaska (11.2%) and Utah (9.1%). According to the ValuePenguin analysis of car ownership statistics, West Virginia and Utah have a relatively low rate of registered vehicles, at 92 per 100 people in West Virginia and 79 in Utah. Meanwhile, Alaska is among the states with the lowest car access rate, with 9% of homes here not having a car.
States with the biggest year-over-year decreases in motor vehicle thefts
Rank | State | 2021 thefts | % change from 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | 2,297 | -11.9% |
| 2 | Alaska | 1,756 | -11.2% |
| 3 | Utah | 8,538 | -9.1% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 7,771 | -9.0% |
| 5 | Iowa | 5,913 | -7.3% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Full rankings: Year-over-year changes in motor vehicle thefts by state
Rank | State | 2021 thefts | % change from 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 621 | 57.2% |
| 2 | Wisconsin | 13,957 | 41.5% |
| 3 | Colorado | 38,430 | 31.8% |
| 4 | Washington | 35,746 | 26.1% |
| 5 | Oregon | 20,006 | 22.5% |
| 6 | New Jersey | 14,818 | 21.8% |
| 7 | Hawaii | 3,313 | 21.7% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 937 | 21.5% |
| 9 | Maine | 833 | 17.5% |
| 10 | Nevada | 13,417 | 16.9% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 858 | 16.3% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 18,044 | 16.2% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Bakersfield, Calif., has the highest motor vehicle theft rate
To break down thefts even further, the metro with the highest motor vehicle theft rate is Bakersfield, Calif., at 1,023.7 per 100,000 residents. Two Colorado metros — Denver (964.9) and Pueblo (891.4) — follow.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint why these metros rank highest, it’s worth noting that crime rates generally tend to be higher in urban areas like these.
Metros with the highest rate of motor vehicle thefts in 2021
Rank | Metro | Theft rate per 100,000 residents | Total cars stolen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bakersfield, CA | 1,023.7 | 9,394 |
| 2 | Denver, CO | 964.9 | 28,683 |
| 3 | Pueblo, CO | 891.4 | 1,512 |
| 4 | Albuquerque, NM | 710.6 | 6,525 |
| 5 | Portland, OR | 680.2 | 17,084 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
While those metros had the highest motor vehicle theft rates, they’re not the ones with the biggest year-over-year changes. Between 2020 and 2021, vehicle thefts jumped the most in Williamsport, Pa., rising by 92.1%. That’s followed by Ithaca, N.Y. (82.8%), and Utica, N.Y. (80.1%).
Metros with the highest year-over-year changes in motor vehicle thefts
Rank | Metro | % change between 2020 and 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Williamsport, PA | 92.1% |
| 2 | Ithaca, NY | 82.8% |
| 3 | Utica, NY | 80.1% |
| 4 | Cheyenne, WY | 72.7% |
| 5 | Milwaukee, WI | 72.0% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Full rankings: Metros with the highest rate of motor vehicle thefts in 2021
Rank | Metro | Theft rate per 100,000 residents | Total cars stolen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bakersfield, CA | 1,023.7 | 9,394 |
| 2 | Denver, CO | 964.9 | 28,683 |
| 3 | Pueblo, CO | 891.4 | 1,512 |
| 4 | Albuquerque, NM | 710.6 | 6,525 |
| 5 | Portland, OR | 680.2 | 17,084 |
| 6 | San Francisco, CA | 675.9 | 31,247 |
| 7 | Billings, MT | 611.1 | 1,143 |
| 8 | Milwaukee, WI | 597.8 | 9,365 |
| 9 | Seattle, WA | 582.5 | 23,366 |
| 10 | Yuba City, CA | 578.7 | 1,056 |
| 11 | Merced, CA | 553.0 | 1,584 |
| 12 | Los Angeles, CA | 549.5 | 71,422 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Full rankings: Metros with the highest year-over-year change in motor vehicle thefts
Rank | Metro | % change between 2020 and 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Williamsport, PA | 92.1% |
| 2 | Ithaca, NY | 82.8% |
| 3 | Utica, NY | 80.1% |
| 4 | Cheyenne, WY | 72.7% |
| 5 | Milwaukee, WI | 72.0% |
| 6 | Wenatchee, WA | 68.7% |
| 7 | Mount Vernon, WA | 65.6% |
| 8 | Great Falls, MT | 64.2% |
| 9 | Glens Falls, NY | 63.0% |
| 10 | Burlington, VT | 60.5% |
| 11 | Bremerton, WA | 52.3% |
| 12 | Charlottesville, VA | 48.3% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Chevrolet pickups are the most stolen car in 15 states
Which vehicles do (alleged) thieves prefer? As it turns out, pickup trucks are the most commonly stolen vehicle. In 2021, 48,206 full-size Chevrolet pickups were stolen — making it the most stolen car in 15 states. Chevrolet pickups are the most commonly stolen car in the state with the fifth-biggest year-over-year increase in motor vehicle thefts: Oregon.
Following that, full-size Ford pickups were the second most-stolen vehicle in 2021, accounting for 47,999 thefts. They were the top vehicle taken in 20 states. Full-size Ford pickups are the most commonly stolen car in the states with the third- and fourth-biggest year-over-year increases in motor vehicle thefts: Colorado and Washington.
Meanwhile, Honda Civics were the third-most stolen car, accounting for 31,673 thefts.
The reason for these rankings? It may boil down to popularity. All three vehicles are among the most searched in the U.S., according to a 2020 ValuePenguin study on car searches. Car thieves, in some cases, may target specific car models that are popular or in high demand, regardless of their value.
Additionally, older vehicle models are most often stolen — which could largely be because older cars are often easier to steal as they lack advanced anti-theft deterrents. It’s also worth noting that 3 in 4 vehicles stolen are cars (based on available data from the FBI), despite making up just 38% of all registered vehicles.
Most stolen cars in 2021
Rank | Vehicle make/model | Total thefts | Model year most often stolen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet pickup (full size) | 48,206 | 2004 |
| 2 | Ford pickup (full size) | 47,999 | 2006 |
| 3 | Honda Civic | 31,673 | 2000 |
| 4 | Honda Accord | 30,274 | 1997 |
| 5 | Toyota Camry | 17,270 | 2007 |
| 6 | GMC pickup (full size) | 15,599 | 2005 |
| 7 | Nissan Altima | 14,108 | 2020 |
| 8 | Honda CR-V | 13,308 | 2000 |
| 9 | Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee | 13,210 | 2018 |
| 10 | Toyota Corolla | 12,927 | 2020 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
While having a vehicle stolen is never fun, there’s one silver lining: In 2021, the recovery rate for motor vehicles reported stolen within the first 24 hours was 34%, according to an NICB analysis.
Full rankings: The most stolen vehicles in each state in 2021
State | Vehicle | Model year most often stolen | Thefts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Chevrolet pickup (full size) | 2005 | 605 |
| Alaska | Chevrolet pickup (full size) | 2005 | 179 |
| Arizona | Chevrolet pickup (full size) | 2006 | 1,530 |
| Arkansas | Chevrolet pickup (full size) | 2007 | 528 |
| California | Chevrolet pickup (full size) | 2001 | 15,462 |
| Colorado | Ford pickup (full size) | 2004 | 2,760 |
| Connecticut | Honda Accord | 2017 | 490 |
| Delaware | Honda Accord | 2013 | 89 |
| District of Columbia | Toyota Camry | 2020 | 271 |
| Florida | Ford pickup (full size) | 2006 | 1,876 |
| Georgia | Ford pickup (full size) | 2005 | 1,132 |
| Hawaii | Ford pickup (full size) | 2004 | 183 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Motorcycle thefts are up 25.6% since 2019 — here’s how they compare to motor vehicle thefts
Similar to motor vehicle thefts, motorcycle thefts have risen by 25.6% since 2019. In 2021 (the latest year for which motorcycle theft data is available), there were 51,291 motorcycles stolen, or 141 a day.
Like motor vehicle thefts, pandemic-related reductions in law enforcement and an increase in motorcycle sales likely play a role here. While motorcycle thefts spiked by 30.1% in 2020, it’s worth noting that they dropped 3.4% between 2020 and 2021.
Motorcycle thefts by year
Year | Motorcycles stolen | % change |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 46,467 | N/A |
| 2017 | 44,268 | -4.7% |
| 2018 | 41,674 | -5.9% |
| 2019 | 40,830 | -2.0% |
| 2020 | 53,111 | 30.1% |
| 2021 | 51,291 | -3.4% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Here’s more good news: 42% of motorcycles stolen in 2021 were recovered, according to an NICB analysis.
Regarding which states have the highest rate of motorcycle theft, California leads again with 9,345 stolen in 2021. That’s followed by Texas (4,263) and Florida (3,698). Like motor vehicle thefts, higher populations may be to blame for motorcycle thefts here.
States with the highest motorcycle theft rate in 2021
Rank | State | Thefts | Thefts per 1,000 registered motorcycles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 9,345 | 9.8 |
| 2 | Texas | 4,263 | 11.2 |
| 3 | Florida | 3,698 | 5.7 |
| 4 | New York | 2,662 | 7.3 |
| 5 | Washington | 1,947 | 8.0 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Honda takes the lead when it comes to the brand most commonly stolen. In 2021, 10,282 Honda motorcycles were stolen. That’s followed by Yamaha (8,185) and Kawasaki (5,904). Notably, all three brands are among the most popular.
Since thieves typically target older vehicles, it’s also worth noting that the average age of motorcycles on the road is 13.1 years, with half being 13 years old.
Top 5 motorcycle makes stolen in 2021
Rank | Make | Thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda | 10,282 |
| 2 | Yamaha | 8,185 |
| 3 | Kawasaki | 5,904 |
| 4 | Harley-Davidson | 5,811 |
| 5 | Suzuki | 4,890 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
When do most motorcycle thefts occur? August is when most motorcycle thefts occur, accounting for 5,693 thefts in 2021. One possible reason is that August is a popular month for motorcycle riding, with many riders taking long trips and attending rallies and events — increasing exposure and risk of theft.
Following August, the most motorcycle thefts occurred in September (5,540) and July (5,476). Good weather may play a role here, as motorcyclists may be more inclined to take their bikes out in warm, sunny months.
Top 5 months for motorcycle thefts in 2021
Rank | Month | Thefts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | August | 5,693 |
| 2 | September | 5,540 |
| 3 | July | 5,476 |
| 4 | October | 5,086 |
| 5 | June | 4,865 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
Although California has the highest rate of motorcycle thefts, it’s not the state with the most motorcycles per resident. The states with the most motorcycles per 1,000 residents are Montana (63.5), New Hampshire (61.5) and South Dakota (57.9). In contrast, the states with the fewest motorcycles per 1,000 residents are the District of Columbia (7.3), Texas (13.2) and New Jersey (16.7). The national rate is 26.0 per 1,000 residents.
Full rankings: States with the highest rate of registered motorcycles
Rank | State | Population | 2021 registered motorcycles | Registered motorcycles per 1,000 residents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,077,978 | 68,439 | 63.5 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,372,175 | 84,453 | 61.5 |
| 3 | South Dakota | 881,785 | 51,026 | 57.9 |
| 4 | Wisconsin | 5,871,661 | 319,907 | 54.5 |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,179,090 | 168,413 | 53.0 |
| 6 | North Dakota | 773,344 | 35,373 | 45.7 |
| 7 | Maine | 1,357,046 | 59,995 | 44.2 |
| 8 | Wyoming | 576,641 | 25,177 | 43.7 |
| 9 | Idaho | 1,811,617 | 69,009 | 38.1 |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,670,472 | 203,521 | 35.9 |
| 11 | Vermont | 641,637 | 22,848 | 35.6 |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,723,176 | 201,364 | 35.2 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of NICB data obtained via the NCIC.
How auto insurance treats motor theft: Expert tips
Nobody expects to have their car or motorcycle stolen — so it may be difficult to know what to do if it is. According to Sangameshwar, there are a few key things you should know about how your car insurance treats motor theft:
- Your car insurance will only cover a stolen vehicle if you have comprehensive coverage. "Comprehensive insurance will also cover a stolen stereo, catalytic converter or anything else that is a part of your car," she says. "Other types of coverage, like liability and collision coverage, don't cover a stolen car."
- It's best to file a police report within 24 hours of the car theft. "The faster the police can begin searching for your stolen car, the more likely they are to find it," Sangameshwar says. "It also means you'll be able to start the claim process sooner. When filing your police report, be thorough and honest. You don’t want to be caught in a lie when the police investigate. Unfortunately, because some people lie about their car being stolen to commit insurance fraud, the police will need to rule you out as a suspect."
- After filing your report, immediately notify your auto insurance company to start the claim process. "Your auto insurance company will ask for information like the police report, your car’s title, location of all the keys before and after the theft, the details of everyone who has access to your car, a description of your vehicle, your insurance policy account number and more," she says. "They’ll use this information to evaluate your insurance claim and decide its payout offer."
- Your insurance company may also run a credit check to verify your financial standing. "If you have significant debt and file a claim for a stolen vehicle, it may raise questions about whether you're trying to commit fraud, and it could increase the likelihood of your claim being denied," she says.
Methodology
ValuePenguin researchers analyzed motor vehicle and motorcycle thefts compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) via the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Additional data is via the FBI.
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