Vehicle Thefts Ease Back From Recent Surge

Here’s some good news: Vehicle theft has fallen sharply for a second year, down 23% during the first half of 2025 versus a year earlier, according to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report.

The drop is bringing the rate back toward its “normal” level, from before the steady upswing that took place during and right after the COVID-19 pandemic.

But while fewer thefts may be a comfort to car owners, they do still happen, so it’s worth knowing how to minimize your chances of falling victim.

Vehicle theft rates are down from post-pandemic heights

According to the NICB, the rate of vehicle thefts climbed steadily beginning in 2019, hitting a peak in 2023. This recent decline is putting the national rate back in line with prepandemic trends.

Some states and territories saw steeper falls in theft rates than others, with the largest drops in Puerto Rico (down 43%) and Washington state (down 42%), followed by North Dakota and Louisiana (down 32% each).

Only Alaska saw a higher vehicle theft rate during the first half of the year (up 26%), due mostly to a rise of thefts occurring in the Anchorage metro area — this contributed to the state having the 9th highest vehicle theft rate in the country.

Among the states and territories covered, the District of Columbia had by far the worst rate of vehicle theft, at almost four times the 97.33 national average.

According to the NICB analysis, the highest rates for the first half of 2025 were in:

The report also listed the most frequently stolen makes and models. As in recent years, the top targets were mainly Hyundais, Hondas, Kias and popular pickup trucks.

How to protect yourself from vehicle thefts and other road hazards

To protect your vehicle, the NICB suggests common-sense measures like:

You might also consider upgrading your vehicle to include anti-theft technologies, such as steering wheel locks, alarms and GPS tracking tools like AirTags.

As for car insurance, be aware that minimal liability-only coverage won’t cover a stolen vehicle. For that, you’ll want full-coverage car insurance, which will also take care of damage from vandalism, fire and weather.

It may cost a bit more each month to carry full coverage on your car or truck, but it’s an investment worth making — especially in a world where the average new car price just surpassed a record $50,000.