Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Car theft in the United States reached over a million reported cases in 2022, with financial losses surpassing $8 billion.
Taking a few simple, preventive measures can deter thieves from stealing your car. Anti-theft devices like remote kill switches and steering wheel locks can boost your car’s security. Your insurer may also offer premium discounts for having them.
MoneyGeek's guide offers a detailed roadmap for protecting your car against theft.
Car Theft in the US
Over a million vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2022.
Over 74% of all vehicles stolen in 2022 were passenger cars.
The 2004 full-size Chevrolet pickup was the most stolen vehicle in 2022.
Summer is the worst season for car theft.
More than 85% of stolen vehicles were recovered in 2022.
34% of recovered stolen vehicles are retrieved on the same day; 45% within two days.
Car thefts share commonalities based on offender motives, targeted locations and specific times of theft. Understanding these patterns can help you better anticipate your unique risk factors and take steps to mitigate them.
Car thefts often follow familiar patterns based on the offenders committing them:
Professional Thieves
These skilled individuals steal vehicles to resell them, either whole or for parts. They often target specific models, especially luxury cars, and use sophisticated tools to bypass security systems.
Joyriders
Typically, these are younger individuals who target easy-to-steal cars for the thrill of driving them without the intention to keep. They often abandon the vehicle after using it, sometimes causing damage.
Bump-and-Rob
This method involves the thief bumping into the victim's car from behind. When the victim gets out to assess the damage, the thief or an accomplice steals the car.
Certain locations offer thieves more opportunities due to their accessibility, lack of surveillance or sheer volume of vehicles. Familiarize yourself with the areas most prone to car theft:
Large Parking Facilities
Shopping malls or entertainment venues where many vehicles are parked together can be prime targets.
Near Highways
Parking areas with quick access to major roads or freeways allow for a swift getaway.
Surface Lots
Areas with multiple pedestrian entry points, poor lighting and limited surveillance can be vulnerable.
Low Visibility Areas
Poorly lit or secluded areas that provide thieves with cover may increase the risk of car theft.
Urban Areas
Dense city regions, with their hustle and bustle, can provide cover for thieves.
The time of day or year can also affect car theft vulnerability. Here’s when you can expect higher odds of theft:
Nighttime
Darkness provides cover for thieves, leading to a rise in thefts.
Holidays and Special Events
Increased vehicle activity or extended parking times can heighten risks.
Summer
According to the NHTSA, this season records the highest number of vehicle thefts,
Routine vigilance and simple proactive measures can go a long way in keeping your vehicle safe from theft. The best deterrent is to make it difficult for thieves to access your car.
Beyond locking doors, car safety encompasses where you park and the anti-theft systems you use.
The valuables inside your car often attract thieves. Protect personal items, important documents and electronic equipment from break-ins with these tips:
Advanced anti-theft devices can help deter theft and, in some cases, stop a theft already in progress. Manual interventions and sophisticated tracking systems offer multi-layered protection.
Manual disabling devices offer a hands-on approach to car security. These devices physically impede a car’s operation and are robust deterrents against attempted theft.
Device | Description |
|---|---|
Steering Wheel Lock | A bar that locks onto the steering wheel, preventing it from turning. It also acts as a visible deterrent. |
Brake Lock | Locks the brake pedal, preventing your car from being driven unless the lock is removed. |
Gearshift Lock | Locks the gearshift in place, preventing your car from being shifted out of park. |
Tire Lock (or Boot) | A device that's clamped to a wheel, preventing your car from being moved. |
Hood Lock | It prevents thieves from accessing your car's battery or engine components. |
Battery Disconnect Switch | A switch that disconnects the battery, preventing your car from starting unless the switch is engaged. |
These devices can incapacitate a car’s essential functions without manual intervention. So once they’re set, you won’t need to take additional steps to activate them.
Device | Description |
|---|---|
Fuel Kill Switch | Automatically cuts off the fuel supply if an unauthorized start is attempted. |
Ignition Kill Switch | It prevents the ignition from starting unless a hidden switch is activated. |
Starter Immobilizer | It disables the starter system, preventing your car from being started without the correct key or code. |
Remote disabling systems allow owners to control and secure their cars from a distance.
Device | Description |
|---|---|
Remote Ignition Block | This allows you to remotely block the car’s ignition system using a smartphone or computer. |
Remote Fuel Cut-Off | It enables you to remotely cut off your car’s fuel supply, immobilizing it. |
Car alarms serve as an immediate alert system, drawing attention to unauthorized access attempts and deterring potential thieves with their loud sirens.
Device | Description |
|---|---|
Basic Car Alarm | It emits a loud sound when unauthorized access or movement is detected. |
Two-way Alarm | This sends alerts to your remote when the alarm is triggered. |
Alarm With Mobile Alerts | This alarm sends real-time alerts to your smartphone if your car is tampered with. |
Vehicle tracking systems provide real-time location data, aiding in swift recovery in case of theft. These systems leverage GPS technology to ensure a vehicle's whereabouts are always within reach.
Device | Description |
|---|---|
GPS Tracker | This allows real-time tracking of your car’s location using GPS technology. |
Advanced Telematics System | This system combines GPS with onboard diagnostics to provide real-time location, speed and vehicle health information. |
Advanced security and anti-theft devices can deter thieves and help protect your car from break-ins. These devices can prevent costly damages and the inconvenience of filing a claim — car insurance will typically cover a broken window from theft only if you have comprehensive coverage. Installing these devices may also make you eligible for discounts on your car insurance premiums.
Always prioritize your safety first, and do not try to pursue or confront the offender. Instead, promptly report the theft to the police and your insurance provider.
If you suspect car theft, avoid chasing the thief using GPS or tracking software. This act is risky and can escalate the situation.
Before reporting the theft, have these car details ready to expedite the process:
A police report is essential for car recovery and insurance claims. If your car has tracking systems, inform the police and your service provider. They can work in tandem to track and hopefully recover your car.
Inform your auto insurance provider about the theft and provide details as required. If you have comprehensive car insurance, it will likely cover the theft, but the coverage might vary based on your policy’s terms and conditions.
If your car is stolen with no insurance or lacks comprehensive coverage, you cannot receive financial compensation for the theft. Liability-only insurance only covers the other driver, not vehicle theft. Additionally, if the car is leased or financed, you are still required to make payments on the stolen vehicle.
Auto insurance can cover the costs of replacing or repairing a stolen car, so make sure to understand your policy’s specifics. Installing anti-theft devices can potentially lead to lower insurance premiums.
Comprehensive coverage typically covers theft and will compensate for your car’s value if stolen. Comprehensive insurance also covers damages from break-ins, including broken door locks, smashed windows or a compromised ignition system. Use MoneyGeek’s resources to learn more about auto insurance:
Comprehensive insurance covers permanent, pre-installed car parts. It doesn't cover custom or aftermarket parts, although additional coverage can be purchased. Coverage may specify replacement with OEM or aftermarket parts, and might factor in depreciation. Check your policy and consult your insurer for understanding your coverage.
Comprehensive auto insurance does not cover personal belongings left inside the car. However, homeowners insurance or renters insurance might cover these items. If your car is stolen with personal items inside, you might need to file two separate claims: one with your auto insurance and another with your homeowners or renters insurance.
If your car is found after an insurance payout, the insurer retains its ownership. You might have the option to buy it back, but the specifics vary by policy and situation. If the claim is still processing, the insurer will evaluate your car for total loss or repair coverage. Notify your insurance company immediately if the police recover your vehicle.
Insurance firms value vehicles with anti-theft devices, often offering premium discounts. Devices like alarms, immobilizers and tracking systems deter thieves, providing peace of mind to you and your insurer.
MoneyGeek has compiled a list of resources that can provide valuable information and support for car theft protection.
National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB): A nonprofit aimed at combating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training and public awareness.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Provides information on precautionary measures vehicle owners can take to help reduce the chances of vehicle theft.
International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (ATPA): Multi-jurisdictional groups aimed at deterring auto theft through prosecution, prevention and education.
Motor Vehicle Theft Protection Act Program: A national voluntary program created in cooperation with the States, local governments and the U.S. Department of Justice, focusing on motor vehicle theft prevention.
LoJack: A stolen vehicle recovery system that uses a hidden transmitter to help law enforcement locate and recover stolen vehicles.
About Nathan Paulus
Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.
Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.
