Is it true that every 33 seconds a car is stolen?

Asked by: Desmond Sauer  |  Last update: August 7, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (71 votes)

Approximately one motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds, which adds up to more than one million vehicles stolen last year," said David J. Glawe, President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

How many cars are stolen every second?

Visit the Vehicle Theft Rates Search. A motor vehicle was stolen every 31 seconds in the United States in 2023. Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle: Take your vehicle's key; do not leave it in or on your vehicle.

What is the most common time for car theft?

Car thieves tend to steer clear of highly-visible areas, especially if there are security cameras or nosy neighbors around. This is especially important at night between 2 and 5 a.m. Since most people are asleep, that's the most common time for cars to be stolen.

What is the average time to find a stolen car?

Generally, if a stolen car is not found within 30 days of being reported, it's unlikely to be found at all. Thieves will often change license plates illegally before selling the car on, making it impossible to trace.

What car is the hardest car to steal?

What do stats say about the least stolen vehicles? According to an insurance report by HLDI, vehicles like the Tesla and other fully electric vehicles remain among the hardest overall for thieves to steal. Volvo XC60, Subaru Ascent, and certain Chevy and GMC models are giving car thieves a run for their money also.

How Car Theft Actually Works | How Crime Works | Insider

33 related questions found

Do Hellcats get stolen a lot?

There aren't a lot of Hellcats out there, and a much higher proportion of them are stolen than any other car. In fact, of the five most-stolen models, three were big rear-wheel-drive Dodges, including the Charger Hemi V-8 and Challenger SRT.

How fast do cops find stolen cars?

In fact, according to NICB data, 35% of recovered stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day as the theft, and 45% are recovered within two days.

Does AAA pay for a stolen car?

Liability insurance will cover you if you're legally liable for causing bodily injury or property damage to someone else, but it won't cover your own property or injuries. However, if you have comprehensive coverage, the AAA policy would be able to help compensate you for covered vehicle theft or damage.

What happens if your car is stolen and never found?

Your car insurance will cover a stolen car if you carry comprehensive insurance; you will have to pay the deductible. If your car is not recovered within 30 days, the insurance company will declare it a total loss and pay you its actual cash value.

Do car thieves usually get caught?

Nationally, solve rates for vehicle theft have remained low. FBI estimates going back as far as 2000 show less than 1 in 5 such cases were "cleared" — meaning police either made an arrest or had enough information to solve the case.

How to theft proof your car?

Lock both the vehicle and the garage. Never hide spare keys under the seat, in the glove compartment, or in the sun visor. If you are selling your vehicle, never let the prospective buyer test drive the vehicle without you in it. Carry a record of your license plate and vehicle identification number in your wallet.

What state has the highest car theft rate?

Leading U.S. states with the most number of motor vehicle thefts 2023. In 2023, California was the state with the most motor vehicle thefts, with 208,668 motor vehicle thefts. Texas had the second most motor vehicle thefts, at 115,013.

What time of day are most cars stolen?

In my neighborhood the most common time is 2 to 3 AM. They get spotted on security cameras, but don't care. A gang of three or four will go down the street checking cars for unlocked doors or visible valuables. They may have a driver following in a getaway car, probably stolen.

Does insurance cover a stolen car?

Car Theft Insurance: When Am I Entitled to Coverage? Downey drivers whose cars are stolen in Califonia will have car theft insurance if they have comprehensive coverage. That should cover you up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. If your car is damaged due to a break-in, you'll also be covered.

What city is number one in auto theft?

#1: Bakersfield, CA

Even in 2021, Bakersfield still places first in national car theft.

What is the AAA auto theft reward?

VEHICLE THEFT OR VANDALISM

Your AAA Club offers a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone who steals or vandalizes your vehicle. It could happen at any time. You're walking confidently toward your car and as you get closer—you stop cold.

Do you still have to pay for a car that is stolen?

Easy answer. You still owe the money. Your theft insurance should cover most of the replacement cost. All loans require collision and theft insurance for the vehicle that you DO NOT own but are paying for.

Can AAA do verification of vehicle?

There are 4 entities that can do a California VIN Verification: The California DMV. Click here to locate your nearest location. AAA (AAA has northern and southern.

Do stolen cars usually get found?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, cars reported stolen in the first 24 hours have a 34 percent same-day recovery rate. More than 85 percent of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered. Once you've provided information to the police, they can create a report.

Can I report my car stolen if my son took it?

Of course you can. Taking something that's not yours, without permission is theft. Since he took stolen property across state lines it might also be a Federal crime.

What happens to the person who stole my car?

Types of Liability (Criminal vs.

Civil liability involves being responsible for compensating someone for damages. In the case of a stolen car, the thief would face criminal charges for theft, while civil liability depends on insurance coverage and potential negligence.

Is Dodge killing the Hellcat?

Stellantis is reportedly ceasing production of the Hellcat engine In December 2023 at the same time as the automaker is ending its run of the present-generation Dodge Challenger and Challenger.

What does "jailbreak" mean on the Dodge Charger?

DON'T LET UP. Jailbreak gives you access to build out any aspect of the Dodge Charger your own way, even the finer details, like floor mats, exhaust tips and more.