What part of the car gets stolen the most?

Asked by: Ralph Jast  |  Last update: March 20, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (73 votes)

Here are nine commonly stolen car parts or items and tips to prevent theft so you don't become a victim.
  1. Tires and Wheels. If you've bought new tires and/or wheels recently, you know they can get expensive. ...
  2. Tailgates. ...
  3. Batteries. ...
  4. Catalytic Converters. ...
  5. Airbags. ...
  6. Third Row Seats. ...
  7. Registration. ...
  8. Garage Door Openers.

What attracts car thieves?

The allure of quick resale or stripping cars for valuable parts motivates many thefts. Modern cars' reliance on technology opens avenues for cyber attacks and hacking tools. Inadequate parking security and remote, poorly lit locations can further attract thieves.

Where is car theft the highest?

According to the most recent FBI data, Colorado has the highest rate of auto theft, at 786 thefts per 100,000 inhabitants. There were approximately 45,883 reports of stolen cars in 2022 alone in Colorado. Washington comes next, followed by Washington D.C., Oregon, and New Mexico.

What is the most stolen item in a car?

Here are the top 10 items most likely to be stolen from vehicles (Not in any particular order…)
  • Third Row Seats.
  • Rims and Tires.
  • Truck Tailgate.
  • License Plate/Tags.
  • Catalytic Converters – An easy steal that yields a resell profit due to precious metals.

What time of day are most cars stolen?

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.

Man can't believe 21 cars were stolen from Memphis auction site

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Where do most stolen cars end up?

According to the FBI, a car is stolen in the U.S. about once every 40 seconds. Many of them end up at ports like the Port of Baltimore, where they are put on cargo ships headed to West Africa.

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

“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.

What car part is often stolen?

Wheels are easy to steal as with the correct tools, a thief can removed your vehicle's tyres and wheels within a matter of minutes. The added factor of these parts being hard to track and easy to sell makes your vehicle's tyres and wheels a great target for thieves.

What car is hardest to steal?

The Hardest Cars To Steal
  • 9 2023 BMW X3. ...
  • 8 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. ...
  • 7 2023 Nissan LEAF. ...
  • 6 2023 Hyundai Tucson. ...
  • 5 2024 Lexus TX. ...
  • 4 2023 Audi A6. Key Feature: Safelock And Tow-Away Protection. ...
  • 3 2024 Jaguar XF. Key Feature: Theft Alerts And Smart Key. ...
  • 2 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE. Key Feature: Anti-Theft Protection Package.

What part of cars do people steal?

Thieves will steal anything valuable, but the most common items stolen from cars tend to be electronics, personal information, and accessories.

How quickly are stolen cars recovered?

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.

What cars get stolen the least?

The big picture: EVs are much less likely to be snatched than gas-powered cars, according to experts at the NICB and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's IHS). Four of the six least-stolen vehicles are EVs, according to an IIHS analysis of insurance claims.

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.

How can I make my car less likely to be stolen?

Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Park in well-lit areas if possible. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

Where do thieves look in a car?

The thieves first check the door handles and locks because sometimes people leave their cars unlocked. They also inspect the area around the wheel wells and underneath the doors. They even look for vulnerabilities or hide tools under the car. You can check for any unusual objects or disturbances in these areas.

What color car is least stolen?

Even purple, yellow, and red cars don't really attract thieves. Thieves might think, “too much color, not worth it.” Perhaps it's because these brightly colored cars are easier to spot and harder to resell, making them less appealing targets.

Are keyless cars easier to steal?

Yes, in many circumstances keyless cars are easier to steal. That said, it also depends on the particular model, as well as the situation. Some models have keyless entry, a system that unlocks the doors when the key is close by, but also have a conventional key need to start the car.

What is the #1 place for stolen cars?

#1: Bakersfield, CA

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

What is the most expensive part of a car?

Here are the most expensive components you'll find in your motor.
  • Catalytic Converter. These components are notorious for being worth lots of money, for all the wrong reasons. ...
  • Engine. We don't think we need to explain the importance of this component in too much detail. ...
  • Clutch. ...
  • Head Gasket.

What brand of car is stolen the most in the US?

Aside from the vulnerable Kia and Hyundai cars, the vehicles with the most thefts — like the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Ford F-150 — are among the most common models on U.S. roads. Vehicle thefts increased by about 1%, from 1,008,756 in 2022 to 1,020,729 in 2023, according to the NICB.

What time of day do most car thefts occur?

Most auto burglaries occur at night while the vehicle is parked outside the victim's residence. Some burglars also target vehicles that are parked in parking lots while their owners are at work, in class, or shopping.

How fast can police find a stolen car?

If you report your car as stolen immediately to police, there's a better chance it will be recovered. 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.

What are the odds of finding my stolen car?

Interestingly, although California has a relatively high stolen car recovery rate (60%), the state also ranks fourth in the worst states for car theft nationally.