Car theft is an issue that hits close to home for many Americans. Whether you live in a busy city or a quiet rural area, we know that protecting your vehicle is important. Some cars are bigger targets than others, and certain states see far higher theft rates, but knowing the risks can help drivers take smart steps to keep their vehicles safe.
To find out where and how auto theft happens most often, Alan’s Factory Outlet reviewed official data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) covering vehicle thefts across the U.S. in 2025. We also surveyed more than 1,000 car owners in early 2026 to learn how people store their cars, what security tools they use, and how much peace of mind they feel at home. Together, the results paint a clear picture of today’s top theft hotspots, the most frequently stolen vehicles, and what drivers can do to better protect their investments.
Key Takeaways
- Washington, D.C., has a vehicle theft rate of 373 per 100,000 residents — more than double that of any state.
- Hyundai models top the list of stolen vehicles nationwide, with the Elantra (11,329 thefts) and Sonata (9,154) leading the pack.
- Nearly half of car owners (44%) park overnight in a driveway, and another 25% rely on residential parking lots or street parking.
- Many drivers use an alarm system (60%) or are thinking about adding a dash cam (46%), but 32% have avoided security upgrades due to cost.
- 1 in 8 car owners would be willing to pay extra each month for access to off-street or secure parking.
Top Vehicle Theft Hotspots and the Most Stolen Cars
Some cars attract thieves more often than others, and certain areas see far more thefts across the country. Knowing which vehicles are most at risk and where theft happens most often can help drivers stay alert and take steps to protect their cars.
Hyundai and Honda models topped the list of most stolen vehicles nationwide. The Hyundai Elantra led with 11,329 thefts from January through June 2025, followed by the Hyundai Sonata (9,154) and Honda Accord (8,531). Hyundai vehicles and Kia models were frequent targets because some model years lacked key anti-theft features.
Rounding out the top 10 most stolen vehicles were several familiar makes and models:
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (8,006)
- Honda Civic (6,396)
- Kia Optima (6,011)
- Ford F-150 (4,996)
- Toyota Camry (4,986)
- Honda CR-V (4,889)
- Kia Soul (4,380)
This mix shows that sedans, pickup trucks, and SUVs continue to be prime targets for thieves. Washington, D.C., recorded the highest auto theft rate at 373 per 100,000 residents, more than twice that of any state. Other top theft hotspots included:
- California (178.0)
- Nevada (167.7)
- New Mexico (167.6)
- Colorado (149.0)
- Missouri (142.2)
- Maryland (136.5)
- Texas (123.8)
- Alaska (117.4)
- Washington (115.2)
The NICB reported a 23% drop in motor vehicle thefts compared to the same period the year before. This improvement was linked to stronger coordination among law enforcement, automakers, insurers, and the NICB, along with the use of advanced data tools that help identify theft patterns and target criminal activity more effectively.
Where Vehicle Theft Happens: How Parking Habits Affect Safety
Where you park your vehicle each night can make a big difference in how safe it is. Many drivers simply go for convenience, but some parking spots leave cars more exposed to theft or damage than others. Understanding these patterns helps explain why certain vehicles face higher risks and what you can do to reduce them.
Nearly half of drivers (44%) said they park in a driveway, while 27% park in a private garage and 25% depend on residential parking lots or street parking. Overall, 57% said they feel very safe where they park at night, but that number jumped to 73% among drivers who use private garages.
More than half of car owners (51%) said they worry at least occasionally about vehicle theft or damage happening overnight. Those who rely on shared parking lots (68%) or street spaces (67%) were the most uneasy. About 1 in 5 car owners (22%) said concerns about theft or damage led them to change their routine, most often by parking somewhere new (14%).
For most drivers, security starts with the basics. Six in 10 rely on a car alarm, while nearly half (46%) are considering adding a dash cam. Another 46% said they’d install a kill switch if their insurance company offered a discount for doing so. Owners of luxury brands like Tesla, BMW, and Lexus were the most likely to say they’d take that step.
How Much Car Owners Spend to Protect Against Vehicle Theft
Even when drivers know that added security can help protect their vehicles, the cost of upgrades or safer storage can make those choices tough. For many car owners, finding the right balance between peace of mind and monthly expenses is an everyday decision.
Nearly 1 in 3 car owners (32%) said they have skipped a security upgrade because it was too expensive. This was even more common among those who rely on residential parking lots (36%) or street parking (35%).
The impact of auto theft goes beyond the financial hit. Among drivers who have had a vehicle stolen, 19% had to pay for repairs or replacement, 15% said it affected their sense of safety, and 12% lost valuables that couldn’t be replaced. These experiences are a reminder of how important it is to have the right insurance coverage and to take steps that lower theft risk in the first place.
Many drivers are willing to invest in better protection, with 1 in 8 saying they’d pay extra monthly for access to off-street or secure parking. And about 1 in 5 would spend over $70 per month for safer parking.
How to Prevent Car Theft and Protect Your Vehicle From Damage
Every driver can take steps to reduce the risk of car theft, and many of the best theft prevention tips come down to simple common sense and habits.
1. Park Smart
Whenever possible, park in a well-lit area or inside a garage or metal building. Enclosed spaces help deter car thieves and protect your car from bad weather, giving you one of the most reliable forms of long-term protection.
2. Use Anti-Theft Devices
Tools like steering wheel locks, kill switches, and immobilizers can stop thieves before they get started. Audible alarms and visible warning decals also help by showing your car is protected, making it a less tempting target.
3. Don’t Make It Easy
Always lock your car doors and close your windows, even for quick stops at gas stations. Avoid leaving your car running unattended, and keep key fobs away from doors and windows to prevent electronic relay attacks.
4. Guard Your Information
Be careful about what you share online. Avoid posting license plate numbers or parking details on social media. If your car is stolen, report it to the local police department and your insurance company right away. Provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and file a police report to improve your chances of recovery.
5. Think Long-Term
If you have the space, consider investing in a garage, carport, or enclosed metal building. Secure storage not only helps prevent theft but also shields your vehicle from hail, sun, and storm damage. It adds another layer of protection and may even help lower insurance costs over time.
By staying alert and adding a few extra layers of protection, you can make your vehicle far less appealing to thieves. Even small auto theft prevention tactics can go a long way.
Staying One Step Ahead: Smart Theft Prevention Starts at Home
Protecting your vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated. The most effective theft prevention comes from everyday habits like choosing safer parking, using visible deterrents, and staying alert to common risks. A few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping your car safe from theft.
National efforts are helping reduce car thefts, but real security begins at home. Storing your vehicle in a garage, carport, or enclosed metal building provides one of the strongest defenses against theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Explore durable, customizable metal garages and more from Alan’s Factory Outlet today to keep your vehicle safe and secure year-round.
Methodology
This campaign combines national vehicle theft claims data with original survey research of 1,012 U.S. car owners to examine where vehicle theft risk is most concentrated, which vehicles are most frequently stolen, and how drivers perceive and respond to that risk.
Vehicle theft data was sourced from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and reflects reported vehicle theft insurance claims from the first half of 2025 (Q1–Q2). The survey of car owners was conducted in January 2026.
About Alan’s Factory Outlet
Alan’s Factory Outlet provides durable, customizable metal garages, carports, and metal buildings designed to protect vehicles, tools, and equipment from weather and theft. Each structure is built to last and tailored to meet your specific needs. If you’re ready to better protect your vehicle, contact Alan’s Factory Outlet today to explore options that fit your property and budget.
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