Vehicle Thefts Hit a New Record in 2023: NICB

Vehicle thefts have steadily increased since 2019, rising about 1% in 2023 to 1,020,729 and setting a new record for stolen vehicles, according to new data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

There are a few “hotspots” for car thieves, NICB found. California had the highest number of vehicle thefts while the District of Columbia had a rate of loss three times higher than the rest of the nation with 1,149 thefts per 100,000 people, followed by Colorado at 583 thefts per 100,000 people. 

“Criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, including the use of advanced technology to bypass security systems,” said David J. Glawe, NICB president and CEO. “From keyless entry hacks to relay attacks on key fobs, perpetrators are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security measures with alarming success rates. It is critical that industry and law enforcement work together to develop more effective strategies for combating auto theft and safeguarding public safety.”

In addition to having the highest rate of theft, thefts increased by 64% in D.C. last year, followed by 63% in Maryland. Other states showed much lower year-over-year jumps, dropping to 33% in Connecticut for the third largest YOY change and 18% for Nevada.

California was joined in the top 10 states by volume by Texas, Florida, Washington, and Illinois. NICB urged continued cooperation to reduce vehicle thefts.

“Addressing the rising tide of vehicle thefts demands collaborative partnerships involving law enforcement agencies, government bodies, automotive manufacturers, and the community at large,” Glawe said. “The repercussions of vehicle theft extend beyond financial losses, causing significant distress and inconvenience for affected individuals. Beyond the financial burden of replacing stolen vehicles and repairing damages, victims often endure emotional stress and disruption to their daily routines.”

Key Considerations

Amid rising car theft, it’s important to take measures that can protect your vehicles. This means taking precautions such as parking in well-lit areas and keeping valuables out of sight.

However, loss can still happen despite proactive risk mitigation. That’s why it can pay to have auto insurance that may help cover theft and vandalism.

Speak with Sanford & Tatum, An Alera Group Company to learn more about insurance solutions that may be right for your vehicles. 

The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.