How to Keep Your Car From Getting Stolen
The vehicles taken most often, expert tips to keep yours secure, and the Hyundai/Kia settlement
Vehicle thefts have decreased by 23 percent in the first six months of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). However, they are still a significant concern, with 334,114 vehicle thefts reported during those six months. Hyundai and Kia thefts have been in the headlines over the past few years, spurred on by social media trends that chronicle how to steal certain models without modern theft deterrent systems. That era is coming to a close because automakers have issued new theft prevention measures available to owners, as outlined below.
Chevrolet Camaro muscle cars are hot among car thieves, according to a report from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). Adjusting for sales and other factors, the powerful Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is stolen more than 39 times as often as the average for all vehicles. Even the regular Camaro has a theft rate of 13 times the average. (Owners take note: HLDI says General Motors offers a software update to reduce theft with Camaros from the 2020 to 2024 model years.)
“Muscle cars have often topped this list, as thieves are attracted to vehicles with high horsepower,” says Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “That also helps explain why the more expensive, more powerful ZL1 is stolen so much more often than the standard Camaro.”
Other vehicles popular with thieves are the Acura TLX, GMC Sierra 2500 HD, Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD, and Dodge Durango. At the other end of the spectrum, the electric Tesla Model 3 AWD has the lowest frequency for whole vehicle theft claims, at just 1 percent of the average for all passenger vehicles, followed by the Tesla Model Y and Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Car insurance companies take theft rates into account—along with driving record, credit history, and location—when setting premiums.
(See CR’s review of the best car insurance companies.)
Hyundai/Kia Theft Rates and Free Upgrades
Since 2021, theft claim frequency for Hyundai and Kia vehicles increased at a rate greater than for vehicles from other manufacturers, according to HLDI, prompted by online videos that show how to steal models without engine immobilizers, which would prevent them from starting without a key.
HLDI says that many older Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. This feature is standard equipment on nearly all vehicles of that vintage made by other manufacturers.
A Kia spokesperson said: “All of our vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. While no car can be made theft-proof, criminals are seeking vehicles solely equipped with a steel key and ‘turn-to-start’ ignition system.”
Kia models from the 2022 model year forward and Hyundai vehicles built after Nov. 1, 2022, have engine immobilizers. Representatives told CR that the automakers are providing steering wheel locks at no cost to police departments that have been hard-hit by these crimes. Further, Hyundai offers a security kit through its dealerships that can be added to at-risk models.
Hyundai and Kia offer a free anti-theft software upgrade available for more than 2 million cars and SUVs. The software enables the keyless remote to activate an ignition “kill” function when the car is locked remotely. Some 2011 to 2022 model-year vehicles without engine immobilizers can’t accommodate the software upgrade. For those customers, Hyundai offers a program to reimburse them for their purchase of steering wheel locks. (Owners can check the eligibility for their car at hyundaiantitheft.com.)
Theft deterrent software may have helped slow the increase in thefts, the Highway Loss Data Institute says. But the theft claim frequency of Hyundai and Kia vehicles during July to December 2023 was still more than 8 times as high as that of other vehicles, according to its data, which shows that Hyundai and Kia vehicles had 11.7 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years.
“The companies’ solution is extremely effective,” says Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI. “If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle without an electronic immobilizer, you should call your local dealer about getting the software upgrade today.”
Since that software update was made available, Hyundai and Kia reached a multistate settlement. If your eligible Hyundai or Kia vehicle experienced a qualifying theft or qualifying theft attempt, you may receive financial compensation up to $4,500 for a total loss or up to $2,250 for partial loss. For a qualifying theft attempt, you may be eligible for up to $375 for reasonable expenses related to the attempt. Claims need to be filed by March 31, 2027.
Plus, owners can have a zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector (zinc sleeve) installed at no cost at any authorized Hyundai or Kia dealership. This hardware upgrade provides extra protection against theft methods popularized on social media, and the remedy is in addition to the software upgrade.
No matter what brand of car you own, the tips below show how to keep it from becoming a target and how to save on car insurance in the process.
Remember: The key is to make stealing your car seem like more trouble than it’s worth.
Cars With the Highest Theft Frequency
These are the vehicles that had the greatest whole vehicle theft rate, according to HLDI, for the 2022 to 2024 model years.
| Make and Model | Relative Claim Frequency* |
| Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 3,949 |
| Acura TLX AWD | 2,138 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | 1,287 |
| GMC Sierra 2500 HD 4WD | 1,023 |
| Acura TLX | 805 |
| GMC Sierra 3500 HD 4WD | 742 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 4WD | 662 |
| Dodge Durango 4WD | 592 |
| Land Rover Range Rover | 540 |
| Ram 1500 4WD | 524 |
Cars With the Lowest Theft Frequency
| Make and Model | Relative Claim Frequency* |
| Tesla Model 3 AWD | 1 |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | 2 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 2 |
| Toyota RAV4 Prime | 5 |
| Tesla Model S AWD | 5 |
| Volvo XC90 AWD | 6 |
| Volvo XC40 | 7 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 8 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 9 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 9 |
5 Most Stolen Cars
These are the models that were stolen the most in the first half of 2025, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
| Make and Model | 2025 Thefts |
| Hyundai Elantra | 11,329 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 9,154 |
| Honda Accord | 8,531 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 8,006 |
| Honda Civic | 6,396 |
Tips to Protect Your Car
Practice Smart Parking
Simple habits can make a big difference. Never leave your unattended vehicle unlocked or running, and try to park in busy, well-lit areas. “The overwhelming majority of vehicle thefts and burglaries are a result of unlocked vehicle doors,” says a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Double-check that you have the key or fob with you, and stow valuables out of sight to discourage smash-and-grab thefts.
Add a Lock and an Alarm System
The police say that visible steering wheel locks, such as The Club and Disklok, work well as deterrents. And adding an aftermarket alarm system, which often includes a visible blinking red light, can be a good idea for older vehicles without a built-in system.
An aftermarket alarm usually costs $350 to $800, plus $200 to $600 for professional installation, depending on the features and the system. An alarm can also be added to a new car.
Install Lights at Home
Lighting can be an effective theft deterrent, especially if you park in your driveway, says a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He recommends motion detection lights, which can startle a would-be thief and alert those at home.
Doorbell cameras, such as Google Nest Hello and Ring, can help the police identify suspects. Also remember to store keys in your house or apartment; never leave them in the car or garage. (See the best video doorbells of the year.)
Track Your Car
Aftermarket tracking systems won’t prevent theft, but they can help find your car after the fact. Some basic GPS devices plug into your vehicle’s computer port, but they can also be easily removed. More complex integrated systems, such as LoJack, require professional installation. Some recent car models provide tracking through subscription-based services. For example, GM’s OnStar offers a plan that costs $23 per month with stolen vehicle assistance.
Save on Insurance
Some insurance companies offer discounts for cars with anti-theft devices, usually up to 15 percent off comprehensive coverage. The discount can vary based on where you live and the insurer, says Loretta Worters, vice president at the Insurance Information Institute. She says that outfitting your vehicle with an alarm, GPS tracking, and a hidden ignition kill switch that prevents the car from starting even with a key can often qualify you for a discount. (Find out which are the best car insurance companies from CR’s exclusive ratings.)
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• Best Car Insurance for Households Earning Less Than $50,000
• Car Insurance Companies With the Best Claims Settlements
• How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates
• Best Car Insurance Companies for Seniors
• Everything You Need to Know About Teen Car Insurance
• Proven Ways to Save on Car Insurance Even If You’re a Safe Driver
