Car thefts on the rise: Kia and Hyundai witness a surge in vehicles stolen from owners

In the ever-evolving world of vehicle theft, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has released its annual report on the most stolen vehicles in 2023. The NICB, a not-for-profit organisation headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., is dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime.

According to the report, the Hyundai Elantra took the top spot with an alarming 48,445 thefts. The Hyundai Sonata followed closely behind with 42,813 thefts, while the Kia Optima claimed the third spot with 30,204 thefts. The Honda Accord, with 20,895 thefts, rounded off the top six most stolen vehicles, followed by the Kia Forte (16,367 thefts) and the Hyundai Tucson (15,211 thefts). The list of the 10 most stolen vehicles was dominated by Kia and Hyundai models, with six spots occupied by these brands.

The Honda Civic (19,858 thefts) and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (23,721 thefts) completed the top 10 list.

While these figures paint a concerning picture, it's worth noting that more than 85 percent of passenger vehicles reported stolen were subsequently recovered by law enforcement or other means. In fact, 34 percent of vehicles reported stolen were recovered within a day of being reported stolen, and 45 percent were recovered within two days.

In the event of a stolen vehicle, it's crucial to take immediate action. You will need to provide the make/model of the vehicle, colour, license plate number, and the vehicle's VIN number to report a stolen vehicle to your insurer. The process for filing a report could be over the phone, online, or directly to your insurance agent. Oftentimes, insurers need a police report before honoring a claim.

The NICB recommends taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of vehicle theft. These include parking in well-lit areas, closing and locking all windows and doors, hiding valuables out of sight, not leaving keys in the vehicle, not leaving the vehicle running, and immediately reporting a stolen vehicle to law enforcement and the insurer.

For more information on reporting stolen vehicles, visit NICB.org. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, call the NICB at 1-800-TEL-NICB. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations.

The fight against insurance crime is a continuous one, and organisations like the NICB play a vital role in keeping our communities safer. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, we can all help reduce the number of stolen vehicles and the impact they have on our lives.

Car thefts on the rise: Kia and Hyundai witness a surge in vehicles stolen from owners