Preventing the preventable: Auto theft | PEMCO

Good news to kick off Auto-Theft Prevention Month: The U.S. is finally putting the brakes on its stolen-car epidemic. In 2024, auto theft nationwide dropped 17%, returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). That marked the biggest single-year drop in 40 years. And two Northwest states – Washington and Oregon – led the turnaround. 

Washington – ranked in 2022 as the nation’s third worst for auto theft per capita – dropped to No. 7 last year, thanks to its 32% reduction in stolen cars. Oregon, which ranked fourth in 2022, fell completely out of the top 10 last year after it posted a 30% decline in thefts, according to the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA).   

The big takeaway? Drivers, together with law enforcement, legislators, crime-fighting nonprofits, insurers, automakers, and all who share a love of prevention, have made a dramatic difference in knocking down auto-theft rates.  

Still, more than 850,000 Americans walked out to their cars last year and found nothing but an empty space. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to ensure your car truly stays yours, starting with locking it up, putting it away, and making it loud. (More on that below.) 

Why auto-theft rates are falling 

In 2022, auto thefts in the United States crossed the one-million mark for the first time in 14 years. Pandemic supply-chain snarls fueled a roaring black market for auto parts in the United States and abroad, meaning regions with access to major ports (including the Seattle and Portland metro areas) got hit especially hard as thieves looked to cash in.  

Also during the pandemic, certain cars – Kias and Hyundais – saw surging theft rates as word spread that they lacked anti-theft features common in other models. Social media trends like the “Kia Challenge” fueled the problem and contributed to vehicle theft for use in other crimes like smash-and-grab robberies.,  

NICB credits collaboration among vehicle manufacturers (Hyundai, for example, reports 68% of vulnerable vehicles have received anti-theft fixes), law-enforcement agencies, multijurisdictional auto theft task forces (helpful in disrupting organized theft rings), governing bodies, and others in turning the tide. In its 2024 annual report, WATPA also cites the work of vehicle crime investigators, aggressive prosecution, juvenile incarceration for violent crimes, changes in pursuit laws, technology upgrades (including license plate readers and drone technology), as well as public education outreach in helping the state reduce its theft rate. 

Which cars do thieves steal most often? 

Contrary to what people think of as “thief magnets,” luxury vehicles don’t top the list of stolen cars. Thieves tend to target cars that people drive the most. They often lack the sophisticated anti-theft devices that come standard on higher-end cars. 

Despite thefts of Kias and Hyundais falling by 37.5% in 2024, they still claim four spots on 2024’s national top-10 most-stolen list according to NICB. 

Most-stolen cars in Washington in 2024  

Washington auto thefts track the national top-10 list pretty closely, with a few exceptions: 

1. Hyundai Elantra (1,379 cars) 

2. Honda Civic (1,154) 

3. Honda Accord (929) 

4. Hyundai Sonata (688) 

5. Kia Optima (614) 

6. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (572) 

7. Kia Soul (560) 

8. Ford F250 Series (557) 

9. Honda CR-V (523) 

10. Ford Econoline E450. (439). 

Most-stolen cars in Oregon in 2024  

Oregon’s most-stolen list is similar to Washington’s: 

1. Honda Civic (435 cars) 

2. Kia Soul (344) 

3. Hyundai Elantra (332) 

4. Honda Accord (316) 

5. Subaru Legacy (236) 

6. Honda CR-V (218) 

7. Hyundai Sonata (200) 

8. Subaru Forester/Toyota Camry, tie (189) 

9. Ford F250 Series (186) 

10. Kia Optima (181). 

How to protect your car from theft 

1. Lock it up 

• Lock doors, close windows completely, and take the keys. Whether your ignition is keyed or keyless, leaving your keys or fob in the car makes it easier to steal. (NICB reports that theft of cars with the keys/fobs inside has jumped by more than 50% since keyless ignition has become standard.) 

• Use a steering wheel lock. Devices like “The Club” encourage thieves to pass by your car to find an easier mark. 

2. Put it away 

• Park inside a locked garage. It’s the single biggest thing you can do to deter every type of car-related crime. If you have a garage, but it’s too packed for your car to fit inside, you can make room by removing items that don’t belong there.   

• Clean out your car. Radios and rims aren’t the only things that attract thieves! Almost anything left in a vehicle will do. Don’t leave coats piled in the back, packages on the seat, or spare change on the console. Never drop off packages in your car and go back inside to continue shopping. A car prowler could be watching. 

• Take your garage-door opener, registration, and proof of insurance out of your car. That won’t stop thieves from stealing your car. But it will keep them from learning your home address (printed on the registration and proof of insurance) and then using your garage door opener to break into your house. The law requires only that you have them with you when you drive. We recommend you treat them like your driver’s license: Carry them with you, but don’t leave them in your car. 

3. Make it LOUD 

• Use audible devices. Horn alarms deter theft by bringing attention to your car if someone is trying to steal or break into it. Using a car alarm also earns you a discount on your PEMCO auto insurance. Anti-theft decals and flashing lights can help, too.  

4. Keep it visible 

• Choose well-lighted, busy parking areas. When you’re away from home, pick a spot likely covered by security cameras to discourage car prowlers.  

• Don’t turn your back on a running car. Don't leave your car running while you dash into a convenience store, or leave it in your driveway to warm up on a cold morning.

5. Make it traceable 

• Activate manufacturer-based subscription services. Systems like General Motors’ OnStar or Toyota’s Safety Connect can help law enforcement locate your car. They may also allow you to remotely lock or disable your car if thieves do manage to steal it. Check with your car manufacturer to see what options are available. 

• Add a GPS tracker (like an Apple AirTag) to your car that connects to your smartphone. It can help you locate your car if it’s stolen so you can tell the police where to find it. According to the Insurance Information Institute, police recover 34% of cars the same day when owners report the theft within the first 24 hours (eventually, 86% are found). If you see the theft happening, call 9-1-1. If not, use a non-emergency number or report the theft online. Keep a copy of your crime report, particularly the number, so you have it for your insurance claim. Remember: Even if you know where the car is, never attempt to recover it yourself.  

How can PEMCO help me if my car is stolen? 

If you selected comprehensive coverage on your PEMCO auto policy, it could cover a stolen car or the damage a thief causes while breaking into your car, like a smashed window or jimmied door. It also could cover stolen equipment that’s permanently installed on the car, like your stereo. If you’ve installed aftermarket customized or special equipment (like a dashcam), it’s always a good idea to talk with a PEMCO representative or your local agent to find out if an added endorsement might be right for you. 

Your homeowner or renter policy would cover belongings stolen out of your car under your personal property protection. That protects things like laptops, cell phones, shopping bags, sunglasses, sports equipment, and apparel (all common targets). 

Claims are subject to policy deductibles (that’s the amount you agree to cover out of pocket on a claim before insurance coverage kicks in). If a single claim involves coverage from two PEMCO policies – in the case of a car break-in, your auto policy for damage to your car, and your home or renter policy for stolen personal property – PEMCO would waive the lower of the two deductibles. 

If you find the cost of repairing damage or replacing the stolen items isn’t much more than your deductible, you may decide it’s not worth it to file a claim. Claims (even if they’re not your fault) combined with future tickets or accidents could impact your premium. It also would disqualify you for certain discounts, like PEMCO’s Home and Renter Claim-Free Discount. If in doubt, ask your PEMCO representative when you contact us. 

As always, you're entitled to a free policy review at any time. One of our licensed agents can help review your coverages and talk to you about your unique insurance needs. You can reach us at 1-800-467-3626. 

We’re all in on prevention because we’re all in on you  

We’re cautiously optimistic about the turnaround in auto-theft rates in the past year, and we continue to lend financial support and industry expertise to the organizations pushing it forward, like NICB and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. As a PEMCO member, you play an important role, too. Your love of prevention goes a long way in protecting the car you love and helping us keep premiums as stable as possible. Check out our curated collection of auto safety tips, and enjoy carefree miles on your next great PNW adventure.