Vehicle Theft Rates Low Among New Cars, Recovery Rates High

It's unsettling to know that thieves prefer snatching up common vehicles like the Honda Accord, Ford F-Series, and Nissan Altima. But drivers with newer models can rest a little easier knowing that theft rates among that group are surprisingly low.

According to a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, thefts of 2013 model-year cars during the first half of the year totaled 34,610. While that may seem like a big number, it represents less than 5 percent of the nearly 724,000 total vehicle thefts last year.

Newer vehicles, if stolen, are also much more likely to be recovered than older models. A whopping 88 percent of stolen 2013 vehicles eventually made their way back to owners, compared to just 50 percent of all stolen cars. Trucks are some of the least likely new vehicles to be recovered, however. Only 76 percent of 2013 Chevrolet Silverados and 77 percent of 2013 Dodge Rams are ever returned, the report says.

But in which state is your vehicle most likely to get stolen? For 2013 model-year cars, California topped the list with 6818 thefts. Luckily though, there is a 92-percent chance that a stolen vehicle in this state will return to its owner. Among other states with the most stolen cars, Florida came in a distant second with 3617 vehicles, followed by Texas with 3037 and Michigan at 2711.

Source: NICB