Move over, hulking trucks – there’s a new sheriff in town, and it’s surprisingly sleek and fuel-efficient. That’s right, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), forget about wrangling a stolen F-150, Kia and Hyundai models are now the hottest rides for thieves.
Yep, you read that right. Kia and Hyundai snatched the top six spots on the NICB’s “dubious honors” list of most stolen vehicles in 2023. Looks like those social media “tutorials” on how to jimmy these cars open may have backfired – for Kia and Hyundai owners, that is.
Here’s the National Top 10 Vehicle Makes/Models Stolen in 2023:
- Hyundai Elantra (48,445 thefts)
- Hyundai Sonata (42,813 thefts)
- Kia Optima (30,204 thefts)
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (23,721 thefts)
- Kia Soul (21,001 thefts)
- Honda Accord (20,895 thefts)
- Honda Civic (19,858 thefts)
- Kia Forte (16,209 thefts)
- Ford F-150 Series Pickup (15,852 thefts)
- Kia Sportage (15,749 thefts)
Interestingly, Kia and Hyundai models hold the top three spots, with the Elantra being the most stolen vehicle in 2023. This is a shift from previous years where full-size trucks dominated the list.
But hey, at least there’s a good chance you’ll get your car back – over 85% of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered. Still, prevention is always better than facing a missing car and a mountain of paperwork. So let’s get down to some essential anti-theft tips:
- Lighten Up, Park Smart: Park in well-lit areas, not some shadowy alleyway. Thieves hate the spotlight (almost as much as they apparently love Kias).
- Lock It Up Tight: Seems obvious, but double-check your doors and windows are actually shut. Don’t be a thief’s easy target.
- Hide Your Stuff: Keep valuables out of sight. If a thief can’t see it, they won’t steal it (hopefully).
- Keys Out, Car Off, Period: This one’s a no-brainer. Leaving your car running while you dash in for a coffee is an open invitation for trouble.
- Report ASAP: If the worst happens, report your stolen car to the police and your insurance company immediately. The faster you act, the better the chance of getting your car back.
Remember, a little caution goes a long way. Stay safe out there, and maybe think twice about leaving your shiny new Kia in a dark parking lot.
