Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois

You work hard to provide for your family. After paying the mortgage, groceries, and utilities, you begrudgingly put gas in the car while grumbling about these insane gas prices. Then, someone has the audacity to take your only means of transportation for a joy ride?! Sadly, it happens more often than you think.

What Vehicles Are Stolen the Most in the USA?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance industry’s association is dedicated to predicting, preventing, and prosecuting insurance crime. They partnered with the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help deter vehicle thefts. According to an analysis conducted by NICB, more than one million vehicles were reported stolen last year.

That marks a seven percent increase over 2021. The data has shown that the US is seeing the highest vehicle theft numbers since 2008 when 1.05 million vehicles were reported stolen. That is approximately one motor vehicle stolen every 32 seconds. Unfortunately, based on these stats, if you own a truck you're more likely to have it stolen.

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Worse yet, anyone can be a victim of this crime. With the 25% increase in vehicle thefts over the last several years, drivers should be alert and take precautions to protect their vehicles.

How can we protect our vehicles?

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk.
• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
• If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately because reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.

Remember, anti-theft systems in newer model cars and trucks are excellent, but they don’t work if you don’t use them. Far too many thefts occur because the vehicle is left unlocked, and the key or fob is inside. Take time to lock it up and keep your vehicle off the top 10 lists below.

What Vehicles Are Stolen the MOST in the Tri-State Area?

I was surprised to learn that the odds of your car being jacked may be higher if you own a certain vehicle. For example in Iowa, American brand full-size pickup trucks were the most frequently stolen vehicle type. In fact, more than 300 full-size Chevrolet pickups were stolen last year in Iowa. In Illinois, three separate types of Hyundais and Kias made the top 10 list. And, in Wisconsin, it was similar with three Hyundais and 4 Kias making the top 10.

And if you drive a motorcycle, those thefts are on the rise as well. Sturgis is officially here and now motorcycle thefts have increased 7% from 2021 to 2022. According to NICB.org,

"An average of 4,561 motorcycles were reported stolen each month in 2022. Thefts climbed steadily from a low of 2,879 in February, peaking in July at 6,394. Motorcycle thefts surpassed the monthly average during the warmer season from May through October."

The top states for motorcycle thefts were California (9,838), Florida (4,563), and Texas (4,145). Top stolen brands were as follows: