What to do if your vehicle suddenly breaks down
Here are some tips from car insurance companies on what to do if your vehicle suddenly breaks down. 5/22/25
Welcome to the season of stolen cars.
Vehicle thefts rise during the summer months, which is why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration runs its annual Vehicle Theft Prevention Campaign in July. Overall, more than 850,000 cars were stolen in the United States in 2024. That comes out to one stolen car every 37 seconds, according to the agency.
The most stolen car in the U.S. in 2024 was the Hyundai Elantra. More than 31,000 were stolen last year, reported FinanceBuzz, which cited data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The Elantra was also the most commonly stolen car in 21 states.
Car thefts can be costly, but there are things you can do to thwart potential thieves and make life a little easier should you be left without a ride. Here’s what to know.
What is the most stolen car in Washington state?
The most stolen car in Washington state is the Hyundai Elantra, FinanceBuzz reported. In 2024, 1,379 Elantras were stolen in the state, and 31,712 were stolen nationwide.
Some Hyundai cars don’t have things such as push-to-start ignitions and other anti-theft features that make it harder for thieves to get away with a new set of wheels, MarketWatch reported.
“This knowledge inspired a social media trend involving car thefts over the summer of 2022,” according to the MarketWatch report. “Hyundai released a software upgrade to mitigate these thefts in February 2023, which may have contributed to the significant decrease in stolen Elantras (34%) and Sonatas (38%) in 2024.”
Overall, vehicle thefts decreased by 32% in Washington from 2023 to 2024, according to MarketWatch.
What are the most stolen cars in the US?
According to data compiled by FinanceBuzz, these were the top 10 stolen cars in the U.S. in 2024:
- Hyundai Elantra: 31,712
- Hyundai Sonata: 26,720
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 21,666
- Honda Accord: 18,539
- Kia Optima: 17,493
- Honda Civic: 15,727
- Kia Soul: 13,562
- Ford F150 Series: 12,952
- Toyota Camry: 12,296
- Dodge Charger: 11,452
How to prevent vehicle theft
The National Highway Traffic Administration recommends using “common sense” as a weapon against car thieves.
- Don’t leave car keys in the car
- Make sure to lock and close all doors and windows
- Park in areas that provide a lot of lighting
- Don’t leave valuable items in cars that might tempt thieves to break in
If your vehicle is stolen, the National Insurance Crime Bureau advises to file a police report and notify your insurance provider immediately. Keep this information handy in your phone’s notes app or another place:
- Make and model of your car
- Vehicle color
- License plate number
- Vehicle identification number, or VIN
According to the Seattle Police Department, the “vast majority” of vehicle thefts happen at night and are committed by thieves who need a quick ride.
“Thus, most vehicles are recovered within a few weeks to a month and with relatively little damage,” according to the Police Department. “Very few vehicles are stolen for parts.”
In addition to the theft prevention tips above, the Police Department recommends turning your car’s wheels toward the curb to make it harder for criminals to “tow” your vehicle.
Does insurance cover vehicle theft?
Comprehensive insurance coverage helps replace or repair a vehicle if it’s stolen or damaged in an accident that isn’t a collision with another car, according to AAA.
“For instance, if a rock cracks your windshield, comprehensive insurance may cover the repair cost,” AAA’s website states. “Comprehensive coverage can also help pay for damages caused by a fallen tree branch or similar incidents.”
Drivers are not legally required to have comprehensive insurance in Washington state or elsewhere in the country, but lenders usually require people with auto loans to carry it, according to Progressive.
Based in New York, Stephen Freeman is a Senior Editor at Trending Insurance News. Previously he has worked for Forbes and The Huffington Post. Steven is a graduate of Risk Management at the University of New York.