Most Stolen Cars in California (2024)

With vehicle theft rising, knowing California vehicle theft rates is always a good idea. The most stolen cars in California include Chevrolet pickups and Ford F-150s, but other models are stolen. To safeguard your car from theft, park it in a safe place every night and buy comprehensive insurance.

UPDATED: Aug 29, 2023Fact Checked

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Daniel S. Young

Insurance Content Team Lead

Daniel S. Young is a journalist based in Birmingham, Alabama. He began his professional career in 2018 as a writer, editor, and later chief editor for his student newspaper, The Chanticleer, at Jacksonville State University. He also has written bylines for The Anniston Star, a local newspaper in Anniston, Alabama. He holds a BA  in Communication with a focus in Digital Journalism and is pursuing ...

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Dani Best

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Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...

Licensed Insurance Producer

UPDATED: Aug 29, 2023

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UPDATED: Aug 29, 2023Fact Checked

The Rundown

  • The most stolen cars in California include Chevrolet pickups, Ford F-150s, and Honda Civics
  • Although California vehicle theft rates are rising, some cities are more prone to theft than others
  • To keep your car safe in California, you should always park in a safe spot, never leave your keys in your vehicle, and purchase comprehensive coverage

Car theft is up 25% since 2019, and California represents a significant percentage of the total vehicles stolen per year. In fact, there are so many cars stolen in California that it ranks as the number one state for most cars stolen.

There are many steps you can take to protect your car from falling into the hands of thieves, including parking your vehicle in a safe spot every night and installing anti-theft devices. A good place to start is to look at the most stolen cars in California to see if yours is a model frequently targeted by thieves. You should also make sure you have the right coverage on your vehicle since car theft is only sometimes covered by insurance.

Read on to learn which are the most stolen cars in California and how to keep your vehicle safe. Then, compare insurance quotes from as many companies as possible to find a policy that best protects your car.

Most Stolen Vehicles in California (2013)
Source: NICB
1. 1996 Honda Accord
2. 1998 Honda Civic
3. 2004 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
4. 1991 Toyota Camry
5. 1994 Acura Integra
6. 2006 Ford Pickup (Full Size)
7. 1995 Toyota Corolla
8. 1994 Nissan Sentra
9. 1997 Nissan Altima
10. 1988 Toyota Pickup 4×2
Most Stolen Vehicles in California (2009)
Source: NICB
1. 1991 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1994 Acura Integra
5. 1994 Nissan Sentra
6. 2007 Toyota Corolla
7. 1995 Saturn SL
8. 1997 Nissan Altima
9. 1997 Ford F150 Pickup
10. 1986 Toyota Pickup 4×2
Most Stolen Vehicles in California (2008)
Source: NICB
1. 1991 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1994 Acura Integra
5. 1994 Nissan Sentra
6. 2007 Toyota Corolla
7. 1988 Toyota Pickup 4×2
8. 1997 Ford F150 Pickup
9. 1995 Saturn Si
10. 1997 Nissan Altima
Most Stolen Vehicles in California (2007)
Source: NICB
1. 1991 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1994 Acura Integra
5. 1994 Nissan Sentra
6. 1988 Toyota Pickup
7. 2004 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Pickup
8. 1995 Saturn SL
9. 2007 Toyota Corolla
10. 1997 Ford F150 Series
Most Stolen Vehicles in California (2005)
Source: NICB
1. 1991 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1994 Nissan Sentra
5. 1990 Acura Integra
6. 1986 Toyota Pickup
7. 1993 Saturn SL
8. 1987 Toyota Corolla
9. 1990 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup
10. 1997 Ford F150 Series
Most Stolen Vehicles in California (2004)
Source: NICB
1. 1989 Toyota Camry
2. 1991 Honda Accord
3. 1995 Honda Civic
4. 1988 Toyota Pickup
5. 1991 Nissan Sentra
6. 1990 Acura Integra
7. 1993 Saturn SL
8. 1987 Toyota Corolla
9. 1992 Chevrolet Full Size C/K 1500 Pickup
10. 2000 Ford Mustang

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which cars are most commonly stolen in California?

While the list of most stolen cars can vary from year to year, some of the frequently targeted vehicles in California include Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Ford full-size pickup trucks (F-150, F-250), Chevrolet full-size pickup trucks (Silverado), and Toyota Camry.

Why are certain cars more prone to theft than others?

Several factors contribute to certain cars being more prone to theft. Generally, popular models that are commonly found on the road tend to be targeted more frequently. Additionally, cars with outdated security systems or easy-to-bypass anti-theft features are more vulnerable to theft.

Are there specific areas in California where car theft is more prevalent?

Car theft rates can vary across different regions in California. Urban areas with higher population densities often see more car theft incidents. Cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego have historically reported higher rates of car theft compared to other areas.

Does insurance cover stolen cars in California?

Comprehensive auto insurance policies typically cover theft, but it depends on the specifics of your insurance policy. Review your policy documents or consult with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for stolen vehicles.

Are there any efforts in California to combat car theft?

Yes, California has implemented various measures to combat car theft. These include specialized law enforcement task forces, public awareness campaigns, and legislation aimed at preventing auto theft. Additionally, advancements in vehicle security technology continue to be made to reduce theft rates.

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Daniel S. Young

Insurance Content Team Lead

Daniel S. Young is a journalist based in Birmingham, Alabama. He began his professional career in 2018 as a writer, editor, and later chief editor for his student newspaper, The Chanticleer, at Jacksonville State University. He also has written bylines for The Anniston Star, a local newspaper in Anniston, Alabama. He holds a BA  in Communication with a focus in Digital Journalism and is pursuing ...

Insurance Content Team Lead

Dani Best

Licensed Insurance Producer

Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...

Licensed Insurance Producer

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

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Compare quotes from the top insurance companies and save!

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