What’s the most stolen car in Missouri? See which models top nationwide list

• Over 850,000 cars were stolen in the U.S. in 2024, a decrease from 2023.
• The Hyundai Elantra was the most stolen car model nationwide and in 21 states, including Missouri.
• The District of Columbia had the highest car theft rate per capita.
• The NICB recommends preventative measures like parking in well-lit areas and hiding valuables.

More than 850,000 cars were stolen across the country in 2024, down from a peak of more than one million in 2023, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. This equates to a car stolen every 37 seconds in the U.S.

But which cars are most frequently stolen? And how can you protect yourself from vehicle theft?

Here’s what you should know.

What’s the most stolen car in Missouri?

The financial website FinanceBuzz compiled a list of the most commonly stolen vehicles and models in each state using 2024 data provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

According to the June report, the most commonly stolen car in Missouri is the Hyundai Elantra. With more than 1,000 of them stolen in Missouri alone, the Elantra was the most stolen model in the U.S. last year and the No. 1 car stolen in 21 states.

Most commonly stolen vehicles across US

The NICB found that the most commonly stolen vehicles across the country in 2024 were the following:

• Hyundai Elantra
• Hyundai Sonata
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Honda Accord
• Kia Optima

Which states have the most auto theft?

The following states experienced the most car theft per 100,000 people in 2024, according to the NICB:

• District of Columbia: 842.4
• California: 463.2
• New Mexico: 458.2
• Colorado: 430.0
• Nevada: 394.4

How to prevent car theft

The NICB recommends the following tips for preventing car thefts:

• 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.

What to do if your car is stolen

You should immediately follow the steps recommended by the NICB below if your car is stolen:

• Report the theft to the police: 34% of recovered stolen vehicles are found on the same day as the theft, while 45% are recovered within two days, according to the NICB. Reporting the theft to law enforcement provides a record to show to your insurer as well.
• Report the theft to your insurance: Insurers often need a police report before honoring a claim. This process could be over the phone, online or directly to your insurance agent.
• Be prepared to provide important vehicle information: Be prepared to provide the make/model of the vehicle, color, license plate number and VIN number.