The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Tops List of Most Stolen Cars in America
Car theft is a major concern for car owners, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) division has recently released its list of the most stolen vehicles from model years 2020-2022. Surprisingly, the top models on the list are all from Dodge.
The Dodge Charger Hellcat models have seen a significant increase in theft claims, with 25 whole-vehicle theft claims per 1,000 insured vehicles. This is up from 18 theft claims for the 2019-2021 models. The previously most-stolen vehicle, the Infiniti Q60, had only two thefts per 1,000 vehicles when it topped the 2017-2019 list.
The top 10 most stolen vehicles from 2020-2022 include the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat with 6,128 claims, followed by the Dodge Charger Hemi with 2,197 claims. The Infiniti Q50, Dodge Challenger, Land Rover Range Rover, Kia Sportage, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Kia Sportage AWD, Honda CR-V AWD, and BMW X6 complete the list.
On the other end of the spectrum, the list of least-stolen cars includes models with as few as three theft claims. The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y had only three theft claims during the period, making them the least stolen cars. The Volvo XC90, GMC Acadia AWD, and Tesla Model X also had low theft rates, with six, seven, and eight claims respectively.
It is interesting to note that Hyundai and Kia cars, which have been making headlines for their vulnerability to theft due to the lack of electronic immobilizers in some older models, are not among the most stolen vehicles in America. This highlights the importance of staying updated on the latest theft prevention technologies and ensuring the security of your vehicle.
Car owners can take several measures to protect their vehicles from theft. Installing an electronic immobilizer, which prevents the engine from starting without the correct key or fob, is an effective deterrent. Additionally, using steering wheel locks, parking in well-lit areas, and keeping valuables out of sight can discourage potential thieves.
Law enforcement agencies also play a crucial role in combating car theft. They can use advanced technology such as license plate recognition systems and GPS tracking to recover stolen vehicles and apprehend thieves. Cooperation between car manufacturers, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies is essential in developing effective strategies to prevent car theft.
It is worth noting that car theft rates can vary depending on factors such as location and the popularity of certain models among thieves. However, by taking preventive measures and staying informed about the latest security features, car owners can reduce the risk of their vehicles being stolen.
In conclusion, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat has emerged as the most stolen car in America, according to the IIHS’s HLDI division. This highlights the importance of implementing effective theft prevention measures and staying updated on the latest security technologies. Car owners should take steps to protect their vehicles and work closely with law enforcement agencies and insurance companies to combat car theft. By doing so, we can make our roads safer and reduce the financial burden associated with car theft.
