Auto theft in the U.S. dropped 17% in 2024 after spiking nationwide between 2019 and 2023, according to a recent report by 5 Star Car Title Loans.
Despite a decrease in stolen vehicles last year, the crime remains a significant issue affecting hundreds of thousands of drivers annually.
“Vehicle theft rates in your state directly determine your insurance premiums and influence the protection strategies drivers should consider,” said Bryan Solis, head of sales and strategic partnership at 5 Star Car Title Loans.
“What a lot of people don't realize is how dramatically theft risk affects insurance costs and coverage decisions,” he added. “In high-risk states, drivers often face premium increases of 20 to 40% compared to low-risk areas. But more importantly, the type of coverage you need changes.”
Meanwhile, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in 2025 is roughly $2,638 per year or around $220 each month. Overall, U.S. consumers spend an extra $289 in 2025, or $24 more every month, when compared to 2024.
At the same time, the typical U.S. household now spends 3.39% of their annual income on auto coverage, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting the national median household income at $77,719.
“A stolen vehicle can create serious financial complications when you have an outstanding loan, on top of the difficulties of losing your means of transportation,” said Solis.
“That's why we always advise clients in high-risk states to maintain full coverage and consider additional security measures like GPS tracking or steering wheel locks,” he added. “The geographic concentration of vehicle theft reveals important patterns that every driver should understand.”
The slideshow above illustrates the riskiest U.S. states for auto theft as selected by 5 Star Car Title Loans.
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