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After years of rising crime, vehicle thefts are finally trending down to pre-pandemic levels. While this is a good sign for insurers and the public alike, members should still remain vigilant to protect their consumers.
Rates of Vehicle Theft Trend Towards Pre-Pandemic Levels
Due to the economic hardships during the pandemic, rates of vehicle theft skyrocketed in 2020. Even as the workforce slowly returned in the following years, numbers continued to rise, reaching a historic peak in 2023 at over one million vehicles stolen.
But while criminals are looking to take advantage of hard times, professionals are working to put a stop to them. Across the country, law enforcement, multi-jurisdictional auto theft task forces, governing bodies, vehicle manufacturers, and NICB worked vigilantly to protect consumers and recover what was stolen. After years of extensive collaboration, their efforts have paid off: rates of vehicle theft are trending towards pre-pandemic levels.
Continued Decline of Vehicle Theft in the First Half of 2025
In 2024, rates of vehicle theft decreased by 17%, and those numbers continued to fall in the first half of 2025. When compared to the same period in 2024, the first six months of 2025 have seen 23% less theft month over month. Per 100,000 residents, rates fell from 126.62 thefts in 2024 to 97.33.
This downward direction is reflected across the United States, with Puerto Rico and Washington State leading the trend at 43% and 42% decreases (respectfully). The only state that experienced an increase was Alaska with 26% more thefts in Q1-Q2 of 2025 than the same period in 2024.
These numbers are encouraging to industry professionals and the public alike, but NICB urges all to remain attentive if we wish to continue driving this statistic further down.
While vehicle theft continues to impact communities across the country, NICB will continue fostering strong partnerships and the use of advanced data analytics to make meaningful progress in protecting consumers, holding criminals accountable and bringing peace of mind to American communities,” said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe.
Keeping Consumers Safe
One of the best ways to prevent vehicle theft is to take proactive security measures. NICB encourages members to disseminate these steps to ensure their consumers stay safe.
While in your vehicle:
- Park in a well-lit area. Increased visibility deters thieves, so consumers should always park in a well-lit parking lot or in a spot near a streetlight.
- Roll up windows. Limit points of access by rolling up all windows before you exit the vehicle.
When exiting your vehicle:
- Lock your doors. Some criminals walk through parking lots testing handles for an easy getaway. Always lock your car before you leave it.
- Never leave your vehicle running while unattended. An empty vehicle with the engine running is practically an invitation to opportunistic criminals. Always turn off your vehicle when you exit.
- Always take your keys with you. Even if you’re picking up a quick coffee or running back inside your house for something, it only takes moments for thieves to jump in and drive off with your car.
For an additional layer of security:
- Consider using anti-theft technology. These items include steering wheel locks, audible alarms, kill switches, or aftermarket GPS tracking like air tags. These items deter thieves from targeting your car, and if they do take it, ultimately make it easier to find.
To help your consumers stay safe in their day-to-day lives, share this vehicle theft brochure.
Member Benefit Highlight
Advocating for Your Needs
To make a real difference in the fraud fighting community, work needs to be done from local court houses all the way to Capitol Hill. Our partnerships with prosecutors, lawmakers, and government agencies enable us to identify the trends that need prevention and advocate for long-term changes on the local, state, and federal level.
As one of our valued members, our Government Affairs team works with you, trade groups, and other anti-fraud organizations to promote legislation that successfully combats fraud. Together, we make moves to strengthen anti-fraud protections for the industry and consumers alike.
If members of your Government Affairs or legal team would like to engage with and follow NICB's advocacy work, contact us to be added to the Legislative Alert email. The NICB Government Affairs team provides a weekly update on the key legislation they are working on when legislatures are in session and monthly updates between sessions.
Intelligence Reports
Access all recent insights and reports via ClaimSearch®. Sign in on your Google Chrome browser, select the NICB Services tile, and then Intelligence Reports.
Our Intelligence Reports are designed to bring the best value to our members in an easily accessible format. If you have thoughts on the delivery of these products, we would appreciate your feedback. Assist us in the development of future quality reports by completing this quick survey.
ForeCAST Reports
Q3 2025 Vehicle Theft Report
Using data from the first half of the year, NICB has created a forecast of vehicle theft for the remainder of 2025. Learn more about the national averages and which regions are expecting increases or decreases in this ForeCAST.
National Questionable Claims Forecast
Through an analysis of trends, NICB projects an overall increase of Questionable Claims (QCs) through the end of 2025. Property damage, other auto, and bodily injury are anticipated to have the highest increase in QCs. Learn more details in this report.
Insight Reports
Threat Assessment Reports
Life Insurance Crime Threat Assessment
Multiple fraud schemes impacting the life and disability insurance industry and their emerging tactics have been identified. The 2025 Life Insurance Crime Threat Assessment expresses which schemes are on the rise, how these schemes will continue to evolve, and recommendations for addressing these problems.
2025 Identity Crime Threat Assessment
Identity theft has been steadily on the rise for the past several years, and NICB projects that trend to continue. Through assessing data from the first half of 2025, NICB predicts a 49% increase in Questionable Claims (QCs) regarding identity theft through the end of the year.
Trend Analysis Report
Advocacy Update
The NICB Government Affairs team drives legislative action on a local, state-wide, and nation-wide level that advances our members' interest in the fight against insurance crime and fraud. Currently, the team is tracking and engaging on fraud-fighting legislative and regulatory efforts.
In an August letter to the New York Department of Financial Services, state Assemblyman and Chair of the Committee on Insurance, David Weprin, highlighted the unique value and efficiency NICB’s Fraud Bureau Reporting Program (FBRP) brings to insurers, consumers, and law enforcement. He encouraged the DFS to “fast-track” authorizing NICB members to report fraud via the FBRP.
New York is the only mandatory fraud reporting state to require insurers to report directly to the state and not through NICB. DFS indicates they plan to implement FBRP reporting but a timeline has not been established. Implementing reporting via the FBRP remains a high NICB priority.
Members can login to ClaimSearch and select the GA tile to access further information on our advocacy efforts. To stay in the know, subscribe to our Legislative Alert.
Join Us in October for NCICA
Each fall, NICB hosts the National Conference of Insurance Crime Attorneys (NCICA), a conference designed for legal professionals directly engaged in the fight against insurance fraud. For two days, insurance company attorneys will connect with local, state, and federal prosecutors over expert-led panel discussions, presentations, and real-world case studies.
With only a few weeks left, seats are limited for this exclusive training and networking opportunity. Secure your spot as soon as possible or forward this information to your legal team or anyone in your network who would benefit.
Training & Development
Our diverse training offers ample opportunities for a variety of industry professionals to bolster their skillsets. Tailor your learning to your needs: take our FraudSmarts and microlearning at your own pace virtually or attend our in-person conferences to network with industry professionals from across the country.
Next Month: Medical Investigations Symposium (MIS)
The world of medical fraud is complex and constantly evolving. Sharpen your knowledge on the current medical fraud trends and receive unparalleled investigative training at MIS next month. Attendees are encouraged to attend all three training days or register for the day that best aligns with your professional goals.
This year, MIS kicks off with a dynamic virtual networking session the day before training begins. On October 13 from 12:00 - 2:00 P.M. (CDT), you'll have the chance to meet with your peers on the frontlines of medical fraud and workers' compensation investigations in targeted breakout rooms. Make real connections and build stronger investigations.
Time is almost up -- take advantage of this immersive three-day virtual program and register today!
Many upcoming courses are approved CE credits in DE, FL, NC, and TX. Watch for all impending FraudSmarts and other training events.
Intro to Insurance Fraud | September 23
From schemes, to indicators, to action steps, this course covers the A to Zs of insurance fraud. Attendees will follow real-world case studies for a clearer understanding of how these concepts come to life, enabling them to better tackle insurance fraud on the job. This opportunity is perfect for those new to the world of insurance or veterans looking for a refresher alike.
Workers’ Compensation Premium Fraud Pt. 1 | September 25
This two-part instructor-led course offers an overview on how workers’ compensation fraud is committed, explains terminology, and clarifies how premiums might be manipulated. Perfect for people who handle workers’ compensation claims, workers’ compensation underwriters, and other insurance company personnel.
Workers’ Compensation Premium Fraud Pt. 2 | September 25
In the second part of this virtual course, attendees will learn how to investigate questionable worker’s compensation claims when premium fraud is suspected. Additionally, attendees will learn more about methods to manipulate premiums, premium fraud schemes, and fraud indicators.
Clones, Salvage Vehicles, Counterfeit VINs & Current Trends | September 30
NICB Special Agent Chad Brown will provide a basic overview on the process of inspecting and identifying a vehicle. Using real-case photographs and videos, the learner will be able to identify the vehicle being stolen, and if the VIN was switched to be sold to innocent third parties. They’ll walk away with a better understanding of the various methods of identifying fraudulent VINs, fraud indicators, and action steps. CE credits not available.
Preparing a Case for Prosecution | October 2
This course defines the requirements for a successful presentation and prosecution, such as the important documents to be included and how to present a case to a prosecutor. SIUs and insurance company personnel who help prepare cases for prosecution will benefit most from this learning opportunity.
Boat Theft & Fraud | October 7
Vehicle theft extends to all motorized vehicles, including boats. In this course, attendees will learn how to identify the various types of boats, their terminology, and the components of a Hull Identification Number (HIN). Develop a solid understanding of boat theft, fraud indicators, and the proper action steps to take in these cases.
Motorcycle Theft & Fraud | October 21
This course focuses on specific problems related to motorcycle theft. Attendees will gain insights on the various motorcycle classifications, their major components, and indicators of fraud, so the next time this kind of case crosses their desk, they'll be prepared.
Training & Events
See All Events- Webinar
- Webinar
July's Vehicle Facilitating Fraud SeminarJul 15, 2026 - Industry Event
IASIU Annual ConferenceSep 20 - 23, 2026
NICB in Action
Increasing Identity Crimes and the Emergence of Synthetic IDs
As technology evolves so do the tactics criminals use to commit fraud. In an analysis of thousands of questionable claims, NICB found that identity theft with synthetic identification has increased astronomically and will continue to do so through the remainder of the year.
Synthetic identity fraud is an emerging crime in which a scammer uses a mix of real information (such as date of birth, Social Security number, or address) and fake identifiers to create a new identity. The mix of real and fake information makes synthetic IDs uniquely difficult to identify, causing schemes to go undetected for longer periods.
“Many consumers are one data breach away from increasing their risk of stolen identifiers that can help a criminal commit one of these crimes,” NICB Director of data sciences Ian Laughlin said
To combat this trend, NICB is currently piloting a machine-learning tool that proactively finds suspicious identities by detecting inconsistencies such as multiple dates of birth linked to a single Social Security number.
For more information on this study, identity theft, and some of the prevalent schemes that rely on synthetic IDs, read our press release.
Success Stories
From vehicle theft to medical fraud, our special agents rise to the occasion on a myriad of cases. Read about some of the impressive work our agents have completed in the field and their contributions to the fraud-fighting landscape.
Fraudulent Insurance Application Leads to Towing Scheme
Towing schemes are on the rise, but NICB’s special agents work diligently to stop these crimes. Earlier this year, one of our Florida special agents connected with a detective on an investigation of a fraudulent insurance application. The applicants lied about their ownership of a tow truck and secured a commercial vehicle policy, when in reality, they were using a towing service without proper insurance.
Our special agent found the cracks in their story, gathered vital intelligence, and presented their findings to the detective. Their findings enabled law enforcement to finally arrest the offenders without incident for depriving the impacted insurance company of owed premium for the appropriate insurance protection.
Water Vehicle Thefts
In regions where water sports are common, so are thefts, and one organized crime ring in New York profited by stealing jet skis and selling them on social media.
One of our special agents was heavily involved in helping law enforcement identify member company claims regarding stolen jet skis and when the culprits were located, provided law enforcement with surveillance support. The criminals were arrested and police identified $25,000 in stolen goods.
Taking Advantage of Worker's Compensation
In association with six different medical providers, three individuals took advantage of the workers’ compensation system through duplicative billing and unlawful referrals in a nearly $100 million scheme.
At the request of both members and law enforcement, several NICB special agents banded together to perform research and data analysis. Together, they provided support to law enforcement and found the information necessary for authorities to press charges against those involved. The group faces 13 separate felony charges.
Staged Boating and Car Accidents
Just as they occur on land, staged accidents also occur on the water. One fraudster on the West Coast took advantage of both. Over the course of five years, this crime ring was involved in several car and boat collisions, obtaining more than six million in payouts.
Our special agent supported the investigation by obtaining claim file information from over a dozen member insurance companies. Upon reviewing and presenting the data, they worked with another NICB agent on a companion case with the same scheme. Their assistance helped bring those involved in the crime ring, including the leader, to justice.
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