National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

During National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, be proactive with your vehicle safety-- remember these tips to keep your belongings and yourself safe from criminals. 

Hand locking car with key fob

Every 48 seconds a vehicle is stolen in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). Vehicle theft is a multi-million-dollar industry that impacts not only owners and their insurers, but every American with skyrocketing premiums. 

For more than 100 years, putting the brakes on vehicle theft has been our mission. That’s why each July, NICB joins NHTSA for National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, an annual awareness effort to engage with both the public and the industry on this serious issue.

Rates of vehicle theft reached a historic peak in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic at 1,020,729 reported thefts in 2023. Since then, NICB has observed a year-over-year decline, with 850,708 thefts in 2024, and 659, 800 vehicles reported stolen in 2025—a record low.

Law enforcement, policymakers, insurers, and public safety partners work together to create this decrease. However, our work is not done. As long as thieves and crime rings continue to steal vehicles, NICB and our partners will continue to advocate for stronger laws, support and finding for auto theft prevention authorities, and greater awareness to prevent vehicle theft.

Vehicle theft prevention tips horizontal

This July, NICB  joins NHTSA to remind everyone to avoid becoming a victim.  Take this layered approach to safety to protect yourself.

While you're in your vehicle

  • Park in well-lit areas. Increased visibility deters thieves.
  • Roll up your windows to limit points of access before exiting your vehicle.

Once you exit your vehicle

  • Lock your doors. Don’t make it easy for criminals to access your vehicle.
  • Never leave your vehicle running while unattended. Criminals can jump inside and drive off in just a few seconds.
  • Always take your keys with you. Even if you’re running inside for just a moment, leaving your keys in the car leaves it open to theft.

Take prevention to the next level

For an additional security blanket, consider using anti-theft technology such as steering wheel locks, audible alarms, or aftermarket GPS tracking like air tags. These additional barriers deter thefts from targeting your car, and if it is taken, make it easier to find.

For more in-depth information, visit our Prevent Vehicle Theft page.

 

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422) or submitting a form on our website.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property-casualty insurers, self-insureds, rental car, vehicle finance, and auto auctions. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org.