How to Keep Your Car From Getting Stolen

In absolute numbers, Hyundai and Kia models continue to be popular with thieves, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), an industry organization.

Car theft is a serious concern even for more mainstream models. Vehicle thefts numbered more than 1 million in 2022 and 2023, but the figures dropped to 850,708 in 2024, according to the NICB. California has the highest vehicle theft rate at 463.2 thefts per 100,000 people.

The high theft rate in Los Angeles involves cars deemed easy marks by criminals, whether it’s older models without anti-theft technology or cars with keys or fobs left inside, according to a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department. At the same time, the police say some thieves have become more tech-savvy, using electronic tools to steal vehicles without damaging windows, locks, or steering columns. The latest threat includes programmable, wireless devices that, with modifications, can be used to duplicate the signal from a car’s key fob.

Since 2021, theft claim frequency for Hyundai and Kia vehicles has increased at a rate greater than for vehicles from other manufacturers, according to HLDI, prompted by online videos that show how to steal models without engine immobilizers, which would prevent them from starting without a key. 

HLDI says that many older Hyundai and Kia vehicles lack electronic immobilizers that prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. This feature is standard equipment on nearly all vehicles of that vintage made by other manufacturers.

A Kia spokesperson said: “All of our vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. While no car can be made theft-proof, criminals are seeking vehicles solely equipped with a steel key and ‘turn-to-start’ ignition system.” 

Kia models from the 2022 model year forward and Hyundai vehicles built after Nov. 1, 2022, have engine immobilizers. Representatives told CR that the automakers are providing steering wheel locks at no cost to police departments that are hard hit by these crimes. Further, Hyundai offers a security kit through its dealerships that can be added to at-risk models.

Hyundai and Kia offer a free anti-theft software upgrade available for more than 2 million cars and SUVs. The software enables the keyless remote to activate an ignition “kill” function when the car is locked remotely. Some 2011-2022 model-year vehicles without engine immobilizers can’t accommodate the software upgrade. For these customers, Hyundai offers a program to reimburse them for their purchase of steering wheel locks. (Owners can check the eligibility for their car at hyundaiantitheft.com.)

Theft deterrent software may have helped slow the increase in thefts, the Highway Loss Data Institute says. But the theft claim frequency of Hyundai and Kia vehicles during July to December 2023 was still more than 8 times as high as that of other vehicles, according to its data, which shows that Hyundai and Kia vehicles had 11.7 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years.

“The companies’ solution is extremely effective,” says Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI. “If you own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle without an electronic immobilizer, you should call your local dealer about getting the software upgrade today.” 

No matter what brand of car you own, the tips below show how to keep it from becoming a target and how to save on car insurance in the process.

Remember: The key is to make stealing your car seem like more trouble than it’s worth.