The Most Stolen Car in Florida—and How to Protect Yours

The brand-new vehicle you're so fond of? Thieves could find it appealing as well.

Over 850,000 cars were reported missing in the U.S. in 2024, as per the More than 850,000 automobiles were taken illegally within the country during 2024, according to the In 2024, over 850,000 motor vehicles were stolen across America, based on the According to the data, more than 850,000 vehicles were reported stolen in the United States in 2024. The number of vehicles stolen in the U.S. reached over 850,000 in 2024, as stated by the Approximately 850,000 cars were stolen in the United States last year, according to the As indicated by the statistics, over 850,000 vehicle thefts occurred in the U.S. in 2024. Official reports show that more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States throughout 2024. Data from the source indicates that over 850,000 car theft incidents took place in the U.S. in 2024. There were over 850,000 instances of vehicle theft recorded in the United States in 2024, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau and certain models have a higher chance of being promoted compared to others.

The top stolen car of last year, for the second consecutive year, was the Hyundai Elantra, according to the NICB, with almost 32,000 vehicles reported as taken. Close behind was the Hyundai Sonata (26,720).

This information could be crucial for someone purchasing a new car, as elevated theft rates may lead to increased insurance fees along with the expenses related to replacing the vehicle, the significant hassle involved, and the sense of personal intrusion.

What about in Florida?

Which vehicle is stolen the most in Florida?

FinanceBuzz reviewed the NICB information to identify the top stolen vehicle in every state.

In Florida, the Hyundai Elantra was also among the most frequently stolen vehicles, with 1,074 reports in 2024. The Elantra is a cost-effective compact sedan, though certain models are categorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as mid-size sedans. The Elantra has received recognition as the North American Car of the Year in both 2012 and 2021.

We were not alone. The Elantra was also the top vehicle targeted by thieves in 20 additional states. Following this, burglars began stealing trucks such as the Chevrolet Silverado (the most stolen model in nine states) and the Ford F-150 (the most stolen in six states), according to FinanceBuzz.

Why has the Hyundai Elantra become the top stolen car in Florida, USA?

Hold social media accountable.

After individuals realized that numerous Hyundai and Kia vehicles were missing anti-theft immobilization systems. - electronic security systems that stop an engine from igniting without a smart key or remote control - videos started circulating on YouTube and TikTok demonstrating ways to get their engines running with A screwdriver and a USB cord A screwdriver along with a USB cable A screwdriver together with a USB lead A screwdriver plus a USB cable A screwdriver and a data transfer cable A screwdriver combined with a USB connection wire A screwdriver alongside a USB cable A screwdriver and a digital charging cable That resulted in a sharp rise in vehicle thefts due to a popular TikTok challenge known as the "Kia Challenge" and similar groups like the " Kia Boys ."

Hyundai and Kia reached an agreement Hyundai and Kia concluded a settlement Hyundai and Kia resolved a matter Hyundai and Kia came to a resolution Hyundai and Kia finalized a deal Hyundai and Kia addressed a situation Hyundai and Kia handled a case Hyundai and Kia managed a dispute Hyundai and Kia dealt with an issue Hyundai and Kia closed out an arrangement A $145 million lawsuit filed as a class action A legal case involving a $145 million settlement claim A collective legal action seeking $145 million in damages An ongoing class-action litigation worth $145 million A mass civil lawsuit with a claimed value of $145 million In 2023, regarding the theft cases, it was approximated that around 9 million vehicles were impacted.

Thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles increased significantly during the pandemic, but began to decline following an intensive initiative involving free software updates, enhanced ignition cylinder guards introduced in models from 2021 onward, and financial compensation.

Car theft decreases across the country in 2024

The modifications appear to be having an effect. Although Hyundai vehicles occupied leading positions on the recent most-frequently stolen vehicle list, data from NICB indicated that thefts of Hyundai and Kia models decreased by approximately 37.5% in 2024.

Overall, all vehicle thefts decreased In 2024, 17% of vehicle thefts will return to pre-pandemic levels, according to the NICB, which noted that there were historically high numbers of 1,020,729 thefts in 2023.

Which 10 vehicles were taken the most in 2024?

As reported by FinanceBuzz, using data from the NICB, the cars that are frequently stolen are:

Hyundai Elantra - 31,712
Hyundai Sonata - 26,720
Chevy Silverado 1500 - 21,666
Honda Accord - 18,539
Kia Optima - 17,493
Honda Civic - 15,727
Kia Soul - 13,562
Ford F-150 Model - 12,952
Toyota Camry - 12,296
Dodge Charger -11,452

What steps can I take to prevent my vehicle from being stolen in Florida?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers these suggestions:

Never keep your keys inside your car
Do not depart from the location while your car is still operating. Stay put where you are while the engine is running. Avoid moving away from the spot as long as the vehicle is on. Remain at the site until the car has been turned off. Do not move out of the area with the vehicle left running.
Park always in brightly lit locations
Secure all windows and doors before parking your vehicle.
Store valuable items where they cannot be seen, like in the glove compartment or backseat.
If your car is taken without permission, contact police and your insurance company right away. As per AAA.com Approximately 80% of stolen cars are found within the initial two days after being taken.

Geico suggests storing your car registration document separately from the vehicle in case it is taken, making it harder to sell quickly.

Additionally, you can utilize tracking gadgets and applications like Apple AirTags along with compatible software to monitor your car continuously.

Although anti-theft devices might appear unnecessary, your automobile represents a significant financial commitment, and losing it could lead to substantial expenses, hassle, and potential issues with work or personal well-being if alternative transportation isn’t available. While these systems cannot entirely stop a car from being stolen, they significantly increase the difficulty and reduce the appeal of such crimes. They are particularly advised for those who lack means to monitor their vehicle while it’s parked close to their residence.

What should I do if I have a Hyundai or Kia vehicle?

Vehicles produced by Hyundai for sale in the U.S. between 2016 and 2021, as well as Kia models manufactured from 2011 through 2021, were equipped with traditional metal keys instead of keyless entry systems and button-start technology, which increased their vulnerability to theft and appealed to criminals.

Hyundai and Kia contacted the vehicle owners who were impacted got in touch with those whose vehicles were affected notified the individuals owning the affected cars reached out to customers whose vehicles were involved connected with the people whose vehicles were affected made contact with the affected car owners communicated with the vehicle owners impacted initiated communication with those affected by the issue reached out to the drivers of the affected automobiles established contact with the persons whose vehicles were affected With provisions for complimentary software updates. Should you haven't obtained such an update, reach out to your nearby Hyundai or Kia dealership.

Kia also provided a complimentary steering wheel lock option. directly from Kia or through local law enforcement. If this option isn't available to you, you can purchase your own steering wheel lock from various stores.

Charles Singh of the Nashville Tennessean added to this report.

(This tale has been revised due to an error in the previous edition.)

This piece first was published in the The Daytona Beach News-Journal: The top vehicle targeted by thieves in Florida and the reasons behind its popularity. Tips for protection.