Update: Check out the most stolen cars for 2012.
Is your ride ripe for being ripped off? For a multitude of reasons, some vehicles appear juicier, or “steal-able” to car thieves. We looked at 2010 auto theft statistics, and whether the manufacturers did anything about them, to predict the top ten cars that will be stolen the most in 2011. It’s simple to find the most stolen car in 2011, but we did the work and found you the top ten! Here is the info provided by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, as well as what makes them so appealing to the average auto thief.
Car theft rates can affect your car insurance rates so be sure to read through this prediction of the top ten most stolen cars in 2011 and then use the free tool on this page to compare rates from many different car insurance companies online. Just enter your ZIP code into the FREE tool at the top of this page for a free online car insurance quote comparison! Review the list of most stolen cars 2011 and see if your car is on the list!
Check out this photo below of an actual car thief in action (courtesy of BaitCar.com) laughing it up and having a grand ‘ol time (he gets caught, don’t worry – about 15 minutes later). Don’t let this guy drive off with your car…
(Actual photo of car thief in action, courtesy of BaitCar.com)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Most Stolen Cars of 2011
The following are the Official IIHS 2011 most stolen car statistics. We compared our 2011 predictions with the official IIHS statistics, and we were very happy with some of the results. Take a look at our reasoning behind some of the most stolen cars of 2011 below and see if your car is on the list for the most commonly stolen cars!
| Official List | Our Prediction | Claim Freq. |
Avg. Loss Payment per Claim |
Overall Theft Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cadillac Escalade | 1 | 10.8 | $10,555 | $114 |
| 2. Ford F-250 4WD | N/A | 9.7 | $9,496 | $92 |
| 3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2 | 9.2 | $4,948 | $45 |
| 4. Ford F-450 4WD | N/A | 7.9 | $11,701 | $93 |
| 5. GMC Sierra 1500 | 6 | 7.3 | $6,022 | $44 |
| 6. Chrysler 300 | N/A | 7.1 | $5,509 | $39 |
| 7. Ford F-350 4WD | N/A | 7.0 | $9,088 | $64 |
| 8. Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 | 4 | 6.4 | $6,689 | $43 |
| 9. GMC Yukon | 9 | 6.4 | $6,645 | $42 |
| 10. Chrysler 300 HEMI | N/A | 6.3 | $8,294 | $52 |
Our 2011 Most Stolen Cars Predictions
The following were our 2011 predictions of the most stolen cars, based on the 2010 statistics. Five of the ten predictions appear on the Official IIHS list. Check these out and look below to see our comparison on how we did.
10. Chevrolet Tahoe
Invest in the extra security package.
Chevrolet Tahoe Theft Frequency: 5.8 out of 1,000
Chevrolet Tahoe owners usually like to “trick out” their rides. Too bad one of the options they decline from the factory is a security system. If more of these SUVs had alarms, that might knock out the desire for thieves to try to take them from their owners and keep it from being a contender for the most stolen car in the world.
9. GMC Yukon XL 4WD
I’m loaded with tons of gear you can offload at your shadiest pawn shop!
GMC Yukon XL 4WD Theft Frequency: 6.0 out of 1,000
Some might say this is a man’s station wagon, and that’s probably true (if there is such a thing). What’s also a fact is that these massive SUVs are always loaded with some sort of man-cargo. Expensive golf clubs, outdoor gear, electronics, and tools make these incredibly attractive to thieves. So if you have one of these cars, you can be sure that you own a car that is 10 most stolen cars in 2011!
8. Hummer H2
The vehicle for would-be monster truck drivers.
Hummer H2 Theft Frequency: 6.2 out of 1,000
Does stealing a Hummer have anything to do with the fact that Hummer drivers are so aggressive? Likely not: most Hummers are loaded with extra aftermarket gear that thieves can profit from. Chrome wheels and grills, sound systems and other pricey parts make these total gold mines. Plus, you know, what’s cooler to a thief than stealing a Hummer? (Stealing a tank, maybe.)
7. Nissan Maxima
Take me apart. Please.
Nissan Maxima Theft Frequency: 6.5 out of 1,000
The Maxima is one of the few cars that made our list. Thieves like it for its combination of good looks and comparatively powerful engine for its class. And even though you can get Nissan’s Immobilizer security system for this car – which won’t allow the car to start without its registered key – that’s not going to stop someone from loading it onto a flatbed for parts!
6. GMC Sierra Crew Cab
Hey, thieves! My toolbox in the bed is full of shiny toys!
GMC Sierra Crew Cab Theft Frequency: 6.7 out of 1,000
The Sierra is a work truck. Often that means that it’s more than just the vehicle itself that motivates thieves to steal it. Usually the bed of these trucks contains tool boxes and other expensive equipment, a bonus if you’re going to be stealing a truck or car anyway.
5. Infiniti G37 Coupe
A prized possession for a thief.
The G37 is an expensive coupe that has cachet with thieves because the market dictates that the parts can go for high dollars. Hey, it’s an Infiniti, they are pretty darn rare! It doesn’t hurt that it looks good and also has a 330 horsepower engine for fast getaways.
Infiniti G37 Theft Frequency: 7.1 out of 1,000
4. Chevrolet Avalanche
“There’s a fistful of dollars wrapped up in that rig!”
Chevrolet Avalanche Theft Frequency: 7.4 out of 1,000
Unlike your average pickup truck, the Avalanche usually comes with premium features such as advanced audio and navigation features, parts that criminals love to strip off a vehicle for straight cash. Some of them might be used for work related purposes, and that equipment’s extra dollars!
3. Dodge Charger
Blazing fast … gone before you even know it, buddy!
Dodge Charger Theft Frequency: 7.4 out of 1,000
Finally, a car that you might see in Gone in 60 Seconds. Many Chargers on the street sport a Hemi engine that packs a whopping 368 horsepower (and 425 horsepower for the SRT8 version!). That kind of power ensures that a thief can literally be gone in sixty seconds!
2. Chevrolet Silverado
Please take me.
Chevy Silverado Theft Frequency: 8.0 out of 1,000
Trucks like these are nice little treasure troves of gadgets and other artifacts that can be sold off to individuals or pawn shops. It’s likely that many owners of these trucks do not have a security system installed, either — another reason to invest in a security package or at least a Club!
1. Cadillac Escalade
The bling is the motivation.
It’s no surprise that the top of this list is a luxury brand. What did you expect? One of the most prized symbols of premium is in the Cadillac brand. That mixed with the fact that it’s an SUV full of extra junk makes this car irresistible to thieves. You’d be tempted to steal it, too.
Cadillac Escalade Theft Frequency: 10.8 out of 1,000
Official Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in 2011
As stated in the Official Insurance Institue for Highway Safety list, the following ten cars had the highest theft frequency for 2011:
10. Chrysler 300 HEMI
Look at her go!
Chrysler 300 HEMI Theft Frequency: 6.4 out of 1,000
The Chrysler 300 HEMI is the first of the two Chrysler’s featured on this list – guess that says something about it’s popularity with thieves! Similar to the 300, the HEMI features a V8 engine with a hemispherical combustion chamber. With such a rare feature, thieves are drawn to this sleek car making this Chrysler one of the Top 10 stolen cars in 2011!
9. GMC Yukon XL 4WD
Let’s haul something!
GMC Yukon XL 4WD Theft Frequency: 6.0 out of 1,000
This SUV is a sportsman’s dream when it comes to hauling junk. Thus, they are usually loaded with some sort of expensive gear and tools making these incredibly attractive to thieves. We thought so too by listing the GMC Yukon as #9 on our predicted list!
8. Chevrolet Avalanche
Pawn me!
Chevrolet Avalanche Theft Frequency: 7.4 out of 1,000
Criminals love pick-ups! Especially when they are loaded with premium features, ripe for stripping off. These items can easily be sold to pawn shops for a chunk of change. We listed this vehicle as #4 is our list, so even though it’s only #8, the Avalanche is still a coveted item for 2011.
7. Ford F-350 4WD
Wide load!
Ford F-350 4WD Theft Frequency: 7.0 out of 1,000
The Ford F-350 4WD may not be the quietest vehicle to steal, but it’s certainly one of the most valuable. Retailing at over $30,000, this truck can create quite a pay-day for it’s thief. With the towing capability of a herd of elephants, the F-350 4WD will assist thieves in getting away with additional loot!
6. Chrysler 300
Gone in 6 seconds!
Chrysler 300 Theft Frequency: 7.1 out of 1,000
For the thieves’ sake, it’s a good thing this car goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds! With a performance package to drool over, the 300 was a hot pick for car thieves wanting to save at the pump. After all, this is a recession! The Chrysler 300 offers fuel saver technology to optimize the efficiency in between fill-ups.
5. GMC Sierra Crew Cab
Check out my treasure box!
GMC Sierra Crew Cab Theft Frequency: 7.3 out of 1,000
As another truck makes the list, the Sierra showcases what most pick-ups offer – a bed full of equipment. Thieves want the expensive tools and other cargo found in the bed of the truck, which translates into easy cash. Going along with our predictions, the Sierra locks in at #5, whereas we had it as #6 on the list. Pretty good guess!
4. Ford F-450 4WD
Let the good times tow!
Ford F-450 4WD Theft Frequency: 7.9 out of 1,000
The Ford F-450 is the truck of all trucks! This beast holds a treasure-trove of cargo, which is easily known to thieves based on it’s size alone. With top of the line features, the F-450 is one large package of power! Retailing at over $50,000, this truck equals a lot of cash for car thieves.
3. Chevrolet Silverado
Let’s roll!
Chevy Silverado Theft Frequency: 9.2 out of 1,000
Thieves must have a sixth sense about what type of treasures pick-up trucks hold. Many truck owners don’t realize the danger of theft, thus provide no protection for their ride. The Chevy Silverado is no exception when it comes to the most stolen cars list, coming it at #3, rather than #2 on the predicted list.
2. Ford F-250 4WD
Take me, take me!
Ford F-250 4WD Theft Frequency: 9.7 out of 1,000
The Ford F-Series continues to dominate the list of most stolen cars for 2011! Thieves realize the value of these powerful trucks and the items that are usually carried within. With a hefty price tag, the F-250 is a hot item for money-hungry criminals!
1. Cadillac Escalade
One word: Bling!
Cadillac Escalade Theft Frequency: 10.8 out of 1,000
After a long list of pick-up trucks, the luxury brand of Cadillac finally makes an appearance. Rounding out the list as the #1 stolen car in 2011, the Cadillac Escalade screams “take me”! The notoriety itself is enough to make this car so desirable to thieves!
And the LEAST Stolen Cars Ranking Goes to…
Toyota Prius
“What am I going to do with this?!?!”
Toyota Prius Theft Frequency: 0.8 out of 1,000
It’s not really a surprise that a hybrid ranks as one of the least stolen, since it probably confuses thieves. Sure, they can make a quiet getaway if they drive slowly, but then what will they do with it? We’re guessing that there’s not a hot secondary market for these ugly ducklings.
Volvo V70
The look is all that deters.
Volvo V70 Theft Frequency: 0.8 out of 1,000
Is it any wonder why a car thief would think twice if they saw one of these Volvo V70s on the street? We’re going to guess that any respectable criminal is not interested the least bit in the groceries that might be contained inside this mom-mobile. And thieves don’t care if it’s safe or not, they want cash.
Buick Terraza
Its most important theft deterrent is itself.
Buick Terraza Theft Frequency: 0.7 out of 1,000
Buick is a brand that is usually patronized by older, more cost conscious buyers. Throw in the fact that it’s a van and does not have a good resale value, and it makes for a great vehicle that deters theft on its own. Purchase one of these, and you don’t have to worry about shady characters trying to take it (though you might have to worry about finding someone to buy it off you later).
CarInsuranceComparison Most Stolen Car Predictions vs. IIHS Most Stolen Car Statistics
There you have it. We did our own predictions, and realized we are by no means Jedis that can see the future. The IIHS crunched the final numbers in 2011, and found that some things have changed in the most stolen car rankings. Although we might not have been 100% correct, there were some cars within our rankings that matched up with the IIHS most stolen car statistics.
We were right on with the Cadillac Escalade at #1. Although not fully correct on the exact ranking, we also had the Chevy Silverado, Chevrolet Avalanche, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon within our rankings. Overall, we did pretty well at predicting the future. Stay tuned for our 2012 Most Stolen Car predictions.
Finding the Best Car Insurance Rates for ANY Car Model
No matter whether you have a car on the most stolen cars of 2011 list or on the least stolen cars list – we could all stand to save a few hundred dollars on our car insurance rates, right? Enter your ZIP code into the FREE car insurance quote comparison tool to shop rates from competing companies in just a few minutes and see how much you might be able to save! Don’t forget to check back to this 2011 list of the most stolen cars and make sure your car stays off the list!
