AMI Insurance has released a list of the top 10 most-stolen vehicles in New Zealand for 2024, with the Toyota Aqua topping the list as the country’s most-stolen car for the third consecutive year.
In 2023, the Toyota Aqua accounted for 8% of all stolen vehicle claims, making it the most frequently targeted vehicle. This was followed by the Toyota Corolla, which made up 6% of all claims, and the Nissan Tiida at 5%.
The regions with the highest number of reported vehicle thefts were Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty.
AMI executive general manager of claims Wayne Tippet (pictured) noted that the new data marks the first time in four years that stolen vehicle claims have begun to decrease, with claims related to ram raids down by 50% compared to 2023.
“This might suggest that, among unprecedented vehicle theft rates, New Zealanders have put security measures and practices in place, and are being more mindful about where they park their cars,” he said.
According to Tippet, AMI’s top 10 list highlights the popularity of the Toyota brand in New Zealand, with five models ranking within the top nine. In 2024, the Toyota Aqua was the vehicle model with a record number of insurance policies. AMI noted that this also reflects the increasing demand for the hybrid hatchback.
“The Toyota Hilux ute climbed four spots on the list, indicating its increasing value, rural and urban appeal, and strong resale value, driven by high demand for its parts,” said Tippet.
Top 10 most-stolen vehicles
The most frequently stolen vehicle per region (ranked by claims volume)
To support customers, AMI has also issued a step-by-step guide to stolen vehicle claims. The process begins with lodging a claim and providing details about the theft. A seven-day stand-down period allows for recovery attempts before vehicles are classified as lost.
AMI is urging car owners to prioritise theft prevention. Recommendations include installing immobilisers, parking in well-lit or secure locations, and using steering wheel locks for added deterrence. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of theft, especially for older models without factory-installed security systems.
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