10 vehicles IIHS data shows thieves rarely steal

Auto theft claims make headlines for the most-targeted models, but the opposite end of the ledger is quieter. The Highway Loss Data Institute tracks how often insurers pay out for stolen vehicles, with 100 set as the average. Here are ten models whose theft claim frequencies sit far below that line.

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1. Tesla Model 3: Lowest of All

HLDI’s 2022-24 model-year data gave the Tesla Model 3 4WD a relative theft claim frequency of 1, per lowest theft claim frequency from IIHS. With 100 as the all-vehicle average, that is the lowest figure of any vehicle in the analysis, listed as a midsize luxury electric car.

Insurance-minded shoppers can read the number as a sign that thieves rarely file claims against the electric sedan. Theft claim frequency describes past insurance claims for these model years and does not guarantee future protection.

2. Toyota RAV4 Prime: Plug-In Rarity

The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid 4WD ranked fourth lowest, with a relative theft claim frequency of 5 against an average of 100, according to RAV4 Prime theft ranking on the HLDI list. IIHS classes it as a small SUV with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

For buyers of small SUVs, the figure suggests a low theft risk compared with the typical vehicle. The result applies to the specific 4WD plug-in configuration HLDI measured, so other RAV4 versions may differ. A figure of 5 against 100 means paid theft claims came at a small fraction of the usual rate, which insurers weigh when pricing coverage.

3. Volvo XC90: Swedish Calm

The Volvo XC90 4WD posted a relative theft claim frequency of 6 in HLDI’s 2022-24 data, as shown in Volvo XC90 theft figure from IIHS, far below the all-vehicle average of 100. The institute classifies it as a midsize luxury SUV.

Unlike several entries here, the XC90 is not an electric model, so its low score stands apart from the powertrain. Owners may find it relevant when weighing insurance costs, though claim frequency is only one factor in premiums. Lower numbers mean fewer paid theft claims relative to the average, so a 6 stands out in a field where most models cluster closer to 100.

4. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Mach-E Holds Up

The Ford Mustang Mach-E had a relative theft claim frequency of 8 in HLDI’s 2022-24 data, which Mustang Mach-E theft claims lists for the midsize electric SUV. That is more than 85% below the all-vehicle average of 100.

A Ford-badged electric crossover shows that low theft claims are not limited to one automaker. Shoppers should still check local theft trends, since the figures are national averages across the 2022-24 model years studied. The comparison is useful mainly for insurance pricing, since it counts how often claims are filed for whole-vehicle theft rather than for break-ins.

5. Tesla Model Y: Runner-Up

The Model Y 4WD had a relative theft claim frequency of 2 in HLDI’s 2022-24 data, second only to the Model 3 4WD, as Model Y theft frequency reports. The average vehicle scores 100, so the electric crossover sits far below it.

Tesla therefore holds the two lowest positions in the data. The source does not explain why claims are so rare, so that point should be treated cautiously. Buyers can use the score as a rough guide for insurance comparisons.

6. Volvo XC40: Compact Volvo

HLDI measured the Volvo XC40 4WD at a relative theft claim frequency of 7, which Volvo XC40 theft measurement shows as the seventh lowest of its 2022-24 model-year list. The all-vehicle average is 100, so the small SUV scores more than ninety percent lower.

A small luxury crossover earning a single-digit score gives city buyers a data point against the assumption that premium SUVs attract thieves. It reflects insurance claims, not the number of attempted thefts. The figure reflects insurance claims for entire stolen vehicles, so it does not capture attempted thefts or break-ins that left the vehicle in place.

7. Volkswagen ID.4: Volkswagen Electric

The Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV scored a relative theft claim frequency of 9 in HLDI’s 2022-24 data, according to ID.4 theft claims on the list. Because 100 is the average, the ID.4 sees roughly a tenth of the typical vehicle’s rate.

Electric crossovers occupy several spots on this list, so the ID.4 adds to the evidence that battery-powered models draw few theft claims. Buyers can weigh that alongside price, charging access and insurance quotes. Lower numbers mean fewer paid theft claims relative to the average, so a 9 places the ID.4 among the least stolen models measured.

8. Subaru Crosstrek: Rare Gas Model

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 4WD with EyeSight tied at a relative theft claim frequency of 9 in HLDI’s 2022-24 list, per Crosstrek theft listing compiled from the data. That matches the electric ID.4 and sits far under the average of 100.

As a conventional small SUV, the Crosstrek shows that low theft risk is not exclusive to electric models. Only the configuration named in the table, the 2024 model with EyeSight, carries the score. Shoppers comparing small SUVs can use the number as one input, since actual risk depends on where the vehicle is parked and driven.

9. Tesla Model X: Earlier Data

In HLDI’s earlier 2020-22 model-year data, reported in October 2023, the Tesla Model X had a relative theft claim frequency of 8 and ranked fifth lowest, according to Model X theft frequency on the report. The average vehicle scores 100.

The figure comes from a previous edition of the analysis, so it may not match the current ranking. It remains useful as evidence that the low-theft pattern extended to Tesla’s large SUV in that earlier period. A figure of 8 against 100 still places the large SUV far below the typical vehicle, which is why the earlier data point is worth noting.

10. Nissan Leaf: Leaf’s Old Result

HLDI’s 2020-22 model-year data, reported in October 2023, gave the Nissan Leaf a relative theft claim frequency of 13, as Nissan Leaf theft data recounts. That is far below the all-vehicle average of 100, though it is the highest score among the ten.

The number is from an earlier edition and should not be read as the Leaf’s current standing. It still shows the electric hatchback drew few theft claims in that period, compared with the typical vehicle. A figure of 13 against 100 still places the Leaf far below the typical vehicle, which is why the dated data point is worth noting.

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