Revealed: NZ’s most stolen cars, amidst 43% surge in theft claims

The Toyota Aqua has taken the top spot from the Mazda Demio as the nation’s most frequently stolen car, AMI can reveal.

In 2022, the Aqua, also known as the Toyota Prius C, accounted for 11% of AMI’s vehicle theft claims, despite only making up 1.47% of the country’s fleet.

The Toyota Aqua pips the Mazda Demio, which now comes in as the second most stolen car, closely followed by the Nissan Tiida. Rounding out the top ten are the Mazda Atenza (Mazda 6), Toyota MarkX, Toyota Vitz, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza and Mazda Familia.

Of note is the Toyota MarkX’s inaugural entry into the top 10, with theft claims surging in recent years from only 21 claims in 2020 to 441 in 2022, a 2,000% increase in just three years.

This pattern is mirrored across the rest of the data, as theft claims soared to new highs in 2022, up 43% on the year prior. This is a growing trend, despite a Covid-related dip in 2020. [1]

AMI’s Executive General Manager Claims, Wayne Tippet says the fact that thefts are trending upwards again makes it even more important to ensure insurance details are current. “Across New Zealand, we received 8,492 claims for vehicle thefts in 2022, up 43% on the year before, and up 54% from 2019.

“There are some things you can do to make your car less attractive to thieves, such as locking it, removing any valuables, and parking off-street or in a busy, well-lit area. Immobilisers are good, but if your car doesn’t have one installed, steering locks are effective deterrents too.

“I’d also urge people to check the sum insured on their insurance policy is up to date. Second hand cars are generally holding their value better than they used to, due to supply chain delays, parts shortages, and other factors,” Mr Tippet says. “So, if the worst happens and your car is stolen and written off, you want to make sure that your sum insured is at an appropriate level for your car.”

Regionally, Auckland far outstrips other areas of the country for vehicle theft claims, with almost 3,000 claims last year, well above runner up Canterbury, with 1,214 claims.

Recovery rates remain high, with 94% of all Aquas recovered, 93% of Demios and 91% of Vitzes, suggesting the majority of cars are being stolen for joyrides. 

 “Virtually all of these cars are recovered, so it’s likely they’re being stolen for joy rides or to commit other crimes, such as burglaries,” says Mr Tippet.

AMI’s top 10 most stolen vehicles for New Zealand (2022):

1.       Toyota Aqua

2.       Mazda Demio

3.       Nissan Tiida

4.       Mazda Atenza (Mazda 6)

5.       Toyota MarkX

6.       Toyota Vitz

7.       Subaru Legacy

8.       Toyota Corolla

9.       Subaru Impreza

10.   Mazda Familia

The most frequently stolen vehicle in each region, and the regions ranked (2022):

(NB: Marlborough and the West Coast are excluded, due to very low numbers of thefts)

[1] Vehicle theft claims (all makes and models): 2022: 8,492 / 2021: 5,944 / 2020: 4,321 / 2019: 5,502.

AMI’s tips to help prevent your vehicle being stolen:

• Where possible, park down a driveway or inside a garage.
• If there isn’t any off-street parking available, try to park your car in a well-lit area.
• Consider using anti-theft protection measures, such as a car alarm system, immobiliser, steering wheel lock, fuel cut out switch, handbrake lock, or car tracking system.
• Don’t get out of your car and leave the engine running or keys in it, even for a few seconds.
• Make sure you always lock your car, especially whenever your car is parked and unattended.
• Don’t leave valuables on display.
• Avoid leaving windows or the sunroof open when you're not in the car.

Note – All data is based on AMI Insurance motor claims data from 2022. Cars are ranked from highest frequency of theft to lowest.