NZ’s most-stolen cars
The Toyota Aqua has been identified as the country’s most stolen car for the fourth consecutive year, according to new figures from AMI.
Data from the insurance company shows it received more than 9,000 vehicle theft and attempted theft claims in 2025.
Those incidents involved more than 760 different makes and models, but the Aqua accounted for eight per cent of all stolen-vehicle claims.
Next was the Toyota Corolla with seven per cent and the Nissan Tiida on six per cent, as the top three models last year were unchanged from 2024’s charts.
The report also shows Aquas were disproportionately targeted and had a theft rate nearly four times that of the country’s most insured vehicle, the Corolla.
There were theft claims for 54 of every 1,000 insured Aquas compared with 15 per 1,000 for Corolla models.
AMI says Auckland remained the top region for vehicle theft, followed by Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington and the Bay of Plenty.
Steph Ferris, AMI executive general manager claims, adds claims have been relatively lower over the past few years after hitting a peak in 2023.
“Lower crime rates, improved security systems in newer vehicles, and New Zealanders adopting security practices – including being more mindful about where they park – likely play a part in this,” she says.
AMI notes Toyota had five different models in the top nine most-stolen cars, including the Vitz, which moved up two places.
Another highlight of the 2025 findings is that nearly nine in 10 stolen vehicles were older than 10 years.
“Older vehicles often lack modern, electronic encrypted locking systems, making them easier for thieves to compromise,” says Ferris, pictured.
She explains there are a number of anti-theft measures consumers can consider, such as car alarm systems, immobilisers, fuel cut-out switches, steering wheel locks, handbrake locks, as well as parking behind a locked gate if a garage isn’t available.
About 64 per cent of stolen vehicles are recovered and 40 per cent of these are repairable, with the remainder typically written off and auctioned for parts.
AMI’s top 10 stolen cars
1 – Toyota Aqua
2 – Toyota Corolla
3 – Nissan Tiida
4 – Mazda Demio
5 – Toyota Vitz (up two places)
6 – Toyota Hilux
7 – Subaru Impreza (+1)
8 – Mazda Atenza (-3)
9 – Toyota Mark X
10 – Mazda Axela
• Most frequently stolen model in each region with regions ranked by claims volume:
1 – Auckland & Aqua
2 – Canterbury & Aqua
3 – Waikato & Corolla
4 – Wellington & Corolla
5 – Bay of Plenty & Corolla
6 – Manawatu & Tiida
7 – Northland & Corolla
8 – Hawke’s Bay & Atenza
9 – Gisborne & Demio
10 - Taranaki & Corolla and Tiida
11 – Otago & Aqua
12 – Southland & Suzuki Swift
13 – Nelson & Tiida
14 – Tasman & Demio and Corolla
15 – West Coast & Toyota Hilux
16 – Marlborough & Honda Jazz
