NZ’s most stolen cars

Toyota’s Aqua has taken the top spot from the Mazda Demio as New Zealand’s most frequently stolen car, according to new figures from AMI.

The insurance company reveals the Aqua, pictured and also known as the Toyota Prius C, accounted for 11 per cent of its vehicle theft claims in 2022. This is despite the model only making up 1.47 per cent of the country’s fleet.

The Demio was the second most stolen car last year and Nissan’s Tiida came in third on the claims chart. 

Also in the top 10 was Mazda’s Familia and Atenza, also known as the Mazda 6, Toyota’s MarkX, Vitz and Corolla, and Subaru’s Legacy and Impreza.

AMI notes it is the first year the MarkX has made the leading list, with theft claims for such models surging from only 21 in 2020 to 441 in 2022.

Following a dip in all stolen-vehicle claims during the Covid-hit 2020, the numbers have been climbing since with 2022’s figures up 43 per cent on the year prior. 

Wayne Tippet, AMI’s executive general manager claims, says it received 8,492 claims for vehicle thefts last year, with that total also 54 per cent higher than the number received in 2019.

Auckland was the worst region for such claims on 2,986, followed by Canterbury with 1,214.

AMI says the majority of cars stolen appear to be used for joyrides as recovery rates remain high, with 94 per cent of all Aquas recovered. For the Demio and Vitz, the figures were 93 per cent and 91 per cent, respectively.

“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,” adds Tippet.

He explains people can make their car less attractive to thieves by 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,” he adds.

“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.

“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.”

NZ’s top 10 most stolen vehicles in 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

Vehicle thefts by region and most stolen model

1. Auckland: 2,986 claims – Toyota Aqua
2. Canterbury: 1,214 claims – Toyota Aqua
3. Waikato: 884 claims – Toyota Corolla and Toyota Aqua
4. Wellington: 663 claims – Mazda Demio
5. Manawatu: 485 claims – Mazda Atenza
6. Bay of Plenty: 440 claims – Mazda Demio
7. Northland: 302 claims – Nissan Tiida
8. Hawke’s Bay: 187 claims – Mazda Demio
9. East Coast: 75 claims – Mazda Atenza
10. Otago: 73 claims – Mazda Demio
11. Southland: 65 claims – Toyota Vitz
12. Taranaki: 50 claims – Mazda Demio
13. Wairarapa: 49 claims – Mazda Demio
14. Nelson:  39 claims – Mazda Atenza