NZ’s most stolen cars
Toyota’s Aqua remains New Zealand’s most frequently stolen car after claiming the title for the second year in a row, according to new figures from AMI.
The insurance company reveals the Aqua, pictured, was the car that more commonly featured in the almost 17,000 vehicle theft claims last year.
AMI notes 2023 also produced the second-highest annual number of vehicle thefts of the past five years.
Nissan’s Tiida was second on the most-stolen chart last year and the Toyota Corolla jumped into third spot after only being ranked eighth in 2022. Mazda’s Demio and Atenza completed the top five.
Auckland suffered the highest volume of vehicle theft with more than one-third of claims coming from the super city in 2023, followed by Canterbury on 17 per cent and Waikato with 12 per cent.
AMI’s data also shows cars manufactured in 2005 were the most common across theft insurance claims, followed equally by vehicles built in 2006 and 2014.
Wayne Tippet, executive general manager claims at AMI, says: “It’s concerning to see another year of elevated vehicle theft claims and, unfortunately, the data highlights that we all need to adopt a security-minded approach when leaving our cars unattended.
“We are seeing a consistent similarity in the price of commonly stolen vehicles too, usually no more than $5,000 in value. These seemingly cost-friendly cars are typically 10 years or older.”
He adds the company’s year-to-year data indicates cars without advanced security features such as keyless ignitions, immobilisers, or alarms, or parked where a swift getaway is possible, have a higher risk of being stolen.
As vehicle theft rates peak between 10pm and 5am, Tippet advises “those who can, should always park their cars in the driveway, lock the gate if they have one, or opt for a well-lit area if on-street parking is the only option”.
“Steering locks still remain a cost-friendly security measure and effective deterrent for thieves,” he continues.
NZ’s top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2023
1. Toyota Aqua
2. Nissan Tiida
3. Toyota Corolla
4.Mazda Demio
5. Mazda Atenza
6. Toyota Mark X
7. Toyota Vitz
8. Subaru Impreza
9. Subaru Legacy
10. Toyota Hilux
Regions in order of most claims and their most stolen vehicle
1. Auckland – Toyota Aqua
2. Canterbury – Toyota Aqua
3. Waikato – Nissan Tiida
4. Wellington – Toyota Aqua
5. Bay of Plenty – Nissan Tiida
6. Manawatu – Mazda Atenza
7. Northland – Nissan Tiida
8. Hawke’s Bay – Nissan Tiida
9. Otago – Mazda Demio
10. Southland – Mazda Demio
11. Gisborne – Mazda Demio
12. Taranaki – Mazda Atenza
13. Nelson – Nissan Tiida
14. Tasman – Mazda Atenza
15. Marlborough – Mazda Demio
16. West Coast – Holden Commodore
