- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Summer tends to be worst season for vehicle theft, which may be why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated July as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. This annual campaign helps educate automobile owners on ways to prevent this crime and what to do if their car is stolen.
In 2025, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) states that 659,880 vehicles were reported stolen. While this number may seem high, it represents a decrease of 23% from 2024 – which is also a historic low. Any downward crime trend is encouraging, but vehicle theft should still be a concern. In fact, according to NICB, every 48 seconds an automobile is stolen in the U.S. Don’t let yours be next.
Park with Protection in Mind
Parked cars are easy targets. In addition to wheel covers, engines, transmissions, doors, and radios, thieves will steal anything of value. Popular items that are often reported as stolen from vehicles include GPS devices, air bags, cell phones, laptops and iPads, and purses.
The NHTSA recommends the following tips when parking your vehicle:
- Take your vehicle key with you. Don’t leave it in, or on, your car.
- Never leave an unattended vehicle running. But also remember to never leave a child or pet alone in a hot car!
- Look for well-lit areas or surveillance cameras when possible.
- Close all windows.
- Lock the doors (and double-check!).
- Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle, especially if visible.
Add Security with Technology
Anti-theft technology can discourage thieves from targeting your automobile and can also help locate your vehicle if stolen. The NICB recommends:
- Steering wheel locks
- Audible alarms
- Kill switches
- Aftermarket GPS tracking devices like air tags, OBD-II trackers, magnetic/portable trackers, and hardwired trackers
Consider Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Do you know if your auto insurance covers theft? In Massachusetts, if you only purchase compulsory coverage, your insurance policy does not cover theft. If you want your insurance policy to cover a stolen vehicle, you need to purchase comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for direct and accidental damage or loss to your vehicle caused by something other than a collision, such as fire and theft, vandalism, falling objects, contact with an animal, or larceny. This coverage is not one of the compulsory coverages required under Massachusetts law, and you will only have this coverage if you or your agent added it to your policy for an additional cost. Talk with your agent and be sure you understand what your policy covers – and doesn’t.
Read the automobile insurance resources that are available from the Division of Insurance.
Report a Theft
If you think your automobile was stolen:
- File a report with your local police. Provide your license plate number, vehicle description (make, model, and color), and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to file a claim.
- Tell the police and your insurance company immediately if you find your vehicle before the authorities do.
National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month is a good reminder to practice these safety tips and review your automobile insurance policy.
