Top 10 Most Stolen Cars In Louisiana. Is Your Car On The List?

I've never had a vehicle stolen from me, thank God. But I've had a lot of things stolen from me and out of my vehicle. It's the worse feeling in the world. I felt violated. When I think about how hard I have to work to get the little I have. To have someone come on my property to take it! It's infuriating. It's also incredibly selfish of that person to think they can do that to people.

Like most, I need my vehicle for work, to get my kids, groceries, and everything else. So, having my car stolen would devastate my daily life and bank account. Sadly, grand theft auto doesn't just happen in big cities. It happens everywhere including right here in Lake Charles. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles are stolen daily in Louisiana.

According to moneygeek.com, the reported number of vehicle thefts across all states was 1 million in 2021—the highest theft rates among states are in Washington DC, California, New Mexico, and Colorado at 661.21 per 100,000 residents, and the lowest is in Maine with 60.7 per 100,000 residents. Click here to find out the top stolen cars in your state.

If you have a vehicle or are in the market to buy one, new or used in Louisiana, you need to know what makes and models are the most stolen. Based on research the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has an annual list called “Hot Wheels” that consists of the most frequently stolen cars across the country.

Here’s the "Hot Wheels" list from the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Louisiana in 2021/2022:

1999 Chevrolet Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2006 Ford Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2001 Dodge Pickup Truck (Full Size)
1995 Honda Accord
1996 GMC Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2008 Chevrolet Impala
2012 Nissan Altima
2012 Toyota Camry
2001 Chevrolet Tahoe
2012 Nissan Maxima

Here's the moneygeek.com list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in Louisiana 2021/2022:

2003 Ford Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2015 Chevrolet Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2017 Honda Accord
2015 Nissan Altima
2020 Toyota Camry
2008 GMC Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2020 Toyota Corolla
2005 Dodge Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2019 Ram Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2016 Honda Civic

Here’s the "Hot Wheels" list from the National Insurance Crime Bureau of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in the country in 2021/2022:

2004 Chevrolet Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2006 Ford Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2000 Honda Civic
1997 Honda Accord
2007 Toyota Camry
2005 GMC Pickup Truck (Full Size)
2020 Nissan Altima
2000 Honda CR-V
2018 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
2020 Toyota Corolla

Based on the above list, It's clear thieves in Louisiana like to steal full-size trucks. Whereas in most other states, Japanese cars lead the pack. Here's the kicker: the cars in the lists above have higher than average insurance costs because they are likely to get stolen.

WHAT DOES THE NICB RECOMMEND? How can I protect myself from car theft in Louisiana?

• Roll up your windows, lock doors, and take the keys or fob.
• Park in well-lit areas with security and/or protected by surveillance cameras.
• Remove valuables from your car or locked in your trunk or out of sight.
• Consider adding an immobilizing or tracking device for your vehicle.
• If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately.
• Get comprehensive coverage covering theft and repair expenses associated with break-in damage.

Looking at the lists above, most models are from before “smart keys.” A few newer models come with anti-theft devices and smart keys. According to NICB, these cars were likely stolen because the owner forgot to use these devices or left the smart keys in the car!

At the end of the day, if somebody wants to steal your car or wheels badly enough, it doesn't matter what you do to your vehicle. On the bright side, a good auto insurance policy covers theft. GPS-equipped vehicles or tracking devices are a good way to get your vehicle back, catch the thief and have them locked up.

Auto Theft Laws In Louisiana (La. Rev. Stat.14:67.26 (2022) - If the vehicle's value is $1,000 or more but less than $5,000, the thief faces up to five years in prison and a $3,000 fine. If the vehicle's value is $5,000 or more but less than $25,000, the thief faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If the vehicle's value is $25,000 or more, the thief faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.