Auto Theft — Four PIA Western Alliance States in the Top-10

The auto loan company, 5 Star Car Title Loans recently did a study of auto theft in the U.S. Their conclusions are similar to the results of other groups and associations studying the same issue.

Crime is generally on the decline. Auto theft numbers are included in the crime drop and they fell significantly in 2024. Auto theft in 2024 dropped 17% from 2023’s figures.

However, down or not, the numbers are way too high and thousands of people are impacted by them every year. Spokesman, Bryan Solis, who heads sales for the firm, says four PIA Western Alliance states sit in the top-10. They are New Mexico, Nevada, Hawaii and Washington.

And, as you know, those thefts are impacting auto insurance rates.

“Vehicle theft rates in your state directly determine your insurance premiums and influence the protection strategies drivers should consider,” Solis said. “What a lot of people don't realize is how dramatically theft risk affects insurance costs and coverage decisions. In high-risk states, drivers often face premium increases of 20 to 40% compared to low-risk areas. But more importantly, the type of coverage you need changes.”

The average family in the U.S. has about $77,719 a year in income. That family spends 3.39% of its annual income on auto insurance. The average cost of full coverage for auto insurance in 2025 is about $2,638 a year, or, if paid monthly, about $220 per month. All totaled, we will all be spending an extra $289 in 2025, or $24 more dollars a month.

These are the highest risk states in the U.S. with the PIA Western Alliance state of New Mexico topping the list. The PIA Western Alliance states of Nevada, Hawaii and Washington are also in the top-10, ranked 4, 7 and 8 respectively.

1. New Mexico

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 485

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: down 2.1%

2. Maryland

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 408

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: down 22.7%

3. Colorado

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 484

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: down 23%

4. Nevada

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 472

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: down 27.8%

5. Nebraska

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 247

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: up 6.7%

6. Missouri

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 389

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: down 16.1%

7. Hawaii

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 243

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: up 11.4%

8. Washington

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 427

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: down 34.9%

9. North Carolina

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 239

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: down 1%

10. Texas

Rate of theft per 100,000 residents: 322

Percent of change from 2023 to 2024: down 17.1%

Source link: PropertyCasualty360.com — https://bit.ly/47WB2ey