Car Theft Report 2024: Insurers pay over 290 million euros for stolen cars

Last year, car thieves stole 14,162 comprehensively insured vehicles, once again causing major financial damage. “In 2024, motor insurers compensated their customers with around 293 million euros,” says Jörg Asmussen, CEO of the German Insurance Association (GDV). Compared to the previous year, both the number of thefts (2023: 14,585) and the total amount of damages (2023: 312 million euros) fell slightly.

But after the low levels during the pandemic, theft numbers remain high. For the second year in a row, more than 14,000 vehicles were stolen. “On average, motor insurers settled almost 40 thefts per day and paid out more than 800,000 euros daily,” Asmussen notes.

Toyota in the sights of car thieves

Thieves are particularly targeting high-end SUVs and upper mid-range and luxury models. Each theft cost insurers around 20,700 euros. “Overall, we see a clear trend: while the number of thefts has been decreasing in the long term – apart from the special situation during the pandemic – the losses per vehicle have risen significantly,” Asmussen explains. “In 2014, the average cost per theft was around 14,500 euros, while almost 18,000 cars were stolen.”

Currently, Toyota models are especially popular among thieves. The Japanese manufacturer appears with four models on the list of the ten most frequently stolen series. As in 2023, three Toyota models top the list: the Toyota Land Cruiser, as well as the Lexus NX and Lexus UX. Particularly costly were thefts of Porsche 911 models, which averaged more than 100,000 euros each.

Highest theft risk in Berlin, increase in Baden-Württemberg

Compared across federal states and major cities, Berlin car owners still face by far the highest risk of theft. Over the past year, 3,855 comprehensively insured cars were stolen there. “Berlin is and remains the capital of car thieves: more than one in four thefts nationwide occurs here,” Asmussen says. In southern Germany, the risk of theft remains much lower. “However, even in relatively safe Baden-Württemberg, the number of cases rose by about 11 percent to a total of 635 cars,” he adds.

Which insurance pays after a theft?

If a vehicle is stolen, partial comprehensive insurance (Teilkasko) covers the loss. Fully comprehensive policyholders (Vollkasko) are also automatically covered, as partial coverage is included in full coverage. The no-claims discount is unaffected – a theft has no impact on it.

Which are the most stolen cars?

Currently, Toyota models are particularly sought after. The Japanese manufacturer appears with four models on the list of the ten most frequently stolen series. As in 2023, three Toyota models lead the list: the Toyota Land Cruiser, as well as the Lexus NX and Lexus UX. Particularly costly were thefts of Porsche 911 models, which averaged more than 100,000 euros each.

Details and statistics

All facts and figures can be found here on the German version of the GDV website, including a ranking of the most stolen cars and a ranking by federal state.