The Toyota Aqua is now the most stolen car in NZ

New data from AMI Insurance has revealed that the most stolen car in New Zealand is now the Toyota Aqua, overtaking the Mazda Demio for the top spot.

The Aqua accounted for 11 per cent of the insurer’s vehicle theft claims in 2022, even though the model makes up 1.47 per cent of cars on our roads. This leaves the Demio in second, ahead of the Nissan Tiida in third.

Completing the top ten most stolen cars is the Mazda Atenza (Mazda 6), Toyota MarkX, Toyota Vitz, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza and Mazda Familia.

AMI makes particular note of the newest addition to the list, the MarkX, as thefts have risen from just 21 in 2020 to 441 in 2022.

It’s worth noting that overall vehicle thefts hit new highs last year, 43 per cent more than those recorded in 2021.

In terms of regions, Auckland was by far the most notorious place in the country for vehicle theft claims, reaching almost 3000 last year. That’s far more than Canterbury’s 1214 stolen car claims.

The good news is that recovery rates remain high as 94 per cent of stolen Aquas, 93 per cent of Demios, and 91 per cent of Vitz were recovered.

Wayne Tippet, General Manager of AMI, recommends a few ways Kiwis can keep their cars safe from thieves, including locking doors when a vehicle is unattended, removing valuables, or parking off-street or in a busy and well-lit area.

He added that immobilisers are effective tools in preventing theft but if your car isn’t fitted with one, a steering lock can be a good deterrent too.

“I’d also urge people to check the sum insured on their insurance policy is up to date. Second hand cars are generally holding their value better than they used to, due to supply chain delays, parts shortages, and other factors,” says Tippet.

 “So, if the worst happens and your car is stolen and written off, you want to make sure that your sum insured is at an appropriate level for your car.”