The Toyota Aqua has once again topped the list of New Zealand’s most stolen vehicles, according to the latest data from AMI.

AMI’s annual insurance report recorded nearly 12,000 vehicle theft claims in 2024, including attempted thefts.

For the third consecutive year, the Toyota Aqua led with 8% of all stolen vehicle claims, followed by the Toyota Corolla (6%) and the Nissan Tiida (5%).

Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty were identified as the regions with the highest vehicle theft rates.

Theft Claims Show First Decline in Four Years

While vehicle theft remains a significant concern, AMI Executive General Manager Claims Wayne Tippet noted a shift in trends, with overall stolen vehicle claims decreasing for the first time in four years.

Claims related to ram raids have dropped by 50% compared to 2023.

"This might suggest that, among unprecedented vehicle theft rates, New Zealanders have put security measures and practices in place and are being more mindful about where they park their cars," Tippet said.

Despite its popularity among car thieves, the Toyota Aqua saw a record number of insurance policies in 2024, reflecting its continued appeal as a reliable hybrid hatchback.

Toyota Dominates the List

AMI’s top 10 most stolen vehicles list highlights the strong presence of the Toyota brand in New Zealand, with five models ranking within the top nine.

The Toyota Hilux, in particular, climbed four spots, indicating its rising value and demand for parts.

Recovery and Security Concerns

According to AMI, 30% of stolen vehicles were not recovered in 2024.

Of those that were found, 52% were deemed repairable.

"Every week, we repair recovered stolen vehicles at our AMI MotorHubs around the country," Tippet said.

"Common repairs include broken glass, damaged ignition systems, dash panels, and external dents and scrapes."

He also warned that thefts are not limited to parked vehicles.

"Unfortunately, we have seen claims resulting from carjackings at low-speed areas such as intersections, traffic lights, or car parks. We should always lock our car doors when driving and consider keeping the windows up."

New Zealand’s Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in 2024

1. Toyota Aqua (=)
2. Toyota Corolla (+1)
3. Nissan Tiida (-1)
4. Mazda Demio (=)
5. Mazda Atenza (=)
6. Toyota Hilux (+4)
7. Toyota Vitz (=)
8. Subaru Impreza (=)
9. Toyota Mark X (-3)
10. Mazda Axela (+1)

Most Stolen Vehicles by Region

• Auckland - Toyota Aqua
• Canterbury - Toyota Aqua
• Waikato - Nissan Tiida
• Wellington - Toyota Aqua
• Bay of Plenty - Mazda Demio
• Manawatū - Mazda Demio
• Northland - Toyota Corolla
• Hawke’s Bay - Mazda Demio
• Otago - Nissan Tiida
• Southland - Nissan Tiida
• Gisborne - Toyota Corolla
• Taranaki - Toyota Corolla
• Nelson - Mazda Demio
• Tasman - Ford Ranger
• Marlborough - Audi A4
• West Coast - Nissan Tiida

Vehicle Security Tips from AMI

• Park in a garage or a well-lit area whenever possible.
• Face your vehicle uphill or towards your home to make theft more difficult.
• Use security measures such as alarms, immobilisers, fuel cut-off switches, and steering wheel locks.
• Consider installing a GPS tracking device.
• Never leave the engine running or keys in the car, even for a moment.
• Lock your doors and keep windows closed while driving, especially in low-speed areas.
• Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
• Ensure windows and sunroofs are closed when the vehicle is unattended.

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