Understanding the Impact of Car Theft on Insurance Costs
If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle, it’s advisable to consult the list of the most stolen car models in Mexico, compiled by the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS). Spoiler alert: the Nissan Versa tops the list.
It’s crucial to recognize that cars with a higher theft rate pose a greater risk for insurance companies. Consequently, insurance premiums tend to be more expensive for these vehicles, even if their market value is low. On the other hand, a less stolen but more valuable car might pay less for coverage. Moreover, insurers often set higher deductibles or additional limitations in high-crime areas.
The Most Stolen Cars in Mexico (Last 12 Months)
- Nissan Versa: 2,362 units stolen
- Kenworth Truck: 2,104 units stolen
- Nissan NP300: 1,875 units stolen
- Bajaj 111-250 Motorcycle: 1,498 units stolen
- Chevrolet Aveo: 1,367 units stolen
Given this situation, the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (Condusef) advises considering a vehicle’s theft history as a crucial factor when choosing a car. For certain profiles, owning one of these vehicles could increase their annual insurance premium by up to 30%.
Daily Car Theft Statistics
According to AMIS, an average of 166 insured vehicles were stolen each day over the past 12 months, a slight decrease from the 169 reported in 2024.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, there were 60,625 reported insured car thefts. Although this figure is lower than the 62,009 units from the previous period, the number of stolen vehicles recovered also decreased.
In 2020, at least 46% of insured stolen cars were recovered; currently, this proportion has dropped to 42%, averaging 70 units per day.
“The decrease in vehicle theft is a positive sign, but it should continue to decline in the short and long term,” stated AMIS. “Car theft is associated with high-impact crimes, so this strategy should be complemented by measures such as modernizing the Public Vehicle Registry, a fundamental part of the security policy.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the most stolen cars in Mexico? The Nissan Versa, Kenworth Truck, Nissan NP300, Bajaj 111-250 motorcycle, and Chevrolet Aveo are the most stolen cars in Mexico over the past 12 months.
- How does car theft affect insurance costs? Insurance premiums tend to be more expensive for vehicles with higher theft rates, even if their market value is low. Less stolen but more valuable cars might pay less for coverage.
- How many insured vehicles are stolen daily in Mexico? An average of 166 insured vehicles are stolen each day in Mexico.
- What is the recovery rate of stolen insured vehicles? In 2020, at least 46% of insured stolen cars were recovered. Currently, this proportion has dropped to 42%, with an average of 70 units recovered per day.