Dramatic drop: Oregon sees auto thefts plunge 30% in 2024
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s 2024 Vehicle Theft Trends report reveals a significant drop in vehicle thefts across the U.S. in 2024, following a four-year surge. Vehicle theft in Oregon declined a dramatic 30 percent, the NW Insurance Council reported Thursday.
Despite the decline, the issue of vehicle theft remains a concern. In 2024, Oregon reported 11,812 vehicles stolen and ranked 10th in the nation for its vehicle theft rate, according to NICB.
In addition to taking auto theft prevention measures, The NW Insurance Council urges vehicle owners to consider optional Comprehensive or Other than Collision coverage to help protect themselves financially if their vehicle is stolen, because it is the only type of policy that will cover auto theft.
“It is encouraging news that fewer vehicles were stolen in Oregon in 2024 than in 2023, but even so, auto theft remains a significant problem in the Northwest,” said NW Insurance Council President Kenton Brine. “Insurers are paying much higher costs to repair or replace stolen vehicles than in the past, and those higher costs are contributing to insurance rate increases for consumers.”
KGW reported recently that Oregon saw the third-biggest drop in car thefts in the nation last year, while Washington topped the list at 32%, compared to the national reduction of 17%
One reason cited for the recent dramatic drop in car thefts is anti-theft software upgrades by carmakers, particularly for Hyundai and Kia models.
Asked by KTVZ News about reasons for the large reduction in thefts, Brine told us: "I wish I had a good explanation."
"When I saw the Washington numbers (32% reduction in 2024), I thought it might be due to increased law enforcement activity, because the Wash. Legislature returned police pursuit statutes to something closer to how they looked prior to 2021-22.
"But with Oregon making no significant changes in their police pursuits laws, and with auto theft rates down nationally, I think we have to look elsewhere for the 'why.'
"Certainly, the software fixes offered on Hyundai and Kia automobiles made a big dent, and I wonder if criminals (not being all that bright or able to distinguish various auto makes and trends) might have moved on to other types of crime, thinking that ALL cars are now harder to steal. But that’s pure speculation.
"We’re just glad the numbers are down, while still encouraging people to take proper precautions to reduce being targeted by thieves," Brine concluded.
Comprehensive or Other than Collision Coverage helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing a stolen vehicle. This policy also provides protection — up to the policy limits and typically after the deductible is met — for damage not caused by a collision. Covered incidents include fire, hail, windstorms, auto glass breakage, and even collisions with animals like deer.
The NW Insurance Council urges drivers to talk to their insurance company or agent to verify if the current auto insurance policy they have will help if the worst happens and their car or truck is stolen.
NICB and NW Insurance Council recommend that vehicle owners follow these tips to help guard against auto theft:
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Never leave valuables inside your vehicle, especially if they are visible from outside the vehicle.
- Never leave your keys inside the vehicle.
- Don’t leave the area while your vehicle is running.
- If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your auto insurer immediately. Reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery.
How to Help Stop Auto Theft & Insurance Fraud
In some cases, auto theft is a form of insurance fraud when vehicle owners arrange to have their vehicles stolen with hopes of collecting the insurance money. If you witness or have knowledge of an auto theft, you can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422) or submitting a form on NICB’s website.
For more information auto theft and insurance fraud, visit National Insurance Crime Bureau and NW Insurance Council.
NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit, insurer-supported organization providing information about home, auto and business insurance to consumers, media and public policymakers in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
