Auto thefts plummet in Oregon and across the U.S.; there’s still simple steps you can take to avoid being a victim
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – New data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows a sharp drop in vehicle thefts across Oregon and nationwide, marking a continued downward trend in recent years.
According to NICB’s 2025 Vehicle Thefts Trends report, auto thefts across the U.S. fell again by 23 percent from 2024 to 2025, following a 17 percent decrease the previous year.
Oregon saw a steep decline as well, with vehicle thefts dropping 26 percent from 2024 to 2025.
Despite that progress, the NW Insurance Council said Thursday that auto theft remains a concern, with 8,868 Oregon vehicles reported stolen in 2025, ranking the state 12th in the nation for theft rate.
So why the big drop, after a surge during the COVID pandemic years?
“Coordinated prevention efforts by law enforcement, auto manufacturers, insurance companies, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau are having a major impact on vehicle thefts nationwide,” said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe.
“But with several hundreds of thousands of vehicles stolen in a single year, vigilance and prevention efforts remain key to protecting families, businesses and communities nationwide,” Glawe added.
The NW Insurance Council cautioned that while the trend is encouraging, many drivers remain financially vulnerable.
“While it’s good news that fewer vehicles are being stolen, auto theft is still a significant problem in the Northwest,” said Kenton Brine, NW Insurance Council president. “The cost to repair or replace stolen vehicles continues to rise, and those costs are contributing to higher insurance premiums for consumers.”
Financial protection is still critical
Many drivers may not realize that standard auto insurance policies do not cover vehicle theft. Optional Comprehensive or Other than Collision Coverage is typically the only way to protect against theft-related losses.
This coverage helps to pay to repair or replace a stolen vehicle, up to policy limits and after any deductible. It also covers non-collision damage such as fire, hail, windstorms, glass breakage and animal collisions.
Simple steps to reduce theft risk
NICB and NW Insurance Council recommend that vehicle owners follow these tips to help guard against auto theft:
- Park in well-lit, high-visibility areas.
- Always close and lock doors and windows.
- Never leave valuables inside your vehicle, especially if they are visible from outside the vehicle.
- Never leave keys inside the vehicle.
- Don’t leave the area while your vehicle is running.
If your vehicle is stolen, report it immediately to law enforcement and your insurance company. Quick reporting increases the likelihood of recovery.
Reporting theft and fraud
In some cases, auto theft is linked to insurance fraud, when vehicles are intentionally stolen to collect payouts. Anyone with information about vehicle theft or suspected fraud can report it anonymously by calling 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422) or submitting a form through the NICB website.
For more information on auto theft and insurance fraud, visit the National Insurance Crime Bureau and NW Insurance Council websites.
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.
