The Toyota Aqua has taken the top spot from the Mazda Demio as New Zealand’s most frequently stolen car, according to new data.

In 2022, the Aqua, also known as the Toyota Prius C, accounted for 11% of AMI insurance company’s vehicle theft claims, despite only making up 1.47% of the country’s fleet.

The Toyota Aqua pips the Demio, which now comes in as the second most stolen car, closely followed by the Nissan Tiida. Rounding out the top ten are the Mazda Atenza (Mazda 6), Toyota MarkX, Toyota Vitz, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza and Mazda Familia.

The MarkX’s inaugural entry into the top 10 is of note, with theft claims surging in recent years from only 21 claims in 2020 to 441 in 2022, a 2000% increase in just three years.

This pattern is mirrored across the rest of the data, as theft claims soared to new highs in 2022, up 43% on the year prior. This is a growing trend, despite a Covid-related dip in 2020. 

AMI’s Executive General Manager Claims, Wayne Tippet, says the fact that thefts are trending upwards again makes it even more important to ensure insurance details are current. 

“Across New Zealand, we received 8,492 claims for vehicle thefts in 2022, up 43% on the year before, and up 54% from 201,” said Tippet.

“There are some things you can do to make your car less attractive to thieves, such as locking it, removing any valuables, and parking off-street or in a busy, well-lit area. Immobilisers are good, but if your car doesn’t have one installed, steering locks are effective deterrents 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,” said 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.”

Regionally, Auckland far outstrips other areas of the country for vehicle theft claims, with almost 3,000 claims last year, well above runner-up Canterbury, with 1,214 claims.

Recovery rates remain high, with 94% of all Aquas recovered, 93% of Demios and 91% of Vitzes, suggesting the majority of cars are being stolen for joyrides. 

“Virtually all of these cars are recovered, so it’s likely they’re being stolen for joy rides or to commit other crimes, such as burglaries,” said Tippet.