Are you driving one of New Zealand’s most stolen cars?

If your set of wheels is a Honda, Nissan, Mazda or Subaru that’s over 10 years old, you might want to check out AA Insurance’s latest Top 10 Stolen Vehicles list.

While the Honda Torneo continues to hold the top spot, since its debut on the list in 2010, and has the greatest probability of being stolen than any other car on our roads, it’s the only Honda to make the top ten. The rest are made up of Nissan, Mazda and Subaru models.

According to our AA Insurance claims data, 96 per cent of theft claims for models in the Top 10 list were for cars manufactured more than 10 years ago - the average age was 16 years, while the average claim value was almost $4,000.

Top 10 Stolen Cars

1. Honda Torneo 

2. Mazda Familia 

3. Mazda Demio 

4. Subaru Impreza 

5. Nissan Sunny 

6. Nissan Cefiro 

7. Mazda Atenza 

8. Subaru Forester 

9. Nissan Terrano 

10. Mazda Capella

(Source: AA Insurance claims data 1 Jan 2016 – 31 Dec 2017)

Don’t get too concerned if you own a newer model of car on the list. Newer models tend to have more sophisticated security systems, so fewer are stolen. However, owners should never be complacent; thieves will always go for the easiest, fastest option, so it pays to make it harder for them, so they’re not tempted.

So, here are a few tips from AA Insurance to help prevent car theft:

• Always lock your car, even when parking at home

• Keep all valuables and your car keys out of sight, including away from your front and back doors

• Where possible try to park in a garage, carport or off-street

• If you have to park on the street make sure your car is under a street light or in a well-lit area

• If in a car park then use an attended, secure parking building and park close to the entrance or exit

• Install visible security such as an alarm light, immobiliser or steering lock 

• Know where your keys are at all times, and never leave them in your car, even at home. Thieves will now steal car keys to access new vehicles with sophisticated modern security systems

• Be extra vigilant over weekends and during warmer weather when there are more thefts reported

NB: To calculate theft incidence rates, AA Insurance measures the number of claims made for each model of car for which 20 or more claims have been made, as a percentage of the total number of policies it holds for that model. The information is based on AA Insurance’s highest theft claims incidence rates over the last two years for cars covered under comprehensive car insurance.