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For the fourth year running, the Toyota Aqua has been named New Zealand’s most stolen car, according to new data released by AMI Insurance.
AMI received more than 9,000 vehicle theft and attempted theft claims during the 2025 calendar year, with claims spanning more than 760 different makes and models.
The Toyota Aqua accounted for 8 percent of all stolen vehicle claims, followed by the Toyota Corolla (7 percent) and the Nissan Tiida (6 percent).
Despite being one of the country’s most popular vehicles, the data shows the Aqua is disproportionately targeted. For every 1,000 insured Toyota Aquas, 54 had a theft claim, compared with just 15 theft claims per 1,000 Toyota Corollas, New Zealand’s most insured vehicle.
Auckland tops regional theft rankings
Vehicle theft claims were most common in Auckland, followed by Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington and the Bay of Plenty.
AMI Executive General Manager Claims Steph Ferris says overall claims volumes have been lower in recent years following a peak in 2023.
“Lower crime rates, improved security systems in newer vehicles, and New Zealanders adopting security practices, including being more mindful about where they park, likely play a part in this,” she says.
Toyota models dominate the 2025 list, with five different Toyotas appearing in the top nine. The Toyota Vitz climbed two places compared with last year’s rankings.
Older vehicles most at risk
The data also highlights a strong link between vehicle age and theft risk, with nearly nine in 10 stolen vehicles being more than 10 years old.
“Older vehicles often lack modern, electronic encrypted locking systems, making them easier for thieves to compromise,” Ferris says.
Around 64 percent of stolen vehicles are eventually recovered, and about 40 percent of those can be repaired. The remaining vehicles are typically written off and sold at auction for parts.
While several hybrid vehicles appear at the top of the list, AMI says hybrids account for only around 5 percent of all vehicle thefts, with petrol and diesel vehicles making up the vast majority.
AMI’s top 10 stolen cars for 2025
- Toyota Aqua (=)
- Toyota Corolla (=)
- Nissan Tiida (=)
- Mazda Demio (=)
- Toyota Vitz (+2)
- Toyota Hilux (=)
- Subaru Impreza (+1)
- Mazda Atenza (-3)
- Toyota Mark X (=)
- Mazda Axela (=)
(Ranked by frequency of theft. Movement compared with 2024 in brackets.)
Most frequently stolen vehicle by region
- Auckland: Toyota Aqua
- Canterbury: Toyota Aqua
- Waikato: Toyota Corolla
- Wellington: Toyota Corolla
- Bay of Plenty: Toyota Corolla
- Manawatū: Nissan Tiida
- Northland: Toyota Corolla
- Hawke’s Bay: Mazda Atenza
- Gisborne: Mazda Demio
- Taranaki: Toyota Corolla and Nissan Tiida
- Otago: Toyota Aqua
- Southland: Suzuki Swift
- Nelson: Nissan Tiida
- Tasman: Mazda Demio and Toyota Corolla
- West Coast: Toyota Hilux
- Marlborough: Honda Jazz
AMI’s top tips to reduce vehicle theft
- Park in a garage or down a driveway where possible.
- If off-street parking isn’t available, park in a well-lit area.
- Use anti-theft devices such as alarms, immobilisers, steering-wheel locks or handbrake locks.
- Consider GPS tracking devices to help Police locate stolen vehicles.
- Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables on display.
- Never leave your car running or keys inside, even briefly.
