The Toyota Aqua has topped Aotearoa’s annual most-stolen car list for the fourth consecutive year.
Thefts of the hybrid hatchback made up 8% of all stolen vehicle insurance claims in 2025, according to AMI.
Statistics released by AMI today show the insurer received more than 9000 vehicle theft and attempted theft claims last year.
Trailing the Toyota Aqua, which has ranked No 1 since 2022, were the Toyota Corolla, accounting for 7% of claims, and the Nissan Tiida at 6%.
The data shows Toyota Aquas are disproportionately targeted, with 54 theft claims per 1000 insured vehicles, nearly four times the rate of the Toyota Corolla, which recorded 15 per 1000.
Auckland recorded the highest number of car thefts followed by Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty.
AMI’s e…
The Toyota Aqua has topped Aotearoa’s annual most-stolen car list for the fourth consecutive year.
Thefts of the hybrid hatchback made up 8% of all stolen vehicle insurance claims in 2025, according to AMI.
Statistics released by AMI today show the insurer received more than 9000 vehicle theft and attempted theft claims last year.
Trailing the Toyota Aqua, which has ranked No 1 since 2022, were the Toyota Corolla, accounting for 7% of claims, and the Nissan Tiida at 6%.
The data shows Toyota Aquas are disproportionately targeted, with 54 theft claims per 1000 insured vehicles, nearly four times the rate of the Toyota Corolla, which recorded 15 per 1000.
Auckland recorded the highest number of car thefts followed by Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty.
AMI’s executive general manager of claims, Steph Ferris, said the number of stolen vehicle claims had declined from a peak in 2023, due to factors such as lower overall crime levels and more sophisticated security systems in newer cars.
“Older vehicles often lack modern, electronic encrypted locking systems, making them easier for thieves to compromise,” Ferris said.
AMI noted nearly 90% of stolen cars last year were more than 10 years old.
Police also advised Kiwi car owners to take preventive steps to protect their vehicles from theft.
“There are quick jobs that can be as simple as ensuring your vehicle is locked and, if possible, securely parked overnight,” said national communities prevention and partnerships manager Inspector Brett Callander.
“This can mean parking in a well-lit area, or in off-street parking, like a garage or carport.”
Callander also recommended basic steps such as removing valuables, installing a steering wheel lock, car alarm or immobiliser, and setting up CCTV near where vehicles are parked.
“Investing in any method of prevention is better than having your vehicle unlawfully taken, as they are expensive to replace and inconvenient to go without,” he said.
The AMI top 10 stolen cars list** ***
- Toyota Aqua (=)
- Toyota Corolla (=)
- Nissan Tiida (=)
- Mazda Demio (=)
- Toyota Vitz (+2)
- Toyota Hilux (=)
- Subaru Impreza (+1)
- Mazda Atenza (-3)
- Toyota Mark X (=)
- Mazda Axela (=)
* Cars are ranked from highest frequency of theft to lowest. Symbols indicate rank movement compared to 2024.
The most frequently stolen vehicle in each region (regions ranked by claims volume)
- 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