AMI reveals NZ’s top 10 stolen cars for 2025 
For the fourth consecutive year, the Toyota Aqua claims the title of New Zealand’s most stolen car, AMI reveals.
AMI Insurance received more than 9,000 vehicle theft and attempted theft claims in 2025.
The lengthy claims list spans more than 760 different makes and models, with the Toyota Aqua making up eight percent of all stolen vehicle claims, followed by the Toyota Corolla (seven percent) and the Nissan Tiida (six percent).
The data also shows Toyota Aquas are disproportionately targeted, with a theft rate nearly four times that of the country’s most insured vehicle, the Toyota Corolla.
For every 1,000 insured Toyota Aquas, 54 had a theft claim, compared with 15 per 1,000 Toyota Corollas.
Top regions for vehicle theft rank as follows: Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty.
AMI Executive General Manager Claims, Steph Ferris, says claims have been relatively lower over the past few 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.”
AMI is also seeing a clear trend when it comes to vehicle age and theft risk, with nearly nine in ten stolen vehicles being older than 10 years.
“Older vehicles often lack modern, electronic encrypted locking systems, making them easier for thieves to compromise.”
Around 64 percent of stolen vehicles are recovered, and 40 percent of these are repairable, with the remainder typically written off and auctioned for parts.
Despite some hybrids topping the chart, they account for only around 5 percent of total thefts, with petrol or diesel-powered vehicles making up the vast majority.

The AMI top 10 stolen cars list
1.    Toyota Aqua (=)
2.    Toyota Corolla (=)
3.    Nissan Tiida (=)
4.    Mazda Demio (=)
5.    Toyota Vitz (+2)
6.    Toyota Hilux (=)
7.    Subaru Impreza (+1)
8.    Mazda Atenza (-3)
9.    Toyota Mark X (=)
10.    Mazda Axela (=)

AMI’s top tips for vehicle security
• Where possible, park down a driveway or inside a garage. If there isn’t any off-street parking available, try to park your car in a well-lit area.
• Consider using anti-theft protection measures, such as a car alarm system, immobiliser, fuel cut out switch, steering wheel lock, handbrake lock, or car tracking system.
• There are some good, cost-effective GPS tags that can be placed inside vehicles and are very helpful in assisting the police to track the vehicle.
• Make sure you always lock your car, especially when your car is parked and unattended.
• Don’t leave valuables on display.
• Avoid leaving windows or the sunroof open when you’re not in the car.
• Don’t get out of your car and leave the engine running or keys in it, even for a few seconds.
• Always lock your car doors when driving your car and consider keeping the windows up, especially in low-speed areas.