Toyota’s compact hybrid, the Aqua, has topped AMI Insurance’s list of New Zealand’s most stolen cars for the fourth year in a row.
The insurer received more than 9,000 theft and attempted theft claims in 2025, covering over 760 different vehicle makes and models. The Toyota Aqua alone accounted for 8% of all these claims, followed by the Toyota Corolla (7%) and the Nissan Tiida (6%).
The figures also show that Aquas are targeted far more often than most other vehicles. For every 1,000 insured Aquas, 54 had a theft claim. In comparison, only 15 out of every 1,000 Toyota Corollas were stolen.
Auckland recorded the highest number of vehicle thefts, followed by Canterbury, Waikato, Wellington, and the Bay of Plenty.
AMI Executive General Manager Claims, Steph Ferris, said theft claims had remained lower than the peak seen 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's list highlights the popularity of Toyota vehicles, with five different Toyota models making the top ten, including the Vitz, which climbed two places this year.
Vehicle age is a key factor in theft risk. Almost nine out of ten stolen vehicles were more than ten years old. “Older vehicles often lack modern, electronic encrypted locking systems, making them easier for thieves to compromise,” Steph explained.
She advised owners to consider a range of security options including alarms, immobilisers, fuel cut-off switches, steering wheel locks, and tracking systems. Parking inside a garage or behind a locked gate was also encouraged.
Around 64% of stolen vehicles were recovered. Of these, 40% were repairable, while the rest were typically written off and auctioned for parts. While hybrids like the Aqua were high on the list, petrol and diesel-powered cars still made up the majority of stolen vehicles overall.
AMI's Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in 2025
- Toyota Aqua
- Toyota Corolla
- Nissan Tiida
- Mazda Demio
- Toyota Vitz
- Toyota Hilux
- Subaru Impreza
- Mazda Atenza
- Toyota Mark X
- Mazda Axela
Top Stolen Vehicle by Region
Toyota Aqua was the most stolen vehicle in Auckland, Canterbury and Otago. The Corolla was most frequently stolen in Waikato, Wellington, Northland and Taranaki (shared with the Tiida), while other regions saw a mix of Mazdas, Suzukis, Nissans and even the Honda Jazz.
AMI’s Vehicle Security Tips
Lock your car at all times, park in well-lit or secure areas, use visible anti-theft devices, and never leave valuables on display. Basic GPS trackers can also help with recovery efforts.