The number of cars stolen in Germany fell slightly from 2023 to 2024, according to figures from the German Insurance Association (GDV).
Approximately 40 cars are stolen in Germany every day, and a recent report by ADAC notes that some makes and models are particularly at risk.
Some German states also report far higher numbers of car thefts than others.
READ ALSO: Car insurance premiums to increase for millions of drivers in Germany
Here's the latest information on which cars are being targeted, and on what you need to know if your car is stolen.
Which cars are stolen most frequently?
Statistically, the Lexus NX (a Toyota brand) holds the dubious honour of being the most stolen car in Germany in 2024, with 130 vehicles stolen for every 10,000 insured cars for its first generation.
Close behind is the Toyota Land Cruiser fourth generation, with a theft rate of 104 per 10,000 insured vehicles.
The Lexus UX also features prominently, with 99 thefts per 10,000.
Other models frequently targeted include the Chrysler Grand Cherokee, Kia Stinger, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, Audi Q7, and BMW X6.
Toyota models, especially Lexus-branded cars, dominate the per-capita theft risk charts, while Volkswagens lead in sheer volume due to their widespread presence on Germany's roads.
Other luxury SUVs and upper mid-range models from brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz, are notably popular with thieves as well, reflecting market demand for these vehicles.
Where do most thefts take place in Germany?
Geographically, Berlin stands out as Germany’s car theft capital, accounting for approximately one in every four cars stolen nationwide.
According to the latest ADAC statistics, of 14,162 insured vehicles stolen in Germany last year, 3,855 cases were recorded in Berlin. This translates into a figure of 39 stolen vehicles per 10,000 insured cars in the capital, dwarfing the state of Hamburg (in second place overall), where 897 cars were stolen (14 per 10,000 insured) in 2024.
READ ALSO: The essential vocab you need for driving in Germany
While Berlin remains the clear leader both in absolute and relative terms, the city has seen a gradual improvement: car thefts there fell by about 10 percent compared to the previous year.
In contrast, some other states experienced rising theft rates. North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, registered an increase of 2.5 percent to nearly 3,000 stolen vehicles, and Baden-WĂĽrttemberg saw an 11 percent rise to an admittedly still very modest 635 cases.
What to do if your car is stolen in Germany
Despite the relatively low numbers, around 40 cars are still stolen in the country every day – and there are a number of steps to follow if it happens.
If your phone or credit cards were in the car, have them blocked immediately.
Then report the theft as soon as you can to the nearest police station.
A formal police report (Strafanzeige) will initiate an investigation and is a requirement for insurance claims. The ADAC recommends that you only provide information about the vehicle which you know for certain.
Remember to ask for copies of the report to submit to your insurance company and the motor vehicle registration office.
The next step is getting in touch with your insurance company.
Typically, the insurance provider will request a copy of the official police report, proof of identity, the car’s registration certificate (Fahrzeugschein/Zulassungsbescheinigung), proof of ownership, and the original insurance policy documents to confirm coverage.
If relevant, you might also need to submit receipts or invoices showing the value of any items taken with the car. It’s also possible that any valuables in the car are covered under a different insurance policy, in which case you’ll have to let them know what’s happened as well
READ ALSO: Everything you need to carry in your car while driving in Germany
The next step is to complete an official claim form from the insurance provider. It's important to submit your claim with all the necessary documents as soon as possible, as many insurance policies in Germany set reporting deadlines for car theft claims.
If the stolen car was registered in Germany, you'll also have to notify the local vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle) about the theft. This should be done within two weeks of the theft to ensure you avoid paying unnecessary vehicle taxes and insurance premiums.
Comments