BALTIMORE, MD—A new study by 5 Star Car Title Loans reveals that Maryland has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the nation, driven by a staggering 184% increase in thefts between 2022 and 2023.
The analysis, which examined FBI crime data from 2022 to 2024, ranked Maryland second in the U.S. for auto theft risk. While the state saw a 22.7% decrease in thefts in 2024, this followed the largest year-over-year jump of any state.
Bryan Solis, head of sales at 5 Star Car Title Loans, said the data highlights how quickly crime patterns can change.
“A state can go from moderate risk to high risk almost overnight, which is why staying informed about local trends matters for insurance planning,” Solis said in the press release.
The study used a weighted “Auto Theft Risk Score” that considers both current theft rates and the momentum of change. Maryland’s score of 81.7 placed it behind only New Mexico, which led the nation with 485 thefts per 100,000 residents in 2024.
According to the report, Maryland’s alarming trajectory is particularly concerning for vehicle owners.
“Maryland’s dramatic surge illustrates how quickly theft patterns can shift,” Solis said.
The study noted that high theft rates directly impact insurance premiums, with drivers in high-risk states potentially facing increases of 20-40%. Solis stressed the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage, especially for those in states experiencing a surge in thefts.
While New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada led the top 10 with the highest raw theft rates, Maryland’s ranking was primarily due to its explosive growth in crime. Nebraska also showed a hidden risk, ranking fifth with a 6.7% increase in thefts in 2024, following a massive 131.4% jump the previous year.
Solis advised drivers in high-risk areas to not only secure comprehensive coverage but also to consider additional security measures like GPS tracking or steering wheel locks. He emphasized that the financial and logistical complications of a stolen vehicle are compounded for those with outstanding loans.
Table: Top 10 States With the Highest Vehicle Theft Rates
| Rank | States | Motor Vehicle Theft Rate Per 100,000 Residents (2024) | % YoY Change From 2023 to 2024 | % YoY Change From 2022 to 2023 | Auto Theft Risk Score |
| 1 | New Mexico | 485 | -2.1% | -2.3% | 100.0 |
| 2 | Maryland | 408 | -22.7% | 184.3% | 81.7 |
| 3 | Colorado | 484 | -23.0% | -17.0% | 81.2 |
| 4 | Nevada | 472 | -27.8% | 38.7% | 78.7 |
| 5 | Nebraska | 247 | 6.7% | 131.4% | 76.2 |
| 6 | Missouri | 389 | -16.1% | -3.6% | 71.9 |
| 7 | Hawaii | 243 | 11.4% | -31.4% | 69.0 |
| 8 | Washington | 427 | -34.9% | 6.3% | 62.9 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 239 | -1.0% | 33.0% | 62.0 |
| 10 | Texas | 322 | -17.1% | 26.3% | 61.7 |
