Auto Theft Down 23% Nationwide. Tech-Driven Thefts Still Evolving.

Rhea-AI Summary

Mercury Insurance (NYSE:MCY) highlights a national decline in auto thefts but warns evolving tactics keep risk elevated. 2025 thefts fell 23% vs 2024, following a 16.7% drop in 2024; 49 states reported declines while California—especially Los Angeles County—remains a hotspot.

Thieves increasingly exploit keyless entry, relay attacks and OBD port hacks; recovery rates exceeded 85% in 2023. Mercury recommends visible deterrents, key-fob protection, never leaving vehicles running, and supplemental anti-theft devices.

Positive

• National thefts down 23% in 2025 vs 2024
• 49 states reported declines in vehicle thefts
• High recovery rates: over 85% of stolen vehicles recovered in 2023

Negative

• California concentration: over 50% of statewide thefts occur in Southern California
• Thieves shifting to keyless entry, relay attacks, and OBD hacks, increasing stealth thefts
• Kia and Hyundai models remain top targets for thefts

Key Figures

Auto theft decline: 23% Prior-year decline: 16.7% States with declines: 49 states +2 more

5 metrics

Auto theft decline 23% 2025 vehicle thefts vs. 2024 (NICB)

Prior-year decline 16.7% 2024 vehicle thefts after 2023 peak

States with declines 49 states States reporting fewer theft incidents

CA SoCal concentration Over 50% California thefts occurring in Southern California

Vehicle recovery rate More than 85% Stolen vehicles recovered in 2023

Market Reality Check

Price: $88.74 Vol: Volume 475,911 is 33% abo...

normal vol

$88.74 Last Close

Volume Volume 475,911 is 33% above the 20-day average of 356,825, indicating elevated interest into this release. normal

Technical Trading above the 200-day MA at $79.07, suggesting a pre-existing upward bias before this news.

Peers on Argus

MCY gained 3.46% with higher volume, while key peers were mixed: HGTY up 1.57%, ...

MCY gained 3.46% with higher volume, while key peers were mixed: HGTY up 1.57%, SIGI and WTM slightly negative, LMND down 2.67%, and KMPR flat. This pattern points to a stock-specific reaction rather than a broad property & casualty insurance move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 24 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 24	Rating affirmation	Positive	+2.3%	AM Best affirmed A rating and revised outlooks to stable.
Feb 24	Customer service award	Positive	+2.3%	Named a top customer service provider by USA TODAY.
Feb 19	Safety education	Neutral	-1.0%	Highlighted elevated fatal-crash risk for teen drivers.
Feb 17	Earnings and dividend	Neutral	-9.2%	Reported Q4 and FY 2025 results and declared dividend.
Feb 17	Home maintenance tips	Positive	+2.9%	Warned homeowners about costly late-winter maintenance neglect.

Pattern Detected

MCY has generally reacted positively to favorable reputation and risk-education news, while reactions around earnings and certain safety campaigns have been weaker or negative.

Recent Company History

Recent MCY news shows a mix of rating, branding, educational, and financial updates. On Feb 24, 2026, AM Best affirmed an A (Excellent) rating with outlooks revised to stable alongside a $2.4 billion policyholder surplus, coinciding with a 2.34% gain. That day, a USA TODAY customer service recognition also aligned with the same positive move. Earlier, a teen-driving risk campaign on Feb 19 saw a -1.02% move, while a -9.2% reaction followed Q4/FY 2025 results and dividend news on Feb 17. Home-maintenance guidance on Feb 17 correlated with a 2.91% rise.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement underscores a 23% national decline in auto thefts in 2025, following a 16.7% drop ...

Analysis

This announcement underscores a 23% national decline in auto thefts in 2025, following a 16.7% drop in 2024, while stressing persistent regional risk in Southern California and evolving tech-enabled theft methods. For MCY, it complements recent rating strength and customer-service recognition by emphasizing risk awareness and prevention. Investors may watch how such risk trends influence claim patterns, pricing, and future communications that build on these theft and recovery statistics above 85%.

Key Terms

keyless entry systems, relay attacks

2 terms

keyless entry systems technical

"thieves are increasingly exploiting keyless entry systems, relay attacks and on-board"

Keyless entry systems are electronic locking solutions that let users unlock and start vehicles or access buildings using a code, smartphone app, proximity fob, or biometric scan instead of a traditional metal key. Investors care because these systems affect product appeal, recurring software or service revenue, warranty and recall risk, and exposure to cybersecurity or regulatory issues—like a car's feature set that can both boost sales and create ongoing costs or liabilities.

relay attacks technical

"exploiting keyless entry systems, relay attacks and on-board diagnostic (OBD) port"

Relay attacks are a type of cyberfraud where criminals secretly capture and pass along electronic signals between two devices so they appear to be communicating directly, like someone intercepting and relaying a note between two people to impersonate one of them. Investors should care because successful relay attacks can lead to stolen funds, fraud losses, product recalls, legal fines, and damage to a company’s reputation, all of which can reduce revenue and share value.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

49 States See Declines, but California Remains a Hotspot as Thieves Exploit Keyless Entry and OBD Hacks

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After years of increases, U.S. auto theft is finally trending downward — but the risk hasn't disappeared. Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas MCY) reviewed auto theft statistics dating back to 2023 to track and share insights from those learnings.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 2025 saw a 23% decline in vehicle thefts compared to the same period in 2024, with 49 states reporting fewer incidents. That follows a 16.7% decrease in 2024 after thefts peaked in 2023, signaling a continued national slowdown. Still, theft levels remain elevated in key regions, particularly California, where more than 50% of statewide thefts occur in Southern California — especially Los Angeles County.

At the same time, criminals are shifting tactics.

Rather than traditional "smash and grab" break-ins, thieves are increasingly exploiting keyless entry systems, relay attacks and on-board diagnostic (OBD) port vulnerabilities to steal vehicles more quickly and quietly.

"While the number of auto thefts has been declining, incidents of crime still remain high, especially in California," said Justin Yoshizawa, Product Management for Mercury Insurance. "It remains important that vehicle owners stay vigilant in protecting their investments."

Key Auto Theft Trends (2024–2026)

Declining National Numbers

• 23% decline in 2025 vs. 2024 (NICB)
• 16.7% decline in 2024 after a 2023 peak

Top Targeted Vehicles

• Kia and Hyundai models have experienced some of the highest theft rates in recent years
• The trend has shifted away from just full-size pickup trucks

Regional Concentration

• Over 50% of California vehicle thefts occur in Southern California
• Los Angeles County remains a primary hotspot

Evolving Theft Methods

• Keyless entry exploitation
• Relay attacks targeting unsecured key fobs
• OBD port hacking and ignition bypasses

High Recovery Rates

• More than 85% of stolen vehicles were recovered in 2023

How Drivers Can Reduce Risk

Mercury Insurance encourages drivers to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles:

Use Steering Wheel Locks

• Highly visible deterrents remain effective, particularly for high-target models such as Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

Secure Key Fobs

• Store keyless entry fobs in signal-blocking pouches to prevent relay attacks.

Never Leave a Vehicle Running

• Even brief stops increase vulnerability if a vehicle is left unlocked or idling.

Consider Additional Anti-Theft Devices

• Kill switches, tracking devices such as Apple AirTags, and manufacturer-approved anti-theft technology may provide additional protection — and in some cases may qualify for insurance discounts.

"Mercury recommends that consumers stay up to date on the latest auto theft information," Yoshizawa added. "Staying ahead of the curve may prevent you from becoming a victim yourself."

To learn more about auto theft and coverage, visit the Mercury Blog.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on X, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/auto-theft-down-23-nationwide-tech-driven-thefts-still-evolving-302698387.html

SOURCE Mercury Insurance Services, LLC

FAQ

What did Mercury Insurance (MCY) report about U.S. auto theft trends in 2025?

Auto thefts declined nationally by 23% in 2025 vs 2024. According to Mercury Insurance, 49 states reported fewer incidents, continuing a multi-year slowdown after 2023 peaks while regional hotspots persist.

Why is California still a theft hotspot according to Mercury (MCY) on Feb 26, 2026?

California remains concentrated in thefts, with over 50% occurring in Southern California. According to Mercury Insurance, Los Angeles County is a primary hotspot driving the state's elevated theft levels.

Which vehicles are most targeted for thefts per Mercury Insurance (MCY)?

Kia and Hyundai models have some of the highest theft rates recently. According to Mercury Insurance, these models remain top targets and visible deterrents are especially recommended for them.

What new theft methods does Mercury Insurance (MCY) warn about in 2026?

Criminals increasingly exploit keyless entry, relay attacks, and OBD port hacks to steal vehicles quietly. According to Mercury Insurance, these methods enable faster, less noisy thefts than traditional break-ins.

What practical anti-theft steps does Mercury Insurance (MCY) recommend for drivers?

Use steering wheel locks, signal-blocking pouches for key fobs, and consider kill switches or trackers. According to Mercury Insurance, these measures reduce risk and may qualify drivers for insurance discounts.