Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Tops List of Most Stolen Cars in Texas

More than 850,000 vehicles were stolen in the United States last year, according to BankRate.com — and some vehicles are more popular than others.

Online publisher Visual Capitalist recently published a map of the most stolen vehicles in the United States.

While the Hyundai Elantra is the most stolen vehicle in 21 American states, here's what they list as the most stolen vehicle in Texas.

Which vehicle is stolen most in Texas?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is car thieves' favorite vehicle to steal in Texas, based on a FinanceBuzz review of National Insurance Crime Bureau data. It is also among the top three most stolen car models in the U.S.

Thieves often target them for high-demand parts like engines, transmissions, body panels and catalytic converters.

Many Silverado 1500 models, especially those built before 2015, lack modern electronic immobilizers — the anti-theft systems designed to prevent the engine from starting without the correct key. Without that protection, these trucks are more vulnerable to basic theft methods such as hot-wiring or ignition tampering with a screwdriver.

Meanwhile, newer Silverado models with keyless entry and push-button start can be compromised through relay attacks. In this method, a device placed near the owner's home captures the signal from the key fob and relays it to another device near the truck, tricking the vehicle into thinking the fob is nearby and allowing it to unlock and start.

The 10 most stolen car models in the U.S.

1. Hyundai Elantra
2. Hyundai Sonata
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4. Honda Accord
5. Kia Optima
6. Honda Civic
7. Kia Soul
8. Ford F150 Series
9. Toyota Camry
10. Dodge Charger

See models by state

• Alabama: Toyota Camry
• Alaska: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Arizona: Hyundai Elantra
• Arkansas: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• California: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Colorado: Hyundai Elantra
• Connecticut: Hyundai Elantra
• Delaware: Hyundai Elantra
• District of Columbia: Hyundai Elantra
• Florida: Hyundai Elantra
• Georgia: Hyundai Elantra
• Hawaii: Kia Soul
• Idaho: Ford F150 Series
• Illinois: Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Indiana: Hyundai Elantra
• Iowa: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Kansas: Hyundai Elantra
• Kentucky: Hyundai Sonata
• Louisiana: Hyundai Elantra
• Maine: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Maryland: Hyundai Elantra
• Massachusetts: Honda Accord and Hyundai Elantra (tie)
• Michigan: Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Minnesota: Hyundai Elantra
• Mississippi: Ford F150 Series
• Missouri: Hyundai Elantra
• Montana: Ford F150 Series
• Nebraska: Hyundai Elantra
• Nevada: Hyundai Elantra
• New Hampshire: GMC Savana
• New Jersey: Honda Accord
• New Mexico: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• New York: Honda CR-V
• North Carolina: Hyundai Elantra
• North Dakota: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Ohio: Hyundai Elantra
• Oklahoma: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Oregon: Honda Civic
• Pennsylvania: Hyundai Elantra
• Puerto Rico: Kia Sportage
• Rhode Island: Honda Accord
• South Carolina: Honda Accord
• South Dakota: Ford F150 Series
• Tennessee: Nissan Maxima
• Texas: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
• Utah: Honda Civic
• Vermont: Subaru Forester
• Virginia: Hyundai Elantra
• Washington: Hyundai Elantra
• West Virginia: Ford F150 Series
• Wisconsin: Hyundai Elantra
• Wyoming: Ford F150 Series

How to prevent your car from being stolen in Texas

Thanks to modern technology, there are several ways to deter or prevent auto theft entirely. Some vehicles come standard with anti-theft systems and tech like engine immobilizers. A vehicle owner can also purchase aftermarket devices and tech to add to a vehicle, such as a tracking device.

Types of anti-theft systems:

• Ignition cut-off
• Automatic passive alarms
• Tracking signals
• Steering wheel lock

Though anti-theft systems like a steering wheel lock may seem antiquated, this type of system is one way to ensure that no one can operate your vehicle using your steering wheel without the key to the lock.

You can use Apple AirTags and other tracking devices/apps to keep tabs on your vehicle at all times. Geico also recommends keeping your vehicle title outside of the vehicle in the event that it is stolen.

Anti-theft systems may not seem like a necessity, but they can make a huge difference in preventing vehicle theft. They're especially recommended if you don't have a way to surveil your vehicle when it's parked near your home.

What to do if your car is stolen

The quicker you report your car stolen, the better your chances are of recovering it, according to AAA.com. Roughly 80% of stolen vehicles are recovered within the first two days of the theft. If your car is stolen, the first step you should take is to report the theft to the authorities. After contacting law enforcement, contact your auto insurance provider. If you have comprehensive insurance, the theft may be covered by your policy.

Becoming the victim of a car theft is a stressful experience, but there are ways to deter theft and steps to follow if your vehicle is stolen. Anti-theft technology may have evolved over the years, but so have car thieves. Remain vigilant and prepared to prevent auto theft.