Car thefts in Europe: New analysis shows France as the leader

As the 2025 travel season gets underway and millions of people embark on their well-deserved holidays, one issue is increasingly becoming the focus of security concerns: car theft in Europe.

Find here an Comprehensive analysis of the new driver insurance Zego has now identified the European countries with the highest car theft rates, providing valuable insights for car owners and travelers planning to travel in their own car or rent a car abroad. The results show that France tops the rankings, followed by Greece and Italy. These findings underscore the need for additional security measures for travelers to protect their belongings while on vacation.

The methodology of the study: A look at the data

For their study, the experts at Zego, a new driver insurance company, analyzed years of car theft data. The study is based on annual averages from 2015 to 2022 and takes into account the average annual car theft rate per 100.000 inhabitants to create a comparable basis across countries of different sizes. The average number of car thefts per day was also determined for each country. Data from a total of 32 European countries were included in the analysis to create a comprehensive picture of the situation. This detailed database makes it possible to identify clear trends and risk profiles for different travel destinations within Europe. Such studies are of great importance for educating both insurance companies and travelers about potential risks and promoting preventative measures. The data from 2015 to 2022 provide a stable average that smooths out short-term fluctuations and allows for a reliable assessment of long-term trends.

The top 10 car theft hotspots in Europe

Zego's analysis identifies a clear ranking of European countries with the highest car theft rates per 100.000 inhabitants. The results are particularly important for travelers, as they point to countries where extra caution is advised:

1. France: France leads the rankings with an average of 248 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants. The daily car theft rate in France, with an average of 451 stolen vehicles, is the highest of all the countries surveyed. This means that, statistically, 19 vehicles are stolen every hour in France. The high number of stolen vehicles, both in absolute terms and relative to the population, makes France a country where car owners and renters should exercise particular caution. The variety of theft methods, from organized gangs to spontaneous opportunistic thefts, contributes to this high rate.
2. Greece: Greece follows in second place, with an average of 228 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants. In this European coastal country, there are an average of 63 car thefts per day, which means a vehicle is stolen approximately every three hours. Vehicles can be particularly attractive to thieves in tourist regions and major cities in Greece.
3. Italy: Close behind Greece, Italy ranks third with an average of 227 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants. The absolute number of daily car thefts in Italy, with an average of 369 vehicles, is the second highest of all the countries surveyed, surpassed only by France. Statistically, an average of 15 vehicles are stolen there per hour. Italian cities and tourist centers are particularly affected.
4. Sweden: The Nordic country of Sweden ranks fourth with an average of 206 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants. An average of 60 vehicles are stolen here per day. It is striking that the hourly car theft rate in Sweden, with two stolen vehicles per hour, is the second lowest of all countries surveyed, indicating a comparatively lower frequency but still a high rate per capita.
5. Luxembourg: Luxembourg rounds out the top 5 with an average of 162 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants. With an average of three car thefts per day, Luxembourg is among the countries with the third-lowest daily car theft rate. Measured by the number of cars stolen hourly, this figure is zero nationwide, reflecting the very low absolute number of thefts, but still a high rate relative to the small population.
6. Netherlands: In sixth place are the Netherlands, with 156 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants and an average of 78 thefts per day. The dense population and high vehicle density in the Netherlands contribute to these figures.
7. United Kingdom: The United Kingdom ranks seventh with 142 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants. The absolute number of daily thefts is also very high here, at 268 vehicles, reflecting the country's large population.
8. Belgium: Belgium ranks eighth with 116 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants and an average of 37 thefts per day.
9. Switzerland and Finland (tied): Switzerland and Finland share ninth place, both with 108 car thefts per 100.000 inhabitants. In Switzerland, an average of 26 vehicles are stolen per day, compared to 17 in Finland. The comparatively lower absolute numbers in these countries are due to their smaller populations.

The study by the Zego experts clearly shows that the risk of car theft varies greatly from region to region in Europe.

Focus on prevention measures and risk factors

The results of the Zego analysis are not just statistics, but an important call to action for travelers. Car theft not only causes financial loss, but can also significantly disrupt vacations and cause considerable stress. Experts strongly recommend additional security measures, especially when visiting the high-risk countries mentioned.

Recommended preventive measures include:

• Choosing a parking space: Prefer guarded parking lots, parking garages with video surveillance, or well-lit areas. Avoid remote and confusing locations.
• Use of safety devices: Even with rental cars, additional anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or gearshift locks should be used if possible. Modern vehicles often have alarm systems and immobilizers that should be activated.
• Personal items: Don't leave valuables visible in your car. This includes navigation devices, smartphones, and bags. Even small change can attract thieves.
• Key security: Always keep your car key safe. This is especially important in hotels or restaurants, where key theft can occur. Modern keyless entry systems are vulnerable to relay attacks, in which the key's radio signal is intercepted and extended. Special key covers can help prevent this.
• Rental car insurance: Before renting a vehicle, check your insurance coverage. Comprehensive insurance with no or low deductible can minimize financial losses in the event of theft.
• Information gathering: Before you travel, find out about local theft risks and specific recommendations for the country you are traveling to.

The increasing complexity of theft methods, especially those involving electronic means, presents a constant challenge. Thieves are increasingly exploiting technological advances to circumvent vehicle security systems. Therefore, it is crucial that vehicle owners and renters stay up-to-date with the latest security techniques and implement all available protective measures.

Background and implications: Organized crime and international cooperation

The high car theft rates in certain European countries are often due to the activities of organized crime. Stolen vehicles are often not only stolen for local use but also transported across national borders, dismantled and sold as spare parts, or re-entered into circulation in other countries with false documents. The Schengen Agreement and the more open borders within the European Union make it easier for thieves to transport stolen goods.

Combating car theft therefore requires close cooperation between police authorities across national borders. Interpol and Europol play an important role in coordinating investigations and exchanging information between member states. National initiatives to improve vehicle safety and raise public awareness are also of great importance.

For the insurance industry, high theft rates have a direct impact on premiums and risk assessment. Insurers like Zego therefore strive not only to analyze risks but also to promote preventive measures and raise awareness among car owners. The results of these studies are therefore relevant not only for individual travelers but also for the development of effective crime prevention strategies and the design of insurance products. Comprehensive protection of your own vehicle is essential these days, especially when traveling.