Toyota Aquas are New Zealand’s most stolen car.
Photo: 123RF
Toyota Aquas are New Zealand’s most stolen car – but how can you keep your insurance costs down if you own one?
AMI Insurance said it received more than 9000 vehicle theft and attempted theft claims in 2025.
Toyota Aquas were 8 percent of all stolen vehicle claims, it said, followed by Toyota Corollas at 7 percent and Nissan Tiidas at 6 percent.
The data also showed Toyota Aquas were disproportionately targeted, with a theft rate nearly four times that of the country’s most insured vehicle, the Toyota Corolla.
For every 1000 insured Toyota Aquas, 54 had a theft claim, compared with 15 per 1000 Toyota Corollas.
Auckland had the most vehicle theft, followed by Canterbury and Waikato.
Executive general manager of claims Steph Ferris said claim numbers had been lower recently, after a peak in 2023.
“Lower crime rates, improved security systems in newer vehicles, and New Zealanders adopting security practices – including being more mindful about where they park – likely play a part in this.”
AMI said older cars were more likely to be stolen. Nearly nine out of every 10 stolen vehicles was more than 10 years old.
“Older vehicles often lack modern, electronic encrypted locking systems, making them easier for thieves to compromise,” Ferris said.
Justin Lim, spokesperson for insurance comparison site Quashed, said a Toyota Aqua was typically 37 percent more expensive than a Corolla to insure with a comprehensive policy and 47 percent more expensive for third-party fire and theft policies.
“Insurance providers price their policies very differently.
“There is a difference of up to $1262 [a year] for a comprehensive policy. This means that on the higher end, insurance providers are charging $2000-plus for a policy, while on the lower end, they are charging $1000 or less. The same is true for third-party fire and theft, where we see a data variance of $667.
“Car owners should compare at least four to five providers to find the most competitive deal and policy for them.”
One Auckland woman said the cost of insuring her Aqua was a major factor in the decision to sell it.
“Last year we were thinking about freeing up some cash to put towards buying a house and realised we didn’t really need two cars for our household, so decided we should sell one. Although we actually used the Aqua more frequently and it was more fuel-efficient than our other car, the insurance costs made getting rid of the Aqua a better financial move,” she said.
“When we first got the Aqua in 2019 the insurance costs weren’t too bad, but it increased dramatically in 2023.”
In December 2022, the car was $71.78 a month to insure. The next year, it jumped up to $143.65 and then in 2024 it was $183.54 a month.
“In May 2025 we switched insurance companies for both cars and our contents. With the new insurer, we paid $136.07 per month for the Aqua. That was a better deal, but I still thought the premium was ridiculous given that the market value was about $7500 at the time. We’re currently paying $67.49 per month for our other car.”
Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens said models that were more frequently stolen were likely to be more expensive to insure.
“Insurers look at risk-based pricing. If it’s likely to be a higher risk in terms of theft, the premium will take that into consideration. That’s why consumers are always asked about modifications – they’re likely to make the vehicle more attractive to thieves.”
Consumer NZ insurance specialist Rebecca Styles said insurers might add a higher excess for high-risk cars, too.
“Where you park your car is likely to factor into the price of your premium, too.”
Ferris said people could protect themselves by parking down a driveway or in a garage if possible. If they could not, they should look for a well-lit area.
Car alarms, immobilisers, fuel cut out switches, steering locks or car tracking systems could also be used.
Ferris said people should always lock their car doors when driving and consider keeping the windows up, especially in low-speed areas.
AMI said about 64 percent of stolen vehicles were recovered and 40 percent were repairable.
AMI’s top 10 stolen cars list
- 1. Toyota Aqua
- 2. Toyota Corolla
- 3. Nissan Tiida
- 4. Mazda Demio
- 5. Toyota Vitz
- 6. Toyota Hilux
- 7. Subaru Impreza
- 8. Mazda Atenza
- 9. Toyota Mark X
- 10. Mazda Axela
Most stolen vehicle by region (regions ranked by claims volume)
- 1. Auckland – Toyota Aqua
- 2. Canterbury – Toyota Aqua
- 3. Waikato – Toyota Corolla
- 4. Wellington – Toyota Corolla
- 5. Bay of Plenty – Toyota Corolla
- 6. Manawatū – Nissan Tiida
- 7. Northland – Toyota Corolla
- 8. Hawke’s Bay – Mazda Atenza
- 9. Gisborne – Mazda Demio
- 10. Taranaki – Toyota Corolla and Nissan Tiida
- 11. Otago – Toyota Aqua
- 12. Southland – Suzuki Swift
- 13. Nelson – Nissan Tiida
- 14. Tasman – Mazda Demio and Toyota Corolla
- 15. West Coast – Toyota Hilux
- 16. Marlborough – Honda Jazz
Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.
