GPS tracking has been a security feature since Tesla’s early days. So, what makes Tesla’s cars such a headache for thieves? Much of this can be attributed to three key Tesla security features: GPS Tracking, Sentry Mode, and Pin to Drive. While most new cars have advanced tech to prevent theft, the Silicon Valley automaker outshines the industry in both minimal thefts and recovery rate.
“I’m wondering if the thieves’ intellect might have been overwhelmed just sitting in a Tesla, much less figuring out how to operate it for any length of time.” “That’s about as good as it gets,” explains Fank Scafidi, director of public affairs at the National Insurance Crime Bureau. In comparison, the overall recovery rate for all vehicles in 2016 was just 58.4%. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (via Marketwatch), 112 out of 115 stolen Teslas were recovered from 2011 to May of 2018. In addition, the relatively few Teslas that are stolen have an incredible recovery rate.
Regardless, Tesla has done a lot to earn its (nearly) chart-topping position on this least-stolen list. In a separate report last year, HLDI showed that electric vehicles from a variety of manufacturers have lower theft claim rates than comparable vehicles.” Their low theft rate may be related to the fact that, as electric vehicles, they are usually parked in garages or close to a house near a power supply. But if that’s the case, where are the other EVs on the HLDI’s top 20 list?Īccording to HLDI, “Two of the vehicles on the least-stolen list are the Tesla Model S and Model X.
The institute claims this is due to electric cars typically being stored in garages where they’re charged. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), Tesla’s 2016–2018 Model S and X were among the least stolen vehicles, only beaten by the BMW 3 Series.