France records the highest rate of car thefts in the European Union, followed closely by Greece and Italy, according to a new study released by UK-based insurance technology firm Zego.
The report analyzed vehicle theft data across 32 European countries, using annual averages from 2015 to 2022. The study standardised the data based on theft rates per 100,000 inhabitants to provide a comparative overview between countries of different sizes. It also calculated the average number of cars stolen per day in each country.
France leads with an average of 248 car thefts per 100,000 people. On a daily basis, this translates to 451 stolen vehicles – the highest in Europe – or roughly 19 vehicles every hour.
Greece ranks second with 228 car thefts per 100,000 residents, amounting to around 63 cars stolen per day – equivalent to one every three hours.
Italy follows closely behind with 227 thefts per 100,000 people. While its rate is slightly lower than Greece, its total number of daily thefts – at 369 vehicles – is second only to France. On average, 15 cars are stolen every hour in Italy.
Zego said the findings are intended to inform insurers and travellers alike, helping to highlight potential risks and promote stronger preventative measures across the continent.