The country's most stolen car - the Toyota Aqua - is now costing some as much as $3,000 a year to insure.

Motor Trade Association spokesperson, Larry Fallowfield, says in the past couple of years, they've also become the most registered used car here.

He says their lack of modern features means they're easier to steal - but owners can give them an upgrade.

"Insurance companies are saying - if you fit in an immobiliser, then obviously there's a change to what your premiums look like."

LISTEN ABOVE