October 8, 2024
Benoit Charette
New data released by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reveals that car theft rates in Canada continue to climb well above historical levels. Although a slight 19% decline in auto theft-related insurance claims was observed during the first half of 2024, car theft claims have increased by 138% over the past decade. Worse still, the value of claims exploded by 442% during the same period.
| Number of complaints | Claims costs |
| First half of 2014 | 7 406 |
| First half of 2023 | 21 907 |
| First half of 2024 | 17 647 |
| % change (2023-2024) | -19.4 % |
| % change (2014-2024) | 138 % |
Marked regional disparities
The IBC report highlights significant differences between provinces. For example, Ontario (-16%) and Quebec (-41%) recorded declines in the number of theft claims in the first half of 2024. In contrast, Alberta (1%), New Brunswick ( 14%) and Nova Scotia (27%) experienced increases. In Alberta, the value of auto theft claims increased by 11% compared to 2023, and by 179% over the last 10 years. According to experts, these regional differences could be explained by the opportunistic nature of car thieves, who turn to provinces where fight efforts are less intensive.
| Ontario | Québec | Alberta | Nova Scotia | New Brunswick |
| -16 % | -41 % | 0.7 % | 27 % | 14 % |
Luxury vehicles in the crosshairs
Luxury vehicles continue to appeal to auto thieves, due to their high demand in illegal international markets. In many cases, stolen cars are exported by criminal organizations, both national and international, to finance activities such as drug trafficking, arms trading or even terrorism.
Sustained efforts, but still insufficient
The BAC highlights the positive impacts of federal and provincial investments in the fight against auto theft, while calling for strengthened actions. The organization is calling for immediate measures to prevent the export of stolen vehicles, combat fraudulent “re-VINing” and update vehicle safety standards in Canada to prevent theft. “The fight against auto theft requires a global approach,” emphasizes the BAC. “Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. The car theft crisis continues to weigh on Canadians’ finances and their sense of security. The insurance industry remains committed to working alongside governments and stakeholders to resolve this national crisis. »
Conclusion: A crisis that persists
Despite encouraging results in certain regions of the country, the fight against auto theft remains a major issue in Canada. The combined efforts of different stakeholders must continue to reduce the frequency and costs associated with this scourge, which affects not only insurance premiums, but also public safety.
Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada
About the author
Benoit Charette / Owner and editor-in-chief Benoit Charette has been practicing automotive journalism for 30 years. He is founder, owner and editor-in-chief of L’Annuel de l’automobile, which he has published since 2001. He hosted the shows RPM and RPM+ on V and Légendes de la route on Historia. On the radio since 1986, he hosts the show ça tête la route and participates for the second year in the show Passion Auto on RDS in addition to putting the official website of L’Annuel de l’automobile online on annualauto. That.
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