Canadian Auto Theft Claims Rise 200% in 10 Years Despite Recent Decline

Auto theft claims losses in Canada have significantly increased over the past decade, as reported by new data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Despite a 34% decrease in losses in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, losses are substantially higher than those recorded in 2015. Specifically, claims losses totaled approximately $361.5 million in the first half of 2025, down from $547.8 million in the first half of 2024, while losses were $120.5 million in the first half of 2015. Claim counts have also seen a similar trend, with 12,887 claims in early 2025 versus 17,595 in 2024 and 8,567 in 2015. Regional data indicate variance in theft trends, with Airdrie RCMP reporting a 3% decrease in break and enters but a 19% rise in motor vehicle thefts as of mid-2025. Year-end statistics for policing trends are pending but suggest shifting dynamics in crime patterns. These increases in auto theft are contributing to higher insurance premiums and raising concerns around public safety. IBC has recognized recent federal measures aimed at strengthening border security and tightening bail and sentencing laws to address repeat and violent offenders involved in vehicle theft. Though these initiatives show early signs of effectiveness, IBC emphasizes the need for sustained federal focus and enhanced collaboration among law enforcement, insurers, and government agencies. The IBC advocates for continued implementation of the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, recommending updates to Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to enhance vehicle security features. Additionally, IBC stresses the importance of enhancing the Canada Border Services Agency’s capacity to prevent stolen vehicles from leaving the country and expanding the Interprovincial Record Exchange to improve inter-jurisdictional data sharing and close registration loopholes. The data underpinning these observations derive from insurance industry records covering Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and Atlantic provinces, with notable exclusions of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia. This regional data gap highlights a need for more comprehensive national data integration to fully assess auto theft's impact across Canada. The trends documented hold significant implications for insurers and policymakers tasked with developing responsive strategies to mitigate losses and ensure public safety.