It’s no surprise that the number of auto theft claims has recently surged. This is especially the case in Ontario, where it seems more and more vehicles are getting stolen daily. Nowadays, we have either experienced auto theft ourselves or know someone who has. So, what is being done to combat the surge in vehicle theft? Where is it happening most often? We dissect the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s (IBC) list of the top 10 costliest cities in Ontario for auto theft claims.
Ontario seeing record-breaking auto theft claims
In 2023, auto theft claims costs in Ontario surpassed an alarming $1 billion. This is the first time the province has passed the nine-digit mark. However, it’s not just the overall number that is alarming. It is also how fast it has risen in such a short time. According to newly released data by the IBC, auto theft claim costs have surged by a record-breaking 524% across the province since 2018. Across Ontario, from 2018 to 2023, shows an increase of 165% of people making insurance claims due to vehicle theft. Between 2022 and 2023, this number was 21%, and the increase in auto theft claims costs was 32%.
“Ontario is seeing an alarming increase in auto theft claims and claims costs,” says Amanda Dean, Vice-President of Ontario and Atlantic, IBC. “As IBC’s numbers reveal, the Greater Toronto Area has been hit particularly hard by the auto theft crisis. These claims costs speak to the growing severity of the auto theft crisis in Ontario – a crisis that is having a material impact on auto insurance premiums, to say nothing of the concern and trauma it is causing Ontarians.”
So, which cities are the costliest for auto theft?
With the Insurance Bureau of Canada releasing statistics on which cities are hit the most, we have a clear idea of which cities are on the rise. Below are the top 10 cities, and how much auto theft claims cost in 2023.
- Toronto: $371,815,072 – Up 561% since 2018
- Brampton: $92,186,518 – Up 719% since 2018
- Mississauga: $89.980,735 – Up 533% since 2018
- Vaughan: $62,443,717 – Up 789% since 2018
- Markham: $42,633,553 – Up 989% since 2018
- Ottawa: $41,304,357 – Up 513% since 2018
- Oakville: $30,797,587 – Up 874% since 2018
- Richmond Hill: $25,672,053 – Up 812% since 2018
- Hamilton: $19.978,117 – Up 170% since 2018
- London: $12,828,739 – Up 215% since 2018
Unsurprisingly, the list shows that the most populous city, Toronto, has the highest amount of claims. However, cities, such as Markham and Vaughan, have seen the biggest overall increase compared to their numbers in 2018.
What is Being Done?
Dean states that even though the numbers have skyrocketed, IBC remains committed to fighting the auto theft crisis.
“Auto theft is a national emergency. IBC and its members remain committed to working with governments and stakeholders to combat Canada’s auto theft crisis,” says Dean. “We applaud the Ontario government for the significant investments it has made to help mitigate the crisis.”
Dean believes that regardless of this, more must be done to tighten the vehicle registration process. It should be harder for criminals to re-VIN and sell stolen vehicles. She urges all orders of government, from provincial to municipal, to not delay in working with the federal government to implement its recommendations in the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft.
Conclusion: Auto theft claims
Regardless of what city you reside in, it is clear that preventative measures must be taken by all. With this in mind, it is important to make sure you securely store your car when you aren’t using it. On top of this, make sure you have an insurance policy that suits your needs in case the unthinkable happens. Are you in the market for a new policy? if so, why not check out isure? We have some of the best prices when it comes to premiums as well as customer service you can always rely on. Contact us or request a car insurance quote today!
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