Car Theft Rates Decrease Across Canada Following Government Intervention
The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reported a significant 27% decrease in auto theft claim rates and losses nationwide during the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. This positive trend has been attributed to interventions by the federal government.
In response to a surge in car thefts two years ago, the federal government convened a National Summit to Combat Vehicle Theft. This summit united law enforcement agencies, border and port officials, insurers, and auto manufacturers to develop a cohesive national action plan.
Hanna Beydoun, auto policy director at IBC, praised the government’s efforts, stating, “The federal government has clearly prioritized this issue, leading to enhanced coordination with law enforcement, a focus on organized crime and vehicle exports, and increased investments in combating auto theft.”
Key Changes in the National Action Plan include measures to prevent stolen vehicles from leaving the country, disrupt supply chains, improve data sharing among law enforcement agencies to combat organized crime networks, and implement stricter regulatory requirements for insurance companies to enhance vehicle security.
Thomas Khoury, a service manager at Toyota Gabriel St-Laurent, noted a significant decrease in the number of recovered stolen cars since 2024. This decline could indicate either a reduction in theft incidents or improved methods by thieves to ship stolen vehicles discreetly.
Khoury highlighted that insurance companies are now mandating anti-theft devices on new vehicle purchases, impacting insurance premiums for customers. Automakers have also responded by equipping newer models with advanced safety features such as SOS buttons for tracking stolen vehicles.
Despite progress, IBC emphasized the need for continued action as claim rates and losses remain high post-pandemic. Beydoun stressed the importance of sustained efforts in combating auto theft, noting a 371% increase over the past decade and urging proactive measures to stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics.
