Published on this website: October 19, 2026
A-Z Insurance · Information checked: 2026-10-11 · Original publication date unknown
Auto theft news raises two immediate questions: how exposed is your vehicle, and what would your insurance cover? For drivers in Markham, Vaughan and across the GTA, dated statistics and a careful policy review are more useful than a broad “high-risk vehicle” label.
Claims costs fell, but remain elevated over the longer term
On May 13, 2026, Insurance Bureau of Canada reported Ontario auto theft claims costs of $485 million for 2025, down from $723 million in 2024. Compared with 2017, theft-related claim numbers were 97% higher and losses 330% higher. These are insurance claims figures, not a count of every vehicle reported stolen to police. IBC’s 2025 Ontario claims report
An annual improvement and a longer-term increase can therefore both be true. A city’s total claims cost also does not establish an individual driver’s probability of theft. Consider the reporting period, population, vehicle mix and measure being compared before drawing a conclusion about your neighbourhood.
Read vehicle rankings carefully
Équité Association’s release of November 18, 2025 named the Toyota RAV4 the most stolen vehicle by count in Canada for 2024. That is a national result for 2024, not an Ontario ranking for 2026. Équité’s dated ranking announcement
Check the exact model and generation, and distinguish theft counts from theft frequency relative to insured vehicles. A Lexus model appearing on a historical list does not place every Lexus model and year in the same risk category. Use rankings to guide questions, then obtain a quote for the actual vehicle.
Can theft affect insurance even if your car has never been stolen?
Vehicle repair and replacement costs, claims experience, location, driver information and selected coverage all contribute to pricing. Theft losses can be one part of that assessment. A news report alone cannot explain an individual renewal increase or establish that everyone in an area will receive the same adjustment. IBC on how auto rates are set
If a renewal includes a security-device requirement or changed charge, ask which vehicle it concerns, the applicable deadline and the available options. When shopping for a replacement car, request quotes using each candidate’s VIN before committing to the purchase.
Confirm that you have theft coverage
Having auto insurance does not automatically mean every theft loss is covered. Under Ontario’s standard policy, Specified Perils includes theft and attempted theft; Comprehensive and All Perils also include theft-related protection, with differences in scope and exclusions. Check your selected coverage, deductible and any temporary transportation protection. FSRA’s Ontario Automobile Policy, section 7
Ask which anti-theft devices your insurer recognizes, who must install them, and whether a subscription or maintenance is required. TAG or a particular GPS product is not a universal requirement for every vehicle and insurer. Installation does not guarantee a discount or vehicle recovery.
Layer practical prevention measures
York Regional Police recommends locking vehicles, protecting key fobs, using a steering wheel lock and parking in a locked garage where available. A Faraday pouch and suitable tracking technology can form part of a layered approach. York Regional Police’s auto theft advice
- Check doors and windows and remove valuables before leaving
- Keep keys out of sight and away from entrances
- Choose suitable equipment and follow its installation and maintenance instructions
- Retain device records and the insurer’s confirmation of acceptance
- Give suspected theft or tracker-location information to police; do not pursue or confront anyone
No device eliminates every risk. Match your precautions to your vehicle, parking arrangements and policy conditions.
Four questions for your broker
- Are there theft-related requirements for my exact model and year?
- What theft coverage and deductible do I currently have?
- Which devices qualify, what evidence is needed, and is there a deadline?
- What temporary transportation benefits would apply after a theft?
Contact A-Z Insurance with your vehicle’s VIN, renewal quote or anti-theft notice to discuss the coverage and requirements.
Phone: 905-707-2929. Email: info@azinsure.ca.
This article provides general information checked on October 11, 2026. Historical statistics do not predict an individual vehicle’s risk. Coverage, discounts and claims outcomes depend on the policy, applicable law and the circumstances.