2026 Auto Theft Rising? reaching $485 million in 2025

2026 New data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada reveals a staggering rise in auto theft claims across Ontario, with total provincial costs reaching $485 million in 2025. While major urban centers like Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga remain the primary hubs for theft, smaller communities such as Bowmanville and Peterborough are experiencing the most rapid percentage growth in insurance payouts. These figures represent a massive surge compared to 2017 levels, despite a slight year-over-year decrease from the previous peak in 2024. Industry experts attribute these trends to organized crime and are calling for stricter federal safety standards and better vehicle immobilization technology to protect owners. Success in lowering these numbers will require a coordinated effort between law enforcement, government officials, and the insurance industry to secure the vehicle export system. This report underscores that vehicle theft has evolved into a widespread provincial crisis affecting both metropolitan and rural residents alike.