The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada

As a car owner, one of the greatest fears is stepping out of your home, only to discover that your vehicle has been stolen. Not only is this extremely upsetting, but it also leads to a great deal of hassle – everything from figuring out how to get your kids to daycare to dealing with your insurance provider to make a claim.

Every year, certain makes and models of vehicles are targeted for theft more frequently than others. Équité Association, the Canadian non-profit organization that works to combat insurance fraud, has released their list of the top 10 stolen cars in Canada, as well as the top 10 list of each province (where vehicle insurance is private). Let’s take a look at their findings and consider the implications.

Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada

Rank	Make/Model	Year	Type
1	Ford – F-150 Series, F-250 Series, F-350 Series, F-450 Series	2018	Pick-up
2	Honda – CR-V Series	2018	SUV
3	Chevrolet/GMC – Silverado Series, Sierra 1500 Series, 2500 Series, 3500 Series	2005	Pick-up
4	Dodge/Ram – 1500 Series, 2500 Series, 3500 Series	2019	Pick-up
5	Lexus – RX350 Series, RX450 Series	2017	SUV
6	Honda – Civic Series	2019	Sedan
7	Toyota – Highlander Series	2019	SUV
8	Chrysler/Dodge – Town & Country Series, Grand Caravan Series, Caravan Series, Voyager Series	2017	Van
9	Toyota – Corolla Series	2017	Sedan
10	Honda – Accord Series	2018	Sedan

 

 

What do the top 10 stolen car lists tell you?

One of the most interesting things you’ll notice is that the same makes and models of vehicles appear on multiple lists. For instance, not only is the Ford F-Series of pick-up trucks present in every list, but it manages to crack the top-5 in all regions but Ontario (where it ranks sixth).  While the year of the vehicle may vary, the fact that there are certain models that are targeted more frequently is interesting – let’s dive in a little deeper. 

Why are high-end SUVs and pick-up trucks stolen so frequently? 

The first and most obvious reason has to do with availability. With more and more such vehicles on the road, it naturally follows that they become easier targets for theft. Not only does the number of vehicles available to steal make them attractive to thieves, but there’s also a larger market for parts. Thieves may steal and strip a pick-up truck or SUV and sell the different pieces to unsuspecting consumers.

The more common a vehicle is on the road also contributes to its attractiveness for theft as thieves might use it to commit additional crimes. The more common a car is, the more difficult it becomes to identify if it is used in a crime, increasing the criminal’s chances of avoiding apprehension.

Another reason why vehicles like Ford trucks are commonly stolen is that they are not available to buy in many overseas countries. This, in turn, means that they have a high resale value when they are smuggled to places where there is high demand due to their scarcity.

Vehicles may also be stolen for “joyriding” purposes. In these instances, vehicles will most likely be targeted due to opportunity – for instance, a passerby sees the keys left in a running car or discovers an electronic fob lying around.

The cost of car theft in Canada

Whatever the reason a vehicle is stolen, the cost to both you and the insurance industry is immense. The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates auto-insurance fraud, which includes theft, costs Ontarians approximately $1.6 billion yearly.

Why is the cost so high? Not only does auto-theft cost insurance companies, but it also affects social services and other industries. A stolen car needs to be reported to the police, who will spend time and money trying to track it down. If the vehicle is found, there’s a cost for repairing or replacing the vehicle. If the thieves are apprehended, there are costs associated with the justice system. If the car is involved in a car accident, and individuals are injured, there are hospital and recovery costs – the list goes on and on.

Car theft and your insurance premium 

But the hidden costs of the most commonly stolen vehicles don’t stop there. If you’re in the market to buy one of the vehicles on the list, you’ll have to accept that you might need to pay higher insurance premiums.

The logic behind why you may have to pay more in insurance makes sense. When a vehicle is stolen, it costs the insurance company. If they see a trend of one particular model being stolen more frequently than another, they’ll want to offset the risk – and they can do this by charging higher premiums. 

There are always exceptions to the rule, and there are many factors that come into play when calculating car insurance premiums. Age, gender and driving history will always affect how much you pay, but when you’re searching for cheap car insurance, it’s advisable to keep in mind that the type of vehicle you purchase can have an impact on your premiums. 

When purchasing a new vehicle, it’s always a good idea to compare car insurance quotes beforehand and budget for the costs in your monthly expenses. Buying a car is a huge investment, and you don’t want to find yourself surprised by the monthly premiums you’ll have to keep paying to keep your car on the road. 

READ: How to check car insurance before buying a car

Lowering your risk of car theft 

If you are in the market for one of the more commonly stolen vehicles, it’s also advisable to take additional steps to deter thieves. For instance, parking in a private garage versus a driveway and adding a steering vehicle lock can deter thieves, and every action you take to protect your vehicle reflects favourably on your insurance application as well.

The bottom line

Replacing a stolen vehicle isn’t cheap, and just driving one can increase the cost of your car insurance. If you’re shopping for a new ride, double-check the top 10 stolen vehicle lists in your region beforehand, so you can make sure you’re making the best decision for yourself. And if you do opt for one of the listed vehicles, be sure to take proactive measures in limiting your risk of theft. 

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