Are YOU a Target? Top 10 Most (and Least) Stolen Vehicles for 2023

Did you know that every 6 minutes, a car goes missing in Canada? Yes, it's a fact that is starting to impact new car buying decisions in a big way.

People are now starting to think, "I’'m getting a new car and know I need insurance - but how much is it going to cost?" Trust me, you are not alone—this is the burning question on the mind of just about any Canadian whether they are buying their first car or their 10th!

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room—Vehicle Theft. It's not just an issue; it's a major headache for thousands of people in Canada each year. This situation we are in right now, where cars seem to vanish into thin air, shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the automotive world: Insurance brokers. They are the professionals helping us navigate the storm of stolen vehicles and helping to protect our precious rides.

Getting Real with the Current Vehicle Theft Scene in Canada:

Canada sees its fair share of stolen vehicles each year, but the situation ahs been getting worse and the stats are alarming. "Every 14 minutes a vehicle is stolen in Ontario," warns Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. Wrap your head around that! Understanding what's going on is key to coming up with smart strategies to keep our wheels safe and sound.

Fast forward to 2022, and vehicle theft hits a record high. Picture this: a whopping 50% increase in auto theft in Quebec and Canada, an 18% spike in the same in Quebec and Canada, and a 34% jump in Atlantic Canada. So, what does that mean for the number of vehicles? Hold onto your steering wheel because, in the first half of 2023, Toronto alone reported 5,077 stolen vehicles!

Decoding Stolen Vehicle Trends - It's Like a Thief's Playbook:

Thieves have their tactics, and analyzing trends in the types of vehicles they target is like reading their playbook. This intel is golden—it helps Insurance Companies rate the risk associated with a specific vehicle. It also enables your Insurance Broker to provide advice on coverage and offer alternatives that a client might not be aware of. But, you know what? Auto theft isn't just about insurance; it's a threat to everyone's safety on the road.

Top 10 - Most Stolen Vehicles for 2023

Some vehicles are like magnets to thieves—blame it on their resale value, demand for spare parts, or just how easy they are to snatch. Identifying these hot picks is a game-changer for both car owners and insurers.

Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles - Ranking by Number of Thefts

Make/Model	# of Thefts	Theft Frequency (%)	No of Vehicles Insured	Type
Honda CR-V	5,620	1.2%	469,144	SUV
Dodge RAM 1500 Series	2,600	0.5%	508,061	Truck
Ford F150 Series	1,833	0.3%	615,740	Truck
Lexus RX Series	1,815	2.%	93,766	SUV
Toyota Highlander	1,759	2.%	117,663	SUV
Honda Civic	1,493	0.2%	705,056	Sedan
Jeep Grand Cherokee	1,349	1.%	120,387	SUV
Land Rover Range Rover	1,343	4.%	34,201	SUV
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500	1,260	0.2%	595,816	Truck
Jeep Wrangler	1,189	0.9%	132,219	SUV

Reference: https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles/theft-frequency

Top 10 - LEAST Stolen Vehicles for 2023

Looking for an easy way to reduce your car insurance cost? Consider any of the vehicles on the Least Stolen List. Another great idea is to send your Broker a list of the Top 3 Vehicles you are considering. Ask for an apples-to-apples coverage comparison, so the only difference in Premium has to do with the Vehicle. I guarantee you will be surprised with the results.

Top 10 - LEAST Stolen Vehicles for 2023 - Ranking by Number of Thefts

Make/Model	# of Thefts	Theft Frequency (%)	No of Vehicles Insured	Type
Chevrolet Volt	1	0.01%	16,471	Sedan
Kia Niro 5DR	3	0.03%	11,276	Sedan
Cadillac XT5	4	0.02%	21,268	SUV
Buick Envision	4	0.03%	14,380	SUV
Mini Cooper Countryman	4	0.03%	13,256	Sedan
Volvo XC90	5	0.03%	15,918	SUV
Volkswagen Beetle	6	0.04%	14,967	Sedan
Chevrolet Corvette	6	0.05%	11,785	Sedan
Hyundai Ioniq	7	0.06%	12,096	Sedan
Mazda Mazda2	8	0.06%	13,585	Sedan

Reference: https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-least-stolen-vehicles/number-of-thefts

Insurance and the Unsung Heroes - Your Insurance Broker:

Insurance Brokers are the unsung heroes in this tale. They don’t just sell a policy, they are your guide through the maze of coverage options for the Vehicle you want. Comprehensive coverage and risk mitigation is the name of the game, and your Broker makes sure you are in the driver's seat when it comes to selecting the Policy that best addresses your situation.

Cracking the Code of Car Insurance Costs:

Now, let's tackle the money question: how does an Insurance Broker come up with a cost for a Car Insurance Policy in the Great White North? Buckle up for this ride because there a number of factors that come into play including (but not limited to) the type and value of vehicle, if it is new or used, demographics including where you live, use for the vehicle and much driving is done, the coverage limits, options and deductibles you choose, and the driving records and insurance history for all licensed drivers in a household.

In Ontario, there is an independent regulatory body responsible for reviewing and approval of the rating structure for each Insurance Company licensed to offer car insurance in Ontario. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (www.fsrao.ca) ensures there is oversight to ensure a viable system can be maintained and to provide a way for Consumers to have a voice in the process. This is not the same in every province, so be sure to check in with a friendly neighborhood Insurance Broker to understand the situation where you live.

Tips to Keep Your Ride Safe in the GTA (and Beyond):

Living in an urban centre like the GTA comes with its challenges, and vehicle theft is one of them. But fear not! Here are some street-smart tips:

• Use Anti-Theft Devices: Ever thought about a steering wheel lock? It's like a superhero for your car.
• Park in Well-Lit Areas: Thieves hate the spotlight, so make sure your parking spot is shining bright.
• Lock Your Vehicle: Seems basic, but a locked car is an unappealing target. Don't forget those windows and sunroofs!
• Install a Vehicle Tracking System: Think of it as your car's GPS guardian angel. It might just save the day.
• Be Cautious with Key Fobs and spare Keys: Electronic Fobs can be copied even if locked in the house. Storing your Fob in a metal tin with the lid closed is much better and make sure spare keys are well-hidden - out of sight and out of mind.
• Keep your Vehicle clean inside: electronic devices, documents, backpacks, purses, sports equipment, even spare change can be a magnet for a thief. Keep things clean or cover them up.
• Electronic Vehicle Tags: It's like your car's secret agent. Sneaky but effective.
• TAG Security System: TAG is like a personal bodyguard for your car. Currently, a number of Insurance Companies in Canada have partnered with TAG and offer an incentive for Policyholders to have TAG installed in their vehicle. This is another great reason to contact your Insurance Broker to see what your options are.

As technology races ahead in the auto world, car owners need to stay on their toes. The list of the most and least stolen vehicles in Canada in 2023 isn't just info; it's a roadmap for owners, law enforcement, and decision-makers to tackle the ever-evolving challenges of auto theft. So, keep those wheels safe, and let's hit the road with confidence!