Unlike the western provinces where thieves target pickup trucks, car thieves in Ontario seem to favour vehicles with a bigger price tag. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s (IBC) list of most frequently stolen vehicles, high-end luxury SUVs were the most commonly stolen in Ontario last year.
The IBC also reveals the most stolen vehicles nationwide and notes that Ontario has seen an increase in stolen vehicles year over year.
"For the second consecutive year, auto theft across Canada and Ontario has increased," said Kim Donaldson, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. "After large declines in auto theft activity over the last decade, the number of stolen vehicles has gone up six per cent nationally, compared to last year. In Ontario, the number has increased by five per cent."
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While newer Toyota SUV models top the list, high-end brands also featured on the list include Lexus, Acura, Cadillac and Hummer. As stated by the IBC, many stolen high-end vehicles are chopped up for parts, used to commit another crime, or sent to overseas markets, where they can be sold to consumers who are unaware that the car was stolen.
If you drive one the vehicles on this list, you may find yourself paying higher car insurance rates in Ontario than the average Ontario driver.
Top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in Ontario
This year's 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in IBC's Ontario region are:
- 2015 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2014 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2003 Hummer H2 4-door AWD SUV
- 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and 2003 GMC Yukon 4WD SUVs
- 2015 Lexus RX350/RX450h 4-door AWD SUVs
- 2002 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2015 Acura MDX 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2011 Range Rover Sport 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and 2004 GMC Yukon 4WD SUVs
- 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 4WD and 2005 GMC Yukon XL 1500 4WD SUVs
Protect your car from theft
It doesn’t take long to steal a car. The IBC estimates that, even without the keys, a thief can take off with your car in less than a minute. No matter what vehicle you own, take the proper precautions to ensure your car doesn’t become a target:
- Never leave your car unattended while it is running.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Where possible, park your car in a garage at night.
- Lock your vehicle and roll up all windows whenever it is parked and unattended, even if it’s in the garage or at the pump while you’re paying inside the gas station.
- Place valuables and packages in the trunk or out of sight while your car is unattended.
- Do not leave any personal documents, like your insurance slip, ownership papers, or pieces of ID in the glove compartment. Take all items with you when you leave the vehicle.
Insurance rates for Ontario’s most stolen
As mentioned, it will likely cost more to insure a vehicle that is frequently targeted for theft. Theft rates are generally a factor in calculating auto insurance premiums, among other considerations like where you live, your driving and insurance history, and your driving record, for example.
Is your car a target for theft? Are you overpaying for your coverage? With the help of InsuranceHotline.com, you can easily compare quotes from our network of over 30 insurance providers and find the best rate available. See how much you could save on your car insurance and compare quotes today.
