Canada’s Car Theft Crisis: The Impact on Auto Insurance in SK
Amid rising concerns over car theft in recent years, the landscape of Canada’s auto theft crisis has begun to shift. After reaching alarming levels in 2023, collaborative efforts between government agencies, law enforcement, and the insurance industry are finally showing positive results. But what does this mean for vehicle owners and insurance rates in 2025?
The Evolving State of Auto Theft in Canada
$1.5 billion
Cost of auto theft claims in 2023, a 254% increase from 2018 levels (Source IBC)
The auto theft crisis that gripped Canada between 2021 and 2023 led to record-breaking insurance claims, with costs soaring to over $1.5 billion in 2023 alone, a 254% increase compared to 2018 levels. This unprecedented surge prompted a national response, culminating in the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft launched in early 2024.
While we’re seeing encouraging trends in 2025, the fight against auto theft remains far from over. Organized crime syndicates continue to adapt their strategies, and the impact on insurance premiums persists across the country.
Auto Theft Crisis Timeline
2021-2023
→
Auto theft rates surge across Canada, reaching crisis levels
May 2024
→
National Action Plan on Combating Auto Theft launched
Current Landscape of Auto Theft in Canada
The Turnaround: 2024-2025 Theft Statistics
After years of escalating auto theft rates, 2024 marked a significant turning point in Canada’s battle against vehicle theft. According to Équité Association‘s data, auto theft decreased by 18.6% nationally in 2024 compared to 2023, with 57,359 private passenger vehicles stolen, down from the historic high of 70,475 in 2023.
“The collaborative efforts between government, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders are beginning to yield tangible results in our fight against auto theft. While we’re encouraged by the recent statistics, we must remain vigilant as criminal organizations continue to adapt their tactics.”
— Terri O’Brien, President and CEO, Équité Association
This positive trend has continued into 2025, with the first half of the year showing a 19.1% decrease in vehicle thefts compared to the same period in 2024. Just over 23,000 vehicles were reported stolen in the first six months of 2025, reflecting the impact of enhanced prevention and enforcement measures.
Regional Trends in Auto Theft (First Half of 2025)
| Region | Vehicles Stolen | % Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 9,600 | -25.9% |
| Quebec | 3,889 | -22.2% |
| Western Canada (BC, AB, SK, MB) | 8,695 | -9.4% |
| Atlantic Canada | 910 | -9.0% |
| National Total | 23,094 | -19.1% |
Source: Équité Association First Half of 2025 Auto Theft Trend Report
Government Action and Its Impact
The improvement in auto theft statistics can be attributed to a coordinated national response. Following the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft in February 2024, the federal government implemented several key initiatives:
National Action Plan
A comprehensive strategy was developed in collaboration with provincial governments, law enforcement, and industry stakeholders to combat organized auto theft.
Increased Border Security
$28 million investment to enhance the Canada Border Services Agency’s capacity to detect and intercept stolen vehicles. In 2024, CBSA intercepted 2,277 stolen vehicles at ports and railyards—a 25% increase from the previous year.
Law Enforcement Support
$15 million to strengthen law enforcement agencies’ work in combating auto theft, including the formation of specialized auto theft units.
International Collaboration
Partnership with INTERPOL’s Project Drive Out and Stolen Motor Vehicle database, enhancing intelligence sharing between law enforcement, member states, and private industry.
As part of the government’s $1.3 billion Border Plan, additional measures were implemented to combat organized crime, including fentanyl trafficking and money laundering, which are often funded by auto theft operations.
Canada emerges as key source country for stolen motor vehicles, says Interpol
Understanding Different Types of Vehicle Theft
While overall theft rates have declined, criminal tactics continue to evolve. Équité Association investigators have observed a significant shift in how stolen vehicles are processed, with important implications for vehicle owners and insurers.
Criminal Tactics
Evolving Criminal Strategies
Organized Crime Connection
Auto theft in Canada is rarely a random act of opportunity. Équité Association and law enforcement agencies confirm that organized crime syndicates orchestrate most vehicle thefts. This organized criminal element explains why theft rates remain high in areas with strategic access to ports and borders, despite overall improvements nationally.
Recovery Rates Improving
56.5%
2025 Recovery Rate
56.5% Recovered
43.5% Not Recovered
The national recovery rate for stolen vehicles increased to 56.5% in the first half of 2025, up from 53% in 2024 and nearing the “pre-crisis” level of 57.2% recorded in 2021. However, this still means that approximately 43.5% of stolen vehicles are never recovered, highlighting the effectiveness of professional theft operations.
Recovery rates vary significantly by region, reflecting different criminal objectives:
*These recovery rates are based on the Équité Association’s 2024 Auto Theft Trend Report.
50.8%
Ontario
Suggesting high export rates
43.6%
Quebec
Lowest in Canada due to Port of Montreal proximity
77%
Western Canada
Down from 85% in 2023
The Saskatchewan Perspective: How We Compare
Thankfully, Saskatchewan isn’t experiencing as heavy a crisis as BC, Ontario, and Quebec are. However, as part of Western Canada, Saskatchewan has seen its own challenges with auto theft, albeit at lower levels than some of our neighbouring provinces.
Auto Theft Rates by Province in 2024 (Per 100,000 Vehicles)
Alberta
342
Ontario
261
Quebec
241
Manitoba
210
B.C.
189
Saskatchewan
162
Source: 2024 Auto Theft Trend Report
Saskatchewan’s Auto Theft Landscape
As part of Western Canada (which includes British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba), Saskatchewan has contributed to the region’s 9.4% decrease in auto theft during the first half of 2025. While province-specific data shows that Alberta continues to lead the country in auto theft on a per-capita basis with 4,411 vehicles stolen in the first half of 2025, Saskatchewan has maintained a more moderate theft rate.
Within Saskatchewan, the most commonly stolen vehicles continue to be pickup trucks and SUVs, reflecting a similar pattern to Alberta, where 42% of all stolen vehicles were trucks. This preference for larger vehicles aligns with Western Canada’s rural and resource-based economy, where such vehicles are more prevalent.
Saskatchewan’s Advantage
While auto theft rates in Saskatchewan remain a concern, our province benefits from several factors that have helped insulate us from the worst of the national crisis:
- Geographic distance from major export ports like Montreal and Halifax
- Lower population density and fewer high-value target vehicles compared to major urban centers
- Strong community awareness and proactive prevention measures
- Effective law enforcement coordination across the province
Impact on Insurance Rates
While the improving auto theft statistics are encouraging, the impact on insurance premiums isn’t immediate. The historic surge in auto theft that peaked in 2023 continues to influence insurance rates in 2025, though we’re beginning to see signs of stabilization.
SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) 2024-25 Annual Report:
3,404
Claims for stolen vehicles in Saskatchewan in 2023
How Auto Theft Affects Premiums
Auto theft represents just one factor in the complex equation that determines insurance rates. In 2023, nearly 1,000 vehicles were reported stolen in Saskatoon, SK, between January and November. This is in comparison to 2022, when the city reported that 1,101 vehicles were reported stolen, showing a slight upward trend for car theft.
“While auto theft is just one factor influencing insurance rates, it’s one that has seen substantial improvement. As these positive trends continue, we anticipate a gradual easing of premium pressures related specifically to theft risk, though other cost factors remain challenging.”
The Saskatchewan Advantage for Insurance Rates
While auto theft claim rates in other provinces can sometimes affect insurance rates in Saskatchewan, the impact is likely less severe compared to provinces experiencing a surge in thefts.
Saskatchewan’s public insurance system, through SGI provides some insulation from market fluctuations, helping to stabilize rates despite national trends.
When Will We See Relief?
Insurance premiums typically lag behind current theft statistics, as they’re calculated based on historical claims data, usually spanning several years. If the positive trends we’re seeing in 2024 and 2025 continue, we can expect to see this gradually reflected in insurance premiums:
2025-2026
Short-term: Stabilization of rates for most vehicle owners, with continued pressure on high-risk vehicles and locations
2026-2027
Medium-term: Potential modest decreases in the theft component of insurance premiums if positive trends continue
2027+
Long-term: More significant adjustments as the improvements in theft rates become fully incorporated into actuarial models
It’s worth noting that while auto theft is a significant factor in insurance premiums, it’s just one of many. Even as theft rates improve, other factors like inflation and repair costs may continue to exert upward pressure on overall premium rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Steps Should You Take If Your Car Is Stolen in Canada?
If your car is stolen in Canada, the first step is to report the theft to your local police on a non-emergency line and complete a police report. Next, verify whether your car insurance policy includes theft coverage. Contact your insurance provider to initiate a claim if you have comprehensive, specified perils, or all perils coverage.
What Vehicle Holds the Title for Being Most Stolen in America?
As of the 2022 National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report, the vehicle most frequently stolen in America is the 2004 full-size Chevrolet pickup. This model experienced 49,903 thefts, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year, 2021.
Disclaimer: The statistics and news videos referenced in this article are based on publicly available information.
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Posted in Auto on June 7, 2024 by Hope Prost
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