The 10 most commonly stolen vehicles of 2023 in Canada

By: Arshi Hossain on November 19, 2024

In recent months, the alarming rise in auto thefts across Ontario has taken a violent turn, as exemplified by a shocking incident involving a Toronto family. In the early hours of October 13, five intruders violently forced their way into a home near Finch and Don Mills Road, demanding the keys to a newly acquired 2023 Mercedes Maybach.

The head of the family, an immigrant who had worked tirelessly to afford such a vehicle, found his hard-earned sense of security shattered.

The family targeted explained to CityNews, “we had our wallets. We had designer bags, designer shoes all out in the open and they didn’t touch a single thing.”

The group of five intruders were looking for something else. “All they kept shouting was, ‘Give us the car keys. Give us the car keys.’”

This isn’t an isolated case. Many households across the country have fallen victim to similar break-ins.

As auto thefts surge across Canada, the financial repercussions are becoming increasingly evident, particularly for owners of the country's most stolen vehicles who face soaring insurance premiums.

The most recently available report from the Équité Association highlights the top ten most commonly stolen vehicles nationwide that are most sought after among car thieves in 2023. Let’s take a look.

Top 10 most commonly stolen vehicles in 2023

Canada experiences a vehicle theft every five minutes. Within the first half of 2024, there were 11,165 SUVS stolen, followed by 8,398 pickup trucks, 7,539 cars, and 1,448 vans across the country.

This epidemic is fueled by the increasing sophistication of thieves' methods and the high demand for certain vehicle models.

Here are the top ten most commonly stolen vehicles in Canada:

2021 Toyota Highlander: This SUV tops the list with a theft frequency rate of 2.76% and may be targeted for its high resale value and international demand.
2022 Dodge RAM 1500 Series: Known for its robust design, this truck is popular among thieves for its utility and parts.
2022 Lexus RX Series: This luxury SUV attracts attention for its high-end features and widespread appeal.
2021 Honda CR-V: A frequent target due to its reliability and popularity in the used car market.
2021 Honda RAV4: This versatile SUV is sought after for its practicality and resale potential.
2019 Honda Civic: Despite its age, the Civic remains a target for its parts and simplicity.
2021 Jeep Wrangler: Known for its rugged capabilities, it is frequently stolen for parts and resale.
2020 Land Rover Range Rover Series: This high-end vehicle is often targeted for export and its luxury status.
2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series: Recently making the list, these large SUVs are valued for their space and functionality.
2006 Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series: Older models continue to be stolen due to less sophisticated security features.

Many vehicles on the national list are 2019 models or newer, revealing vulnerabilities linked to keyless ignitions and the absence of anti-theft devices that comply with ULC 338 Anti-theft Standards.

Factors contributing to vehicle theft

The surge in vehicle theft across Canada is driven by a complex array of factors, including organized crime networks, the lucrative market for specific vehicles and parts. Here are some key considerations:

Technological weaknesses: Modern vehicles equipped with keyless entry systems are vulnerable to signal boosting attacks. Thieves can amplify the signal from a car key fob to unlock and start the vehicle, making it easier to steal without detection.

High resale value: Vehicles that are popular in both domestic and international markets are prime targets due to their valuable parts and strong resale potential. This appeal makes them attractive to thieves looking for quick profits.

Organized crime networks: These sophisticated groups have become proficient in exporting stolen vehicles. Major ports in cities like Toronto and Montreal are used to ship these vehicles overseas, where there is high demand.

Demand for parts: The demand for specific vehicle models and their parts is fueled by both local and global markets. Luxury SUVs and popular trucks are particularly sought after. Often, stolen vehicles are dismantled, and their parts sold individually, increasing profitability for thieves and complicating recovery efforts by authorities.

A hotspot for vehicle theft: Top 10 most commonly stolen vehicles in Ontario

Ontario, home to major cities and trade ports, accounts for a significant portion of the national vehicle theft rate, with Toronto alone reporting 12,302 auto theft incidents in 2023.

The list of most stolen vehicles in Ontario closely mirrors the national trends, with a few variations:

2022 Lexus RX Series
2022 Toyota Highlander
2022 Dodge RAM 1500 Series
2020 Honda CR-V
2020 Land Rover Range Rover
2023 Chevrolet/GMC Suburban/Yukon/Tahoe Series
2023 Jeep Wrangler
2021 Toyota RAV4
2019 Honda Civic
2022 Ford F150 Series

How thefts increase your insurance costs

The cost of vehicle theft extends beyond the immediate loss, impacting insurance premiums and contributing to a broader economic burden. In 2023, the cost of insurance claims for replacing stolen vehicles in Canada surged to an unprecedented $1.5 billion, marking the second consecutive year that costs associated with auto theft claims exceeded $1 billion.

As theft rates climb, insurance companies are compelled to adapt their strategies and policies to manage the increased risk and financial burden.

Here’s how insurance companies are responding:

Premium adjustments

With the rise in thefts, insurance companies are adjusting premiums to reflect the heightened risk. If you’re an owner of one of the frequently stolen vehicles, you might see a noticeable increase in their insurance costs. This adjustment helps insurers cover the amplified claim payouts resulting from thefts.

Policy revisions

Insurers are revising their policies to address the growing threat. This includes offering enhanced coverage options specifically for theft, such as comprehensive policies that cover the costs associated with stolen vehicles and their recovery.

Risk mitigation measures

Many insurance companies are encouraging policyholders to adopt preventive measures by offering discounts on premiums for vehicles equipped with advanced security systems, such as GPS tracking and steering wheel locks. These incentives aim to reduce the likelihood of theft and subsequent claims.

Collaborative efforts between different partners

Insurers are increasingly working with law enforcement and policy makers to combat vehicle theft. This includes funding initiatives for better surveillance and tracking technologies, which can help deter theft and recover stolen vehicles more efficiently, all of which are outlined in the National Action Plan for Combatting Auto Theft.

For policyholders, especially those in high-risk areas like Ontario, the financial implications such as, higher premiums can strain budgets, making it essential for vehicle owners to explore various insurance options to find the most cost-effective solutions without compromising coverage.

If your car has been stolen

Across Canada, Ontario and Quebec experienced the lowest recovery rates, at 44% and 37% respectively. However, if you're in Western Canada or the Atlantic provinces, where recovery rates are higher, there's more reason to remain hopeful about retrieving your vehicle.

If you find yourself the victim of car theft and have filed an insurance claim, there are two ways it can play out:

Ongoing claim: If your vehicle is recovered before your claim is finalized, you have the opportunity to update your claim with your insurer. This means you can keep your car. If there are any damages to the car once you get it back, you can submit a new claim to cover the repair expenses.
Settled claim: If your claim has already been fully processed and you've received compensation based on your car's actual cash value (after deducting your deductible), the ownership of your vehicle shifts to the insurance company. Although you lose ownership of the car, you can still retrieve any personal belongings left inside. The car itself, however, becomes the property of the insurer.

This is why comprehensive insurance plays such an important crucial role in these scenarios, as it specifically covers losses due to theft. Without this coverage, claiming compensation for a stolen vehicle is not possible.

Practical ways to secure your vehicle

While adding comprehensive coverage to your existing policy is your best bet to recuperate losses from car theft, you can take several proactive measures to protect yourself from theft in the first place:

Key fob security: Keep your key fob in a Faraday bag to prevent signal boosting attacks.
Physical deterrents: Use steering wheel locks and tire locks to make your vehicle less attractive to thieves.
Install GPS tracking devices: These systems can help authorities locate stolen vehicles more efficiently.
Parking in more secure locations: Park in well-lit, populated areas whenever possible, and consider home security systems to monitor your vehicle.