When you’re in the market to buy a car, you should look at specific traits, such as price, safety, mileage, cargo space, and comfort. But perhaps you may want to consider another factor: the vehicle’s rate of theft.
In Canada, certain vehicle models are more targeted by thieves than others. That means your car could be more vulnerable to theft than others, depending on the type of vehicle you own. Having a car stolen is not only a hassle, but it can also increase your insurance premiums.
Let’s take a look at some of the more stolen cars in Canada, as well as in each individual province.
Key Points
- The theft rate on a vehicle model should be one of the factors you may want to consider before making a vehicle purchase.
- Vehicles that are more often stolen may require higher insurance premiums.
- As of 2024 (the latest data available), the most stolen vehicle in Canada is the Honda CR-V.
Top 5 Most Stolen Cars In Canada
In 2024, 57,359 cars were stolen in Canada. While that number is down from 70,475 in 2023, that’s still a hefty number.
Each year, insurance companies and other entities publish a list of the top stolen vehicles in Canada. The list is based on data collected from insurance claims from car insurance companies across the country.
According to the latest data, the following vehicles are currently the most stolen models in Canada, as of 2024 (the latest year of data collection for this purpose):
- Honda CR-V
- Dodge RAM 1500 Series
- Ford F150
- Lexus RX Series
- Toyota Highlander
Top 3 Most Stolen Cars By Province
While it’s good to know which cars are most stolen on a country-wide basis, it may also be helpful to know which vehicles are most stolen in the province you live in, as they may differ from the Canada-wide statistics.
| Quebec | Honda CR-V Acura RDX Honda Civic |
| Ontario | Honda CR-V Lexus RX Series Dodge RAM 1500 Series |
| Alberta | Dodge RAM 1500 Series Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 2500 Series Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series |
| Atlantic Provinces | Dodge RAM 1500 Series Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series Ford F150 Series |
Why Are These Vehicles Targeted By Thieves?
Multiple factors play a role in the high theft rates of these vehicles, such as the following:
- High Market Demand: Perhaps the most common reason why vehicles that make it to the top of the list of most stolen vehicles in Canada is their market demand. More often than not, it’s the market demand in other countries that plays a role, as these cars are often stolen to be shipped to other countries where their value is very high.
- Value Of Spare Parts: Not only are cars as a whole valuable to thieves and the people they eventually sell to, but so are their individual parts. Thieves often take apart stolen vehicles and sell their parts separately.
- Keyless Entry Bypass: Sophisticated car thieves use savvy electronic devices to bypass keyless entry systems and gain entry to vehicles within seconds.
What Happens To Stolen Cars?
Cars that are stolen usually wind up in one of the following scenarios:
Sold Abroad
Certain vehicle models are worth many times more than their original market value in other countries. Thieves may target specific vehicles that they know they can flip for a significant profit. Once these vehicles are stolen, they’re immediately packed and shipped abroad to be sold.
Sold To Unsuspecting Buyers
Consumers looking to purchase a used car may unknowingly buy a stolen vehicle. Some car thieves steal vehicles and sell them to car buyers, along with the vehicle identification numbers (VINs). Alternatively, thieves may sell individual car parts.
Used To Commit Other Crimes
Thieves may use stolen vehicles to commit other crimes to avoid having the vehicle traced back to them. If the car is recovered, it’s usually found within 48 hours of being stolen, often heavily damaged.
Number Of Stolen Cars In Canada By Province
According to recent data, Ontario ranks highest for the number of stolen cars in 2024.
| Ontario | ~25,000 |
| BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, & Manitoba (combined) | ~20,000 |
| Quebec | ~10,000 |
| Atlantic Provinces | ~2,000 |
Despite these figures, most provinces saw a decline in theft rates in 2024:
- BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba: Combined 13% decline
- Alberta: 10% decline
- Ontario: 17% decline
- Quebec: 33% decline
What Should You Do If Your Car Is Stolen?
If you believe your car has been stolen, follow these steps.
Step 1: Notify The Police
Call the police right away. In order for them to start the investigation process, they’ll need as much information about the situation as possible, as well as information about the vehicle. If your car is equipped with any technology that could make it easier to locate, provide the police with that information.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
To file a detailed police report and insurance claim, you’ll need to provide law enforcement and your insurance provider with certain documents, which you should have ready:
- Vehicle registration
- Details about your vehicle (ie. make, model, year, plate number, colour, etc.)
- Insurance policy number
- Any loan or lease agreements
Step 3. Call Your Insurance Provider
After you’ve filed a police report, call your insurance company to file a claim. This will provide you with the financial coverage needed to replace your vehicle, or to repair your car if it’s recovered but has been damaged. The policy will also cover personal property that was in the car when it was stolen.
Step 4: Contact Your Lender Or Leasing Company
If you’re financing or leasing your vehicle, contact your lender or leasing company to let them know about the theft. They may have specific procedures that they might want you to follow, and likely will want to be kept informed about what’s happening with your insurance claim.
Does Car Insurance Cover Car Theft?
Not all car insurance policies cover theft. More specifically, basic policies typically do not provide coverage in the event that your car is stolen. For instance, liability insurance provides coverage if you cause bodily injury or property damage to another person, but it doesn’t cover vehicle theft.
Coverage for such events depends on the specifics of your insurance policy. To ensure that you’re covered against car theft, you must opt in to any one of the following:
- Comprehensive Coverage. This type of insurance policy will provide coverage against any loss that’s not covered by the collision portion of your policy, including theft. With comprehensive coverage, you’ll be compensated to replace a stolen vehicle, replace parts that are damaged or stolen, or make repairs to your car after it has been recovered following theft.
- Specified Perils. This coverage protects your vehicle against loss or damage from specific risks, such as fire, hail, windstorms, and theft, among others.
- All Perils. This option combines collision and comprehensive coverage, so you’re fully covered.
How To Protect Your Car From Being Stolen?
Even if you own a vehicle that has made the top list of most commonly stolen cars in your province, there are still some things you can do to deter thieves from taking your car:
- Hide Your Keys – Don’t leave your keys in your car or at the entrance of your house (if you have a remote key). Keep your key FOB in a safe place, such as a protector box or bag that blocks its signal.
- Watch Where You Park – Park your car in a garage or a well-lit parking space, if possible.
- Lock Your Car – Keep your windows closed and your doors locked at all times. Never leave the engine running when you leave your vehicle, even if only for a few seconds.
- Watch What You Leave In Your Car – Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle, or at the very least, hide them under the seat or in the trunk of your car so they’re out of sight.
- Add Safety Measures – Install an alarm or security system. You could also install an ignition immobilizer to prevent thieves from hot-wiring your car. Another car security feature is a steering wheel or brake pedal lock. This will prevent thieves from operating your vehicle even if they manage to start the engine.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the most commonly stolen vehicles in Canada and in the province you reside in should probably play a role in your choice of vehicle to buy. But even if you still choose to buy a vehicle on this list or already own one, there are plenty of things you can do to protect it from theft. Last but not least, make sure your insurance policy covers car theft to get some financial help buying a replacement.
