When you’re in the market to buy a car, you may 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.
Top 5 Most Stolen Cars In Canada
Each year, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) 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 IBC, the following vehicles are currently the most stolen models in Canada, as of 2020 (the latest year of data collection for this purpose):
- 2018 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
- 2017 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD
- 2017 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
- 2018 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD
- 2018 FORD F150 4WD
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 | 2017/2018/2019 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD |
| Ontario | 2017 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD 2018 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD 2018 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD |
| British Columbia | Ford F-Series trucks Honda Civic and CRX Dodge trucks |
| Alberta | 2004/2006/2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD |
| Atlantic Provinces | 2017 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 4WD 2018 FORD F150 4WD 2014 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD |
Top 3 Most Stolen Cars In Quebec
- 2018 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
- 2017 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
- 2019 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
Top 3 Most Stolen Cars In Ontario
- 2017 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD
- 2018 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD
- 2018 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
Top 3 Most Stolen Cars In British Columbia
- Ford F-Series trucks
- Honda Civic and CRX
- Dodge trucks
Model years are unavailable.
Top 3 Most Stolen Cars In Alberta
- 2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD
- 2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD
- 2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD
Top 3 Most Stolen Cars In The Atlantic Provinces
According to the IBC, the top most stolen cars in each Atlantic province is the same as all the Atlantic provinces combined.
- 2017 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 4WD
- 2018 FORD F150 4WD
- 2014 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD
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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 (2020)
According to Statista, Ontario and Alberta rank highest for the number of stolen cars.
| Ontario | 24,259 |
| Alberta | 19,215 |
| British Columbia | 10,359 |
| Quebec | 11,505 |
| Atlantic Provinces | 3,027 |
What Should You Do If Your Car Is Stolen?
If you believe your car has been stolen, follow these steps.
Step 1. Make Sure It’s Actually Stolen
Sometimes a car owner might mistakenly believe their vehicle has been stolen, when there may be other reasons why they are unable to locate their car. For instance, maybe a family member borrowed it without you knowing, or perhaps it was towed after you parked it illegally. Make sure the vehicle was actually stolen before you call the police.
Step 2. Notify The Police
If you verify that your car has indeed been stolen, 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 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.
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. 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.
Find out which are the best and worse cars to insure in Canada.
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.
- 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.
- Add Safety Products – Install an alarm or security system. You could also install an ignition immobilizer to prevent thieves from hot-wiring your car. Another car security is a steering wheel or brake pedal lock. This will prevent thieves from operating your vehicle even if they manage to start the engine.
Check out what are car safety ratings and how do you check them.
FAQs On Most Stolen Cars In Canada
Which car is most stolen in Ontario?
Which province has the highest car theft?
Which car model is the most stolen in Canada?
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 these lists or already own one, there are plenty of things you can do to protect it from theft.
