Greater Toronto Area (GTA) – A new survey released by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reveals a growing sense of unease among GTA residents over rising vehicle thefts, with 80% of respondents stating they are constantly worried about becoming victims themselves.
Auto theft continues to escalate despite ongoing enforcement efforts, prompting IBC officials and residents alike to label it an ongoing public safety and insurance crisis. The survey also found that 56% of residents are worried about the broader impact of auto theft on their neighbourhoods and local safety.
“We still have a long way to go to effectively curb auto theft in the province,” said Amanda Dean, IBC Vice-President for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. She added that the pace of thefts continues to outstrip law enforcement capacity and has placed heavy strain on insurance providers.
Among young adults, the anxiety is even more pronounced. 75% of respondents aged 18 to 34 said vehicle theft is a top concern whenever purchasing a car—highlighting the growing generational impact of the crisis.
Despite these concerns, there is some cautious optimism. The IBC reported a decline in auto theft-related insurance claims in 2024, and federal initiatives like the Strong Borders Act are being welcomed as a potential turning point. The Act includes commitments to increase enforcement capacity, including the addition of 1,000 new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers, enhanced border scanners, drones, and canine teams aimed at intercepting stolen vehicles at ports, rail yards, and land borders.
“Ontario’s insurers have taken steps to address the crisis and we look forward to supporting the federal government’s recently announced Strong Borders Act,” said Dean.
For further details on the survey and initiatives, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada at: www.ibc.ca