Alberta leads the nations in auto theft. Honda the most popular target of thieves

Todayville

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4 years ago

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87,006… is the exact number of stolen cars in Canada in 2019. This figure increased by 1.01% in one year, with 874 more car thefts reported than in 2018.

Which province is the most affected by vehicle theft?

Ontario on top of provinces where most car thefts occur

When taking strictly the numbers of car thefts per province, it is not surprising that the most populous provinces have the highest number of crimes. From this perspective, we have the 4 greatest provinces reporting the great numbers of car thefts over 2019 :

Ontario, with almost 24,000 car thefts in 2019, ranks first among Canadian provinces in this regard, followed closely by Alberta (23,535), British Columbia (13,352) and Quebec (11,961).

On the other hand, the 3 Northern Provinces (429 auto thefts in 2019) and the Atlantic Provinces(2,967 thefts) recorded the fewest auto thefts in 2019 in Canada.

Number of stolen cars in 2019OntarioAlbertaBritish ColumbiaQuebecManitobaSaskatchewanAtlantic provincesNorthern provinces05,00010,00015,00020,00025,000

Provinces	Number of stolen cars in 2019
Ontario	23,992
Alberta	23,535
British Columbia	13,352
Quebec	11,961
Manitoba	5,546
Saskatchewan	5,284
Atlantic provinces	2,967
Northern provinces	429

Alberta the most hit province by car thefts in proportion to its population

Reporting the numbers of stolen cars per the number of inhabitants of every province gives a more insightful perspective on the actual level of car theft crime across Canada. Looking at the graph below, it can be seen that, relative to the total population of each province, auto theft in Canada in 2019 primarily affected the central provinces:

With an index of 54.84 stolen cars per 10,000 inhabitants, Alberta is the province most affected by auto theft, ahead of Saskatchewan (45.01) and Manitoba (40.51).

In contrast, Ontario (17.07 stolen cars per 10,000 population), Quebec (14.09) and the Atlantic Provinces(12.22) were the provinces least affected by auto theft in 2019.

Rank	Provinces	Number of stolen cars per 1,000 inhabitants
1	Alberta	53.84
2	Saskatchewan	45.01
3	Manitoba	40.51
4	Northern Provinces	35.16
5	British Columbia	26.33
6	Ontario	17.07
7	Quebec	14.09
8	Atlantic Provinces	12.22

Table showing the number of stolen cars per 10,000 inhabitants for each province (Source: Statistics Canada)

Canada’s Top 10 Most Stolen Car Models in 2020

Number 1 most stolen car in 2020 in Canada: the 2018 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD

The below table lists the 10 most stolen car models across Canada for the past year. The most stolen car in 2020 is a Honda and it is a 2018 model. This brand is quite popular among thieves, since two other Honda models appear in the top 10, in third and sixth place. The second most popular car is a 2017 Lexus model.

Rank	Model
2	2017 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD
3	2017 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
4	2018 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD
5	2018 FORD F150 4WD
6	2019 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
7	2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4DR 4WD
8	2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4DR 4WD
9	2019 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD
10	2017 DODGE/RAM RAM 1500 4WD

Ranking of Canada’s Most Stolen Car Models in 2020 (Source: BAC)

Honda and Lexus are the two brands with the most stolen cars in Canada in 2020. Toyota also has 2 models in the top 10 at seven and eighth place. Finally, Ford and Dodge also appear in this ranking with one model in fifth and tenth place respectively.

Data on stolen car models in 2019 was collected by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

The Most Stolen Car Models by Province in Canada in 2020

Alberta and British-Columbia

1) 2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD

2) 2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD

3) 2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD

Atlantic provinces

1) 2017 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 1500 4WD

2) 2018 FORD F150 4WD

3) 2014 DODGE RAM 1500 4WD

Ontario

1) 2017 LEXUS RX350/RX450h 4DR AWD

2) 2018 LEXUS RX350/RX350L/RX450h/RX450hL 4DR AWD

3) 2018 HONDA CR-V 4DR 4WD

Quebec

1) 2018 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD

2) 2017 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD

3) 2019 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD

Why do criminals decide to steal cars?

To resell them abroad: criminals can resell them at a much higher price than their initial market value in other countries
To resell them to unsuspecting consumers: stolen vehicles may have a false VIN and therefore be resold to unsuspecting people
To resell spare parts by dismantling stolen cars
To get somewhere, this is called a “getaway”
To commit other crimes: the vehicles used for this practice are often found 48 hours after the theft, abandoned and seriously damaged.

Why is it important to be insured against theft?

Most vehicles stolen by criminals are never recovered. It is very important that your vehicle be insured so that you are protected in case of any problems with it.

In addition, it is important to know that insurers will base your insurance premium on the frequency of theft of vehicles of the same brand or model as yours. You can consult the Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating (CLEAR) to see if your vehicle is at risk of being claimed for theft. This can then help you decide if you’re hesitating when buying between vehicles.

Antoine Fruchard, Chief Director at Hellosafe.ca

” The number of stolen cars in Canada is on the rise, which is not good news for policyholders. Indeed, the more thefts reported, the more insurance premiums are likely to go up, to cover those rising theft risks. It is quite interesting to observe in the numbers that the central provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) are more affected by this phenomenon, whereas great provinces like Quebec and Ontario seem to be quite spared when putting in relation the number of stolen cars with the global population. The public authorities of the most affected provinces should maybe take action to prevent this kind of crime from happening in the future“.

Our methodology

This study was developed using data published by Statistics Canada and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Throughout our study, we have tried to highlight the main trends in Canada and its provinces regarding key facts and figures on stolen cars. Some of the data dates back to the year 2019 as these are the most recent figures published by these organizations. The article will be updated once the 2020 data is published.

Related Topics:#AutoTheft #AutoTheftStats #HelloSafe #StolenVehicles feature

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Alberta

Alberta’s fiscal update projects budget surplus, but fiscal fortunes could quickly turn

Published on November 21, 2024

Todayville

From the Fraser Institute

By Tegan Hill

According to the recent mid-year update tabled Thursday, the Smith government projects a $4.6 billion surplus in 2024/25, up from the $2.9 billion surplus projected just a few months ago. Despite the good news, Premier Smith must reduce spending to avoid budget deficits.

The fiscal update projects resource revenue of $20.3 billion in 2024/25. Today’s relatively high—but very volatile—resource revenue (including oil and gas royalties) is helping finance today’s spending and maintain a balanced budget. But it will not last forever.

For perspective, in just the last decade the Alberta government’s annual resource revenue has been as low as $2.8 billion (2015/16) and as high as $25.2 billion (2022/23).

And while the resource revenue rollercoaster is currently in Alberta’s favor, Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledges that “risks are on the rise” as oil prices have dropped considerably and forecasters are projecting downward pressure on prices—all of which impacts resource revenue.

In fact, the government’s own estimates show a $1 change in oil prices results in an estimated $630 million revenue swing. So while the Smith government plans to maintain a surplus in 2024/25, a small change in oil prices could quickly plunge Alberta back into deficit. Premier Smith has warned that her government may fall into a budget deficit this fiscal year.

This should come as no surprise. Alberta’s been on the resource revenue rollercoaster for decades. Successive governments have increased spending during the good times of high resource revenue, but failed to rein in spending when resource revenues fell.

Previous research has shown that, in Alberta, a $1 increase in resource revenue is associated with an estimated 56-cent increase in program spending the following fiscal year (on a per-person, inflation-adjusted basis). However, a decline in resource revenue is not similarly associated with a reduction in program spending. This pattern has led to historically high levels of government spending—and budget deficits—even in more recent years.

Consider this: If this fiscal year the Smith government received an average level of resource revenue (based on levels over the last 10 years), it would receive approximately $13,000 per Albertan. Yet the government plans to spend nearly $15,000 per Albertan this fiscal year (after adjusting for inflation). That’s a huge gap of roughly $2,000—and it means the government is continuing to take big risks with the provincial budget.

Of course, if the government falls back into deficit there are implications for everyday Albertans.

When the government runs a deficit, it accumulates debt, which Albertans must pay to service. In 2024/25, the government’s debt interest payments will cost each Albertan nearly $650. That’s largely because, despite running surpluses over the last few years, Albertans are still paying for debt accumulated during the most recent string of deficits from 2008/09 to 2020/21 (excluding 2014/15), which only ended when the government enjoyed an unexpected windfall in resource revenue in 2021/22.

According to Thursday’s mid-year fiscal update, Alberta’s finances continue to be at risk. To avoid deficits, the Smith government should meaningfully reduce spending so that it’s aligned with more reliable, stable levels of revenue.

Author:

Tegan Hill

Alberta

Premier Smith says Auto Insurance reforms may still result in a publicly owned system

Published on November 21, 2024

Government of Alberta

Better, faster, more affordable auto insurance

Alberta’s government is introducing a new auto insurance system that will provide better and faster services to Albertans while reducing auto insurance premiums.

After hearing from more than 16,000 Albertans through an online survey about their priorities for auto insurance policies, Alberta’s government is introducing a new privately delivered, care-focused auto insurance system.

Right now, insurance in the province is not affordable or care focused. Despite high premiums, Albertans injured in collisions do not get the timely medical care and income support they need in a system that is complex to navigate. When fully implemented, Alberta’s new auto insurance system will deliver better and faster care for those involved in collisions, and Albertans will see cost savings up to $400 per year.

“Albertans have been clear they need an auto insurance system that provides better, faster care and is more affordable. When it’s implemented, our new privately delivered, care-centred insurance system will put the focus on Albertans’ recovery, providing more effective support and will deliver lower rates.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

“High auto insurance rates put strain on Albertans. By shifting to a system that offers improved benefits and support, we are providing better and faster care to Albertans, with lower costs.”

Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Albertans who suffer injuries due to a collision currently wait months for a simple claim to be resolved and can wait years for claims related to more serious and life-changing injuries to addressed. Additionally, the medical and financial benefits they receive often expire before they’re fully recovered.

Under the new system, Albertans who suffer catastrophic injuries will receive treatment and care for the rest of their lives. Those who sustain serious injuries will receive treatment until they are fully recovered. These changes mirror and build upon the Saskatchewan insurance model, where at-fault drivers can be sued for pain and suffering damages if they are convicted of a criminal offence, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving, or conviction of certain offenses under the Traffic Safety Act.

Work on this new auto insurance system will require legislation in the spring of 2025. In order to reconfigure auto insurance policies for 3.4 million Albertans, auto insurance companies need time to create and implement the new system. Alberta’s government expects the new system to be fully implemented by January 2027.

In the interim, starting in January 2025, the good driver rate cap will be adjusted to a 7.5% increase due to high legal costs, increasing vehicle damage repair costs and natural disaster costs. This protects good drivers from significant rate increases while ensuring that auto insurance providers remain financially viable in Alberta.

Albertans have been clear that they still want premiums to be based on risk. Bad drivers will continue to pay higher premiums than good drivers.

By providing significantly enhanced medical, rehabilitation and income support benefits, this system supports Albertans injured in collisions while reducing the impact of litigation costs on the amount that Albertans pay for their insurance.

“Keeping more money in Albertans’ pockets is one of the best ways to address the rising cost of living. This shift to a care-first automobile insurance system will do just that by helping lower premiums for people across the province.”

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

Quick facts

Alberta’s government commissioned two auto insurance reports, which showed that legal fees and litigation costs tied to the province’s current system significantly increase premiums.
A 2023 report by MNP shows