Auto Theft in Canada: What the Latest Data Means for Ontario Drivers
Vehicle theft continues to be a major concern for Canadian drivers, but there may finally be some encouraging news. According to the latest report from the Équité Association, vehicle theft in Canada appears to be declining after several years of rapid growth.
After reaching alarming levels in 2023 — with more than $1.6 billion in insured losses in Ontario alone — governments and law enforcement agencies began a more coordinated crackdown on organized auto theft. While recent data shows thefts are down from peak levels, auto theft still results in more than $1 billion in insurance claims every year, making it an ongoing issue for drivers, insurers, and communities.
Canada’s Most Stolen Vehicles in 2024
Each year, the Équité Association — Canada’s national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention — releases its Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles based on national theft data.
In 2024, the Toyota RAV4 moved into the number one position as the most stolen vehicle in Canada by total number of thefts. Last year’s top-ranked vehicle, the Toyota Highlander, dropped to eighth place.
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada (2024)
(Ranked by number of thefts)
- Toyota RAV4
- Dodge RAM 1500 Series
- Honda CR-V
- Ford F-150 Series
- Honda Civic
- Jeep Wrangler
- Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Tundra
- Lexus RX Series
While no vehicle is completely theft-proof, this list highlights a clear trend: SUVs and pickup trucks are heavily targeted. These vehicles are popular with Canadian drivers, hold strong resale value, and are often exported overseas or stripped for parts by organized theft rings.
Ontario Remains a Hot Spot for Vehicle Theft
Ontario continues to experience the highest volume of vehicle thefts in Canada. While population size plays a role, geography also matters. Ontario’s proximity to major shipping hubs — particularly the Port of Montreal — has made it easier for organized criminals to move stolen vehicles out of the country.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), many stolen vehicles from Ontario and Quebec are transported to major ports where they are loaded into shipping containers for export. The sheer volume of freight moving through these ports makes detection difficult.
That said, there is some positive momentum. Ontario saw a decline in vehicle thefts in 2024, thanks in part to increased use of anti-theft devices by drivers and a stronger law enforcement focus on organized auto theft.
Ontario’s Most Stolen Vehicles in 2024
In Ontario, the Honda CR-V claimed the top spot with just over 1,300 reported thefts, replacing last year’s most stolen vehicle, the Lexus RX Series, which had nearly 2,900 thefts in 2023.
Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Ontario (2024)
(Ranked by number of thefts)
- Honda CR-V
- Dodge RAM 1500 Series
- Honda Civic
- Jeep Wrangler
- Ford F-150 Series
- Toyota Tundra
- Lexus RX Series
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Highlander
- Land Rover / Range Rover Series
Notably, several vehicles on this list have high theft frequencies, meaning a greater percentage of insured vehicles of that model were stolen — an important factor insurers consider when assessing risk.
How Insurance Companies Are Responding
As auto theft losses increased across Canada, many insurers began taking additional steps to manage risk. In some cases, this has included surcharges for high-theft vehicles.
To have these surcharges removed or to maintain coverage, insurers may now require:
- Installation of anti-theft devices (such as steering-wheel locks or signal-blocking key fob pouches)
- Engine immobilizers
- Vehicle tracking systems (such as Tag Tracking)
While these requirements often apply to vehicles on “most stolen” lists, some insurers have expanded them to other models they consider attractive to thieves.
Why Auto Theft Affects Everyone
Auto theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts:
- Vehicle owners, who face disruption, stress, and potential out-of-pocket costs
- Communities, where theft undermines feelings of safety
- Law enforcement and courts, which face increased strain
- Insurance costs, which ultimately affect all drivers
While vehicle theft declined by approximately 19% nationwide, there is still work to be done to return to pre-pandemic theft levels.
What Can Drivers Do?
At McFarlan Rowlands, we encourage drivers to:
- Know whether their vehicle is considered high risk
- Use visible and layered anti-theft measures
- Review their auto insurance coverage regularly
- Talk to their broker about insurer requirements and discounts
A quick conversation can help ensure you’re protected — and avoid unexpected surprises at renewal.