Car theft in Oakville is on the rise, and it is something we can’t ignore. In fact, Oakville has become the 5th fastest-growing city for car thefts in Ontario, with an astonishing 874% increase from 2018 to 2023.1 According to the Halton Regional Police Service, 1,186 vehicles were stolen in 2024 alone.2 Thieves in Oakville often steal and resell cars by reprogramming the car’s system, changing the vehicle’s identification number (VIN), breaking into homes to take keys, or through carjacking. With crime increasing in Halton Region, it is more important than ever to make sure your vehicle is protected.
That is where we come in. As your trusted Oakville insurance brokers, we understand the growing concerns in our community. We are here to help you find the right car theft insurance policy to fit your needs. Whether you have an anti-theft device installed, own multiple cars, or have a luxury vehicle, we have coverage options tailored to your situation. Let us walk you through your options and help you secure the best protection for your car or cars in today’s environment.
Does insurance cover you if your car is stolen?
No, basic auto insurance does not cover you If your car is stolen in Oakville, but you can protect yourself by adding comprehensive insurance to your policy. This type of coverage helps replace your stolen vehicle, repair damage from a break-in, or replace stolen parts.
You have several options when it comes to theft coverage. Comprehensive insurance is the most common choice, covering theft and other unexpected events. If you want more protection, all-perils insurance includes theft and other losses, even if someone in your home steals your car. Specified perils insurance is a good option if you want theft protection but don’t need full coverage. If your car is stolen and totaled, we offer OPCF 43, an enhancement that can be added to your insurance policy to protect your vehicle from depreciation in the event of a theft claim. Additionally, we provide the OPCF 19A Endorsement, which ensures your vehicle’s agreed value is maintained, even if it’s several years old.
Your car insurance also won’t usually cover personal items stolen from your vehicle. While comprehensive coverage can protect items that are permanently affixed to your car, like a stereo or GPS, personal belongings such as phones, laptops, or bags aren’t typically included. To protect those items, you’d need coverage through your home or property insurance like a condo or tenants package.
High Theft Vehicles in Oakville, Ontario
Certain vehicles in Ontario are more frequently targeted by thieves, often because of their popularity, keyless entry features, or demand on the resale market. If you own one of these cars, it’s important to make sure your insurance provides proper theft protection. And if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, it’s worth considering which cars are more likely to be stolen.
Some of the most commonly stolen vehicles in Ontario include:
- Lexus RX Series: This luxury SUV is the most targeted vehicle.
- Toyota Highlander: Right behind it, this family-friendly SUV is also a frequent target.
- Dodge Ram 1500 Series: Pickup trucks like this one rank high on the list of stolen vehicles.
- Honda CR-V: This popular crossover is regularly stolen and often resold.
- Land Rover Range Rover Series: Known for its luxury, this SUV is commonly targeted by thieves.
- Land Rover Defender Series: Another high-end Land Rover that thieves go after.
- Cadillac Escalade Series: A top pick for thieves due to its demand and high value.
When a car is more prone to theft, the insurer faces a greater chance of paying out a claim. This drives up premiums. Additionally, the increase in theft claims, along with inflation and supply chain problems, are all contributing factors that are making insurance costs higher across the board.
If you’re looking to purchase a new car, it’s worth thinking about theft risks. Choosing a vehicle that’s less commonly targeted by thieves could help reduce your insurance costs and make it easier to secure the coverage you need.
In addition, due to the growing frequency of thefts targeting certain vehicles, insurers have implemented extra charges on the highest-risk models to help offset the escalating costs of theft-related claims. As the auto theft crisis continues to worsen, some insurers plan to increase the High Theft Risk Premium Surcharge from $500 to $1,500 for both new policies and renewals for 2025.
Below is a list of vehicles commonly affected by theft surcharge, including those manufactured after 2020. The surcharge applies to these models for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025:
Vehicle Models and Applicable Years (2022-2025)
Chevrolet Models
Chevrolet Suburban: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Chevrolet Tahoe: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
GMC Models
GMC Yukon: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Land Rover Models
Land Rover Defender: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Land Rover Range Rover (Sport, Evoque, Velar): 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Lexus Models
Lexus GX460: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Lexus RX450: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Lexus RX350: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Toyota Models
Toyota 4Runner: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Toyota Highlander (including Grand Highlander): 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Jeep Models
Jeep Wrangler: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Other Models
Any Vehicle with MSRP ≥ $125,000: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Acura RDX: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Dodge RAM 1500: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Honda CR-V: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
How can you protect yourself from vehicle theft?
Car theft can be worrying, but there are plenty of ways to safeguard your vehicle and reduce the chances of it being stolen. By staying vigilant and taking the right security measures, you can protect your car and ensure your insurance coverage is there to help if something happens.
- Park in a Safe Place: Always try to park your car in a secure, locked garage. If that’s not possible, park in a well-lit area.
- Use Anti-Theft Devices: A steering wheel lock or ignition kill switch is an affordable way to make your car harder to steal. An anti-theft device can be a strong deterrent.
- Install a GPS Tracker: This can help locate your car if it’s stolen and increase the chances of recovery.
- Protect Your Key Fob: Keep your key fob inside a signal-blocking pouch when not in use to prevent thieves from copying its signal.
- Set Up Surveillance: Security cameras in your driveway can help monitor your vehicle and deter criminals.
Car Theft Insurance & Anti-Theft Devices
Anti-theft devices play an important role in protecting your car from theft, which can be a huge relief for any car owner. In Ontario, where car theft rates are increasing, having the right anti-theft system can significantly reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen. Devices like Tag, which offer tracking and visual deterrents, can help not only prevent theft but also assist in recovering your car if it’s ever taken. These systems add an extra layer of security, making your car less attractive to thieves and improving the chances of a quick recovery.
In addition to Tag, other systems like steering wheel locks, alarms, and GPS trackers offer similar protection. Many insurance companies in Ontario recognize the value of these devices in preventing car theft, and may even remove additional charges for cars that are more likely to be stolen. We can help pair you up with an insurance company that offers this incentive.
How do you file an insurance claim for a stolen car?
If your car is stolen, here’s how our brokerage can guide you through the process.
Report the Theft to the Police
The first step is to contact your local police station (avoid calling 911) to file a theft report. Be ready to provide key details such as your car’s make, model, year, color, VIN, and license plate number. You’ll also need to share where the vehicle was last seen and any valuables inside at the time. Once the report is filed, make sure to ask for a copy, as you’ll need to share it with us when we start your claim.
Contact Halton Region Police by phone or complete an online report.
Reach Out to Us Right Away
After contacting the police, reach out to us as soon as possible to inform us about the theft. We’ll help you understand your coverage and guide you through the claims process. Be sure to have your policy number on hand, and we will verify that your coverage includes theft protection, typically through comprehensive or all-perils coverage.
File a Claim
When it’s time to file a claim, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. Our team will guide you through the entire claims process and ensure everything is submitted accurately. Many insurance companies offer 24/7 claims reporting, so you can file your claim at any time that’s convenient for you. We’ll help you gather the necessary documentation, like photos and police reports, and make sure everything is properly reported to your insurer. With our expertise, you won’t have to navigate the claims process alone, giving you confidence that your claim is being handled efficiently.
Sources:
- https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/insurance-bureau-of-canada-reveals-ontario-s-top-10-costliest-cities-for-auto-theft-claims
- https://www.haltonpolice.ca/en/staying-safe/auto-theft.aspx
James Inwood is a member of Canadian Insurance Brokers Inc. CIBI operates across Canada with more than 40 licensed brokers and is completely independent so our advice is always objective. Representing 14 insurance carriers on the personal side and over 20 insurance providers on the commercial side helps give my clients clear choice and competitive pricing.
James Inwood, Insurance Broker
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