Waking up in the morning to find that your car was stolen is stressful and overwhelming. Though difficult, it is important to stay calm and act quickly to increase the likelihood that the police recover your vehicle and to ensure your insurance claim proceeds smoothly and promptly.
According to the 2025 Auto Theft Trend Report from Équité Association, a national authority on insurance crime and fraud prevention in Canada, auto thefts in Ontario have decreased 22 per cent compared to 2024. Though this is a significant improvement, car thefts happen far too often, causing undue hardship not only on you as the owner but on the insurance industry as a whole.
Here’s what to do if your vehicle is stolen.
1. Confirm Your Vehicle Was Actually Stolen
Before reporting a theft, it is important to make sure the vehicle has actually been stolen.
- If you park on a public street, check street signs and call local towing companies to rule out a tow due to parking violations.
- Check in with family members with access to the vehicle to make sure someone didn’t take it without your knowledge.
- Check any available security cameras or signs of forced entry for visual proof of what actually happened.
2. Report the Theft to Police Immediately
Once you have confirmed your vehicle was stolen, contact your local police station and file a stolen vehicle report. They will provide you with a case number, which is required for your impending insurance claim.
You’ll likely need to provide:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Make, model, and year
- License plate number
- Vehicle colour and distinguishing features
- Location where the vehicle was last parked
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Next, notify your Ontario insurance broker as soon as possible. Your broker will review your policy with you and start a claim with your insurer. If you carry comprehensive coverage, car theft insurance is usually covered under your policy. Your insurance specialist may request:
- The police report number
- Vehicle registration and ownership details. It’s always a good idea to keep a copy of your ownership inside your home in case the original is lost or stolen.
- Key information (how many keys you have)
- Details about anti-theft devices or tracking systems
- Lease or financing information
4. Understand the Waiting Period
Insurance companies typically have a set waiting period (often around 30 days) to give the police time to recover the vehicle, which is why it is important to report the theft as soon as possible. If the vehicle is recovered, depending on the condition, it may be inspected for damage and repaired.
During the waiting period:
- Police continue investigating
- Your insurer may review documentation
- Claims adjusters may reach out to ask additional questions
5. Know How the Settlement Works
If your vehicle is not recovered, the claim will most likely result in a settlement. Most insurance policies pay the cash value of the vehicle at the time of the theft, minus your deductible. However, if you purchased replacement cost coverage or a waiver of depreciation, you may receive a higher payout.
The value of your vehicle is based on a multitude of factors:
- Age of the vehicle
- Mileage
- Condition
- Current market value
How Auto Theft Is Affecting Insurance Costs in Ontario
Because the cost of vehicle theft claims has increased significantly in recent years, many insurance companies have introduced high-theft vehicle surcharges. These additional charges apply to vehicles that thieves frequently target.
Typical Theft Surcharges
Depending on the insurer and location, drivers may see:
- $500 to $1,500 annual surcharges on high-theft vehicles
- In some cases, up to $2,500 per year in added premium costs
Some insurance companies in Ontario apply a flat surcharge, while others adjust premiums based on the theft risk of your vehicle and where it is parked.
Examples from Ontario insurers include:
- $500 surcharge from some carriers for high-theft vehicles
- $1,000 surcharge if a vehicle lacks an approved theft recovery device
- Up to $1,500 depending on region and risk level
These surcharges remain on the policy until the risk is reduced or the vehicle is no longer classified as high theft.
Vehicles Commonly Flagged as High Theft
While lists change every year, insurers often flag popular SUVs, luxury vehicles, and pickup trucks that are frequently targeted for export theft. They are often targeted because of the high-resale value and strong demand in international markets.
Examples that have appeared on CAA’s 2025 high-theft list and Équité Association’s top 10 list of 2024 in Ontario include:
- Lexus TX and GX models
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Acura TLX
- Toyota Sequoia
- Land Rover Defender Series
- Dodge RAM 1500
- Jeep Wrangler
- Toyota 4Runner
How Drivers Can Remove the Surcharge
The good news is that if you have your heart set on one of these vehicles, many insurers allow drivers to remove theft surcharges by installing an approved anti-theft device. Not only will this help you get the car of your dreams, but it will also help protect it from potential theft. Once installed and verified, insurers may remove the surcharge entirely or offer an additional anti-theft discount on your comprehensive coverage.
Examples of approved anti-theft devices include:
- GPS tracking systems
- Vehicle recovery systems (such as Tag or similar technologies)
- Electronic immobilizers
Vehicle theft is an unfortunate reality for many drivers in Ontario and across the country, but knowing what to do can make the situation less stressful. Reporting the theft immediately, working with your insurance broker, and understanding how claims and surcharges work can help you navigate the process with confidence.
A Duliban auto insurance specialist can discuss your options, explain surcharges and how to reduce or remove them, and find you the best possible coverage and reasonable rate with one of our multiple insurers.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FAQ: Stolen vehicles in Ontario
How common is car theft in Ontario?
Car theft remains a large issue throughout Ontario and across Canada – especially in larger urban areas. While recent reports show the rate is decreasing, 2025 saw a 22 per cent decrease from 2024, according to the 2025 Auto Theft Trend Report from Équité Association, thousands of vehicles are still stolen each year.
How long does it take for the police to recover a stolen car?
If a stolen vehicle is found, it often happens early within the investigation; most likely within the first few days to weeks after the theft.
I think I left my keys in my car; can I still make an insurance claim if it was stolen?
Leaving your keys in the vehicle is never ideal; however, we know accidents happen. In many cases, you can still file a claim, but your Ontario insurance company will investigate the circumstances carefully.
Will my insurance premium increase after my care was stolen?
A theft claim, like an accident, may affect your future premiums, depending on your insurance company and claims history. Each company treats theft differently, which is why it is important to speak with your insurance broker, who can explain how it can impact your policy moving forward.
