Rising car thefts in Australia and its impact on insurace premiums

One car may be stolen every 11 minutes, according to the data reported by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR), which saw a 52% rise in car thefts in Greater Sydney with more than 14,000 cases in 2024. An alarming but not surprising rate considering that Australia-wide, an estimated 54,700 cars were stolen in the 2022 financial year.

The surge in car theft incidents puts the community on high alert, with law enforcement stretched thin as they work to solve these crimes and find a solution to combat them. Insurance companies are also feeling the pressure, leading to expected policy and premium adjustments this year.

Data Summary:

• Car theft claims in Queensland surged to 6,919 in 2024 (up from 3,434 in 2015).
• Claims in Victoria increased 70% from 5,778 in 2015 to 9,816 in 2024.
• 14,516 cars were stolen between March 2023 and March 2024 in New South Wales.
• 1,473 claims were submitted in South Australia in 2024.
• Almost half of identified offenders are considered juveniles.
• Holden and Toyota are prime targets of car theft.
• Incidents are likely to occur during the weekends and at night.

Which areas are experiencing the highest increase in car theft?

Data from 2020 to 2024 highlight alarming trends in car theft rates across various states in Australia:

• New South Wales – 14,516 cars were stolen between March 2023 and March 2024, with almost half of apprehended or identified offenders considered juveniles. Then in the fiscal year of 2024, 5,718 car theft claims worth $101 million were submitted.
• Queensland – Car theft claims surged to 6,919 in 2024, compared to 3,434 in 2015—a 101% increase. The financial toll rose to $113 million, up from $28 million in 2015 (305% increase).
• South Australia – 1,473 claims worth $16 million were submitted in 2024
• Victoria – The state recorded the highest number of claims, rising 70% to 9,816 in 2024 from 5,778 in 2015. Metro Victoria also incurs the highest cost of vehicle theft claims, reaching $140 million in 2024.

Law enforcement, like the Victoria Police’s Vehicle Crime Squad, are now working with manufacturers and have included insurance companies in their discussions to combat the rise of car theft incidents. But the fight against car theft is not just theirs, it’s ours. As vehicle owners, we can also play a crucial role in preventing car theft by taking proactive security measures.

Who is most at risk?

Car theft can happen to anyone, and predicting who might be a target is difficult. However, the recent data from March 2023 to March 2024 in NSW shows that car thefts are more likely to occur on weekdays and at night. Stolen cars are also more likely to be taken from residential properties, with incidents at 59%, while car theft from the streets or open public areas at 29%.

Similar data are found in South Australia, with the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council warning that motor vehicle thefts are likely to occur on Fridays between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
While thieves target various vehicles, certain models are stolen more frequently:

• Holden – Among the most stolen cars in areas like Victoria and NSW, thefts rose 92.9% from 12 months to January 2025 (particularly models from 2013-2017). It also amounted to 25% of all stolen vehicles in Australia in 2022.
• Toyota – Thefts increased by 76.4%, targeting models such as the HiLux, LandCruiser, Camry, and RAV4. The Toyota HiLux was the second most stolen vehicle in 2022, involving 12% of reported incidents.
• Subaru – These models also saw a 107% increase (particularly for 2015-2018 models).

Newer models with keyless entry systems are also at risk from relay attacks and other sophisticated theft techniques.

Why are incidents rising?

Mode and opportunity are evolving. It’s possible thieves don’t have to go the usual route of stealing keys to hijack a car. Due to advancing techniques, they can now use electronic devices to capture key fob signals to unlock cars remotely. On-board diagnostic (OBD) hacking devices, costing under $100, are also now used in 1 in 5 car thefts in Victoria, allowing criminals to bypass keyless entry systems. Authorities report that the widespread availability of these hacking devices has contributed to Victoria’s highest car theft levels since 2003.

Recent police reports have also highlighted that youth involvement in car theft continues to be a growing concern. In Regional NSW, car thefts linked to juveniles rose 179% over five years to March 2023, with TikTok trends possibly influencing theft rates.

A contributing factor may also be criminals being emboldened since tracking and recovering stolen vehicles is more challenging, especially when theft methods leave little evidence behind, and cars are dismantled for parts or re-identified for resale.

How is it impacting insurance?

With the rate of car thefts rising and claim values climbing up, insurance companies are pressured to reassess levels, leading to changes in policies and claims processes:

• Higher Premiums – Premiums are calculated based on risk and coverage. If your car model is a prime target or you reside in an area prone to car theft, expect your car insurance premiums to also increase.
• Policy Adjustments – Insurers may impose stricter requirements, such as mandating additional security measures or limiting coverage options for high-risk car models.
• More extended Claims Processing – Increased car thefts can lead to higher claim volumes, resulting in potential delays in claim settlements.

What steps can you take to improve your car security?

1. Store your keys properly – Leaving your car keys in your pocket, by the door, or on kitchen counters may seem harmless, but it can make you an easy target for thieves. A house break-in could quickly turn into a car theft if criminals spot your keys within reach. Keeping your keys visible while you’re out also gives opportunistic thieves a chance to strike.
2. Install anti-theft devices and features – Steering wheel locks, immobilisers, GPS tracking, and alarm systems can deter thieves and may help you negotiate your premiums during risk-level evaluations.
3. Always park in a secure location – Go for well-lit areas or secure garages. Avoid leaving your vehicle in theft-prone locations overnight.
4. Be cautious with key-free entries – Protect yourself from relay attacks by storing your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch when not in use.
5. Be vigilant and report suspicious activity – If you notice anything unusual, such as someone attempting to scan your car’s keyless entry system, report it to the authorities.
6. Review and update your insurance policy – Ensure your policy covers theft-related claims adequately. Some insurers offer add-ons such as replacement vehicle coverage and higher theft protection

Stay informed, stay secure, stay covered

Part of responsible car ownership is taking action to secure assets by investing in additional security measures and frequently reviewing insurance policies to identify gaps in coverage. These are also good strategies to implement to combat the expected rise of insurance premiums.

If you want to learn more about your options, Ryno Insurance is here to help. Our team can guide you through insurance coverage and help you find what suits your car needs. Email he***@***************om.au to learn more or request a free quote today!