According to Équité Association , the cost of car theft claims in Canada reached $1.2 billion for the first time ever in 2022. With rising theft, inflation, and higher prices for vehicles, it’s more important than ever to be aware of your risk for car theft and take action to deter thieves.

If you’re wondering whether your vehicle is a hot commodity for thieves, take a look at Équité Association’s list of the most stolen vehicles for Canada and your region, based on 2022 data:

Équité Association’s most frequently stolen vehicles by region

If you’re wondering which vehicles thieves tend to leave alone, take a look at Équité Association’s list of the least stolen vehicles for Canada and your region, based on 2022 data:

Équité Association’s least stolen vehicles by region

^{All vehicle makes and models included on this list are newer than 2010.}

Why some vehicles are less likely to be stolen

There are many reasons why car thieves target certain makes and models over others. Generally, car thieves will avoid vehicles that have strong built-in anti-theft systems and are harder to steal, have a lower resale value, are in low demand overseas, or are in low supply and harder to find.

Electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids, for example, aren’t common targets for thieves because there is lower demand for them in other parts of the world, making it difficult to resell these vehicles for a profit. There’s also a lower supply of EVs and hybrids compared to popular gas-powered vehicles, so they’re harder to find.

If you’re considering the likelihood of theft when you’re deciding which type of vehicle to purchase, you may want to keep some of these factors in mind.

How to avoid becoming a target of vehicle theft

Even if your car is on the list of least stolen vehicles you should still take proactive measures to deter thieves and avoid car theft. Not only will these tips protect your car, but some of them could get you a discount on car insurance, too.

Installing an anti-theft system can deter thieves and could help you save on insurance

One of the most effective ways to protect your vehicle from thieves is to install an after-market anti-theft system, like an immobilization device or audible alarm. A stolen vehicle tracking and recovery system can help reduce your chances of becoming a target for car thieves and tracks your vehicle’s location to help with the recovery of your vehicle if it’s stolen. It could also qualify you for an insurance discount, offsetting higher premiums that may apply to high-theft vehicles.

What to do if your car is stolen

Car theft can happen, even when you’ve taken all the right steps to avoid it. Reach out to your licensed car insurance broker to make sure you have the right coverage to protect you if your vehicle is ever stolen. If your car has been stolen, take these steps to start your insurance claim and get back on the road.