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Canada’s auto theft disaster is deepening, as insurance coverage declare prices high $1.5 billion for the primary time.
New information from the Insurance coverage Bureau of Canada (IBC) exhibits insurance coverage suppliers dealt with 49,679 claims for stolen automobiles in 2023, with prices eclipsing $1.54 billion for the yr. General, the variety of claims has spiked 56 per cent since 2018, whereas prices have gone up 254 per cent.
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“These numbers point out that the auto theft disaster persists, disrupting the lives of Canadians and inflicting them concern and trauma,” Liam McGuinty, vice-president of technique on the IBC, mentioned in a information launch. “It locations a heavy burden on regulation enforcement and courtroom personnel who work tirelessly to handle these crimes.”
Automobile homeowners in the end find yourself paying increased insurance coverage premiums as a result of excessive fee of theft. A 2023 report from Charges.ca discovered often stolen automobiles — such because the Honda CR-V and Dodge RAM 1500 Sequence — might face premium spikes of greater than 25 per cent and a $500 high-theft surcharge.
“Canada’s auto theft disaster can also be putting stress on drivers’ insurance coverage premiums — as auto theft continues to extend, so do the related prices,” McGuinty mentioned. “Auto theft just isn’t a victimless crime.”
Auto theft is most pronounced in Ontario, the place declare prices have climbed 524 per cent since 2018, eclipsing $1 billion.
Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria informed reporters final week {that a} automotive is stolen in Ontario each 14 minutes.
The Ontario authorities lately introduced stiff new penalties for these convicted of the crime, which embody a lifetime driver’s licence suspension for repeat offenders.
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In February, the federal authorities introduced $15 million in funding for police companies to ramp up auto theft enforcement.
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Nonetheless, the IBC mentioned extra motion is required to stop stolen automobiles from being exported internationally.
“IBC acknowledges the efforts undertaken by governments up to now to battle auto theft, however extra must be carried out, together with on the nationwide degree,” McGuinty added. “Consideration must be paid to modernizing Canada’s outdated car security requirements, which had been final up to date in 2007, and stopping the outflow of stolen automobiles from Canada’s ports.”
• E mail: bcousins@postmedia.com
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