Auto theft claims in Alberta remain significantly higher than historical levels, despite a modest decline in total costs during the first half of 2025, according to newly released data from Insurance Bureau of Canada.
The industry association reported that the total cost of auto theft claims fell slightly in the first six months of 2025, following increased government and law enforcement efforts. Even with that decline, auto theft claims were still 76% higher than during the same period in 2021, continuing to place pressure on Alberta’s auto insurance system.
Edmonton and Calgary accounted for the largest share of losses. Compared with 2021, the cost of auto theft claims increased 85% in Edmonton and 73% in Calgary. Calgary recorded nearly $15.9 million in theft-related claims during the first half of 2025, while Edmonton saw more than $12.4 million.
Aaron Sutherland, vice-president, Pacific and Western, Insurance Bureau of Canada, indicated progress has been made but cautioned that organized crime remains a major factor driving vehicle theft.
“Provincial and municipal governments, in partnership with law enforcement agencies have begun to make progress on efforts to reduce auto theft and data shows it’s making a difference,” Sutherland said. “It’s important to stay diligent as criminal networks continue operating in our communities.”
IBC is calling on the Alberta government to provide additional resources for coordinated inter-agency law enforcement efforts targeting auto theft and organized crime, including the creation of a provincial auto theft team with dedicated prosecutorial support.
At the federal level, proposed amendments to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulation are expected to make vehicles sold in Canada more difficult to steal. IBC also emphasized the need for faster implementation of the National Action Plan for Combatting Auto Theft, including stronger border enforcement and improved data sharing between provinces.
Rising auto theft claims were cited by Alberta’s Superintendent of Insurance as a key cost pressure facing the province’s auto insurance system.
