Auto thefts putting pressure on car insurance premiums, despite recent crackdown

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Following a crackdown on auto theft, the number of vehicles stolen across Canada last year dropped by 18% over the year before.

[00:00:07]>> And while progress is being made, there were still 47,000 thefts reported in 2025, which continues to put pressure on car insurance premiums. Here's Pat Foran and Consumer Alert. Pat.

[00:00:19]>> Thanks, Nathan and Michelle. Well, sometimes even if your vehicle is not stolen, it can still be damaged during an attempted car theft. One owner decided to put cameras inside his truck and recently caught thieves on video as they tried to steal it.

[00:00:34]>> The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is a nice truck, and Bart Keller of Alliston is frustrated that his pickup was almost stolen again for the second time. Along with the latest in security equipment, he also has video cameras installed inside the truck.

[00:00:51]>> Well, I have the immobilizer, the the dash cam set up.

[00:00:56]Uh I have a tag system on it. I I pretty much protected myself I can.

[00:01:01]>> The first time the vehicle was almost stolen was from his driveway. His camera caught thieves as they used a grinder to cut through a steering wheel lock.

[00:01:12]Because Keller uses an immobilizer, the thieves were unable to steal his truck.

[00:01:16]Eventually, they gave up and left.

[00:01:19]>> When they did that, the sparks went everywhere inside the car, you know, the windshield, the roof. So, there was quite a bit of damage done there.

[00:01:26]>> Last month, while he was at the movies, thieves tried again to steal his vehicle. They broke windows and used a hacksaw.

[00:01:38]>> And they cut through the steering wheel.

[00:01:40]And uh it's a bit of a problem because it's a very expensive steering wheel with the airbag and everything attached and all the media on it.

[00:01:47]>> Eventually, the thieves also became frustrated by the immobilizer and left, but Keller's video clearly shows one of the suspects. He handed over the video to Peel police and two days later an arrest was made.

[00:02:00]>> I'm really happy to hear that they've been apprehended and charges are pending.

[00:02:05]>> A police spokesman said they couldn't comment as the case is before the courts. Keller says even though his truck was not stolen, the vandalism and damage caused still requires thousands of dollars in repairs.

[00:02:18]>> I just hope this doesn't keep happening.

[00:02:20]We need change. We need We need to stop this.

[00:02:23]>> Keller recommends investing in security equipment to prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

[00:02:28]>> Now, I want consumers to protect themselves. Get yourself an immobilizer.

[00:02:32]Get yourself those extra little add-ons because I've seen my vehicle twice already.

[00:02:39]>> And if your vehicle is damaged during an attempted theft, you're covered under comprehensive insurance. One claim will not affect your rates, but several could cause your premiums to go up as you'd be considered a higher risk. On your side, I'm Pat Foran.

[00:02:54]>> If you have a consumer story [music] idea, email us at [email protected].