Toronto, Brampton and Mississauga Lead Ontario in Auto Theft Insurance Claims
Ontario’s auto theft crisis eased in 2025, but new insurance industry data shows vehicle theft still carries a major financial burden across the province, with Toronto, Brampton and Mississauga again ranking as the costliest cities for auto theft claims.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada released its latest ranking of Ontario municipalities based on auto theft claims costs. Toronto remained in first place with $114.5 million in claims costs in 2025, followed by Brampton at $43.2 million and Mississauga at $31.6 million.
Ottawa climbed two spots to fourth, with $19.8 million in claims costs, while Hamilton rose four places from ninth to fifth, reaching $19.4 million. Vaughan moved down from fourth to seventh, with $17.2 million in claims.
“While IBC applauds the efforts of provincial and municipal governments, law enforcement and insurers in helping to curb the auto theft crisis, there is still more work to be done by all stakeholders,” said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, IBC. “Ending auto theft requires a sustained, coordinated and whole-of-society approach.”
Ontario Auto Theft Claims Down From 2024
IBC said auto theft claims costs in Ontario fell to $485 million in 2025, down from $723 million in 2024. Despite the decline, theft-related insurance claims remain far above pre-crisis levels.
Since 2017, the number of auto theft-related claims in Ontario has increased 97%, while total losses have surged 330%.
Several GTA communities also recorded major long-term increases. Markham ranked sixth in 2025 with $17.8 million in claims costs, up 642% from 2017. Oakville ranked eighth at $12.8 million, up 659%. Richmond Hill ranked tenth at $8.2 million, up 700%.
Smaller Ontario Cities See Sharpest Increases
While larger cities continue to post the highest total costs, smaller and mid-sized communities have seen some of the fastest growth since 2017.
Bowmanville/Clarington recorded the largest increase, with claims costs rising 1,261% to $2.7 million in 2025. Whitchurch-Stouffville rose 1,014%, while Peterborough increased 987%. Barrie, Whitby, Pickering and Milton also posted increases above 600%.
IBC said its analysis is based on industry data from GISA systems. The organization continues to urge Ottawa to act on the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, including stronger vehicle theft protection standards and tighter oversight of Canada’s vehicle export system to stop stolen vehicles from leaving the country.
