June 12, 2025 – According to a new Pollara Strategic Insights poll commissioned by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), 76% of residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) feel that Ontario is facing an auto theft crisis. Moreover, six-in-ten (63%) live in fear that their vehicle will be stolen, and a majority (56%) feel that the crisis is affecting their community.
New industry data from IBC confirms that public sentiment matches reality, as the number of theft-related insurance claims are up 165% since 2017 and the costs to service those claims are up a staggering 538%.
Pollara conducted the online survey from April 23 to April 29, 2025, among N=1,126 adult (18+) GTA residents. The data set has been weighted by gender, age, and region to ensure it accurately represents the demographic and geographic distribution of the population of the Greater Toronto Area. As a guideline, a probability sample of N=1,126 carries a margin of error of ±2.9% 19 times out of 20. Sub-samples carry higher margins of error.
For more statistics on auto theft and related claims trends – as well as detailed results from this survey – please visit the IBC website.
