If you own a Ford pickup truck, you’re more likely to have it stolen than any other automobile in Canada. That’s according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, which ranks models that are the most stolen cars in Canada each year.
The data is based on insurance claims from across the country, and it can affect your car insurance rates depending on your make, model, and even your neighbourhood (as of writing).
The effects of car theft reach far beyond insurance problems. It costs Canadians nearly $1 billion each year. That includes about $550 million for insurance companies to fix or replace stolen vehicles and $250 million for police, health care, and judiciary expenses. Tack on millions more for correctional services.
Don’t make yourself part of those statistics. Here are the 10 most stolen cars in Canada for 2016, along with some advice on what you can do to avoid becoming a target.
Top 10 most stolen cars in Canada (2017)
Ford cars take up seven of the top 10 spots on the list. The most stolen cars in Canada include:
- 2015 LEXUS GX460 4DR AWD SUV
- 2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
- 2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
- 2005 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
- 2001 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
- 2003 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
- 2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
- 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2002 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
- 2006 FORD F250 SD 4WD PU
That list has a lot of Ford F350s on it. These models aren’t equipped with an electronic immobilizer for theft deterrence, but trucks also tend to have higher price tags than the average sedan or compact car.
Top 10 most stolen cars in Canada (without repeated models)
That list might not help you much if you don’t own a Ford F350, so we made another list of the 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada without repeated models, based on data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada between 2013-2017.
- 2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU
- 2015 LEXUS GX460 4DR AWD SUV
- 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2010 ACURA ZDX 4DR AWD SUV
- 1999 HONDA CIVIC 2DR COUPE
- 2000 HONDA CIVIC SiR 2DR
- 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SS 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2006 ACURA RSX TYPE S 2DR 2D
- 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
Top 10 most stolen cars in Ontario (2017)
IBAC also has a list of the 10 most stolen cars in Ontario, which you can see here.
- 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500 2WD PU
- 2005 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 2500 4WD PU
- 2003 HUMMER H2 4DR AWD SUV
- 2002 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2014 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2005 BUICK/CHEV/GMC RAINIER/TRAILBLAZER/ENVOY 4DR 2WD SUV
Looking to buy a car? Read this list of the cheapest cars to insure in Ontario to make sure you’re getting the premium you want.
How to prevent your car from being stolen
It’s not always possible to prevent car theft, but there are plenty of simple steps you can take to avoid seeming like an easy target. Keep the following in mind when you park your car:
Stash your valuables out of sight
If a thief spots any expensive electronic equipment or your wallet in your car, they may be tempted to break in and take it. Once inside, they may consider taking your vehicle as well. Hide valuables in the glove compartment, the trunk, or under your seat. Put larger items (like laptops) in bags, and put those bags in the foot well.
Also avoid leaving holiday gifts in your car during the shopping season. Thieves know when to look!
Park in visible, well-lit spots
Car thieves prefer to operate in the shadows for obvious reasons, so avoid parking in alleys or hidden-away places. It’s best to park under a light, by an entrance, or in full view of a security camera. This increases the odds of thieves being seen, recorded, and having their likeness being reported to the police. They’ll avoid those situations wherever possible, which means you should embrace them.
Lock up and shut down
It might seem obvious, but keep your car doors locked and windows shut any time you’re parked. That includes your own driveway. Never leave your car running unattended, either! If you quickly run inside while leaving your car to warm up on a chilly day, you might return to find it stolen.
This is twice as important if you keep your house keys and your car keys on the same chain, because then the thief could get into your house.
Hide your keys at home
While it’s convenient to leave your keys hanging by the door of your home, this is the first place a burglar will think to look for them. Don’t make it easy for any unwanted guests! Keep your keys hidden, or in your bedroom while you sleep. If you have a hidden spot for the spare key, then change the hiding spot every few months.
Get an alarm
If your car didn’t come with an alarm system, consider getting one installed. Don’t forget to put a sticker on your windshield to let crooks know that your vehicle has an alarm. Deterrence is half the battle!
Go the extra mile
Feel the need to be absolutely secure? Consider buying an anti-theft device such as a steering wheel lock. Not only would it make your car more difficult to steal, but if a thief notices the device they might turn away without even trying.
Stay safe and reduce insurance costs
One factor taken into account when car insurance companies calculate premiums is an automobile’s make and model, and as well as the statistical chance of a vehicle theft. Help keep your car off the Top 10 list and save yourself some cash by taking note of which cars are stolen most often and following the steps above to avoid car theft.
