Nova Scotia Buzz
New data from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reveals significant increases in auto theft claims costs across Atlantic Canada. Moncton experienced a staggering 270% rise in claims costs from 2018 to 2023, while Fredericton saw an increase of 231% over the same period. These cities are among the top seven in Atlantic Canada with the highest auto theft claims costs in 2023.
The Halifax Regional Municipality leads the list with auto theft claims costs of $3,607,129 in 2023, reflecting a 122% increase since 2018. Moncton follows with $3,328,444, and Fredericton with $2,459,466. Other cities in the top seven include Cape Breton Municipality, St. John’s, Saint John, and Charlottetown.
Top Seven Costliest Cities for Auto Theft Claims in Atlantic Canada (2023)
- Halifax Regional Municipality = $3,607,129
- Moncton = $3,328,444
- Fredericton = $2,459,466
- Cape Breton Regional Municipality = $1,162,340
- St. John’s = $1,014,503
- Saint John = $976,438
- Charlottetown = $566,717
“While auto theft may seem like a problem that’s only affecting central Canada, auto theft claims and claims costs are spiking in Atlantic Canada,” said Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Ontario and Atlantic, IBC. “It’s a problem right across the country and one we can’t afford to ignore here in Atlantic Canada.”
In response to the rising auto theft crisis, the federal government released its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft last month. The plan, which incorporates many recommendations from the insurance industry, aims to address the issue comprehensively. However, IBC emphasizes the need for swift implementation of the plan, particularly in Atlantic Canada.
“The auto theft crisis will only worsen in Atlantic Canada unless provincial and municipal governments advocate for solutions that include, for example, investments in Atlantic ports to ensure they don’t become the next target,” added Dean. “We urge all orders of government – including the provinces and municipalities – to work with the federal government without delay to implement the recommendations in Public Safety Canada’s National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft.”
IBC also calls for provincial governments across Atlantic Canada to provide more resources for coordinated, inter-agency law enforcement focused on auto crime, establish provincial auto theft teams with dedicated prosecutorial support, and strengthen efforts to deter organized crime’s involvement in auto theft.
Without these measures, the rising trend in auto theft claims costs is likely to continue, potentially impacting auto insurance premiums in the region. The IBC’s data underscores the urgency for action to combat this growing problem in Atlantic Canada.
