Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Canada

If you drive Canada's best-selling truck, a Ford F-Series pickup, you might be paying more for your auto insurance coverage because it's a common target for theft. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada's (IBC) annual list of the most stolen vehicles in Canada, nine of the 10 are Ford's popular pickup:

1. 2007 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
2. 2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
3. 2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
4. 2004 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
5. 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
6. 2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
7. 2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
8. 2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4WD Pickup
9. 2015 Lexus GX460 4-door AWD SUV
10. 2001 Ford F-250 Super Duty 4WD Pickup

"Nationally, Ford F350 trucks hold the top five spots," said Henry Tso, Vice-President, Investigative Services, IBC.

In fact, it is the Lexus GX460 that stands out as the lone non-Ford vehicle as being one of the vehicles most stolen in Canada.

When thefts are broken down by region, however, there are some interesting differences in the types of vehicles most likely to be taken.

"In Ontario, thieves target high-end SUVs and trucks, including Chevrolet's Tahoe, Silverado and Suburban," continued Tso. "In Alberta, once again Ford's F250s and F350s dominate the list. In Atlantic Canada, the Nissan Maxima is stolen most often, followed by the Chevy Silverado and Jeep Liberty."

About vehicle theft in Canada

Cars are stolen for many reasons, says the IBC. Once stolen, vehicles may be shipped overseas for resale, scrapped for parts, or used to commit another crime. It's also likely far more common than you may realize: there were almost 85,000 reported vehicle thefts last year, according to Statistics Canada, representing a six per cent increase from the previous year.

As a result, the IBC encourages drivers to be vigilant about deterring car thieves and recommends that you protect your vehicle by following these tips:

• Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• When parking your car, always close the windows and lock the doors.
• Put valuables and packages in the trunk, where they're out of sight.
• Keep your car in the garage at night.

Also, to minimize the risk of identity theft, don't leave personal information in your glove box; take your insurance and ownership documents with you anytime you park your vehicle.

What does vehicle theft have to do with your car insurance premiums?

Coverage for theft is included under the 'comprehensive' or 'specified perils' part of your auto insurance policy. It's an optional coverage and if it's included on your policy, part of determining your premium requires the insurer to assess the likelihood your car will be stolen. This includes a review of theft rates in your region and how likely thieves are to target your vehicle. However, each insurer's assessment will differ because they will also take into account their own claims experience. As a result, your premiums with one insurer may be considerably different than with another, which is why it's important to shop around for the best car insurance price.