Farm Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Car Theft Claims Skyrocket, Raising Insurance Concerns

Car Theft Claims Skyrocket, Raising Insurance Concerns

Car Theft Claims Skyrocket, Raising Insurance Concerns?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Insurance Council of Australia has unveiled substantial data revealing that the expense related to vehicle theft claims has almost doubled since 2015.
Last year, the industry handled $428 million in claims, signaling a stark increase from $218 million a decade ago.
The data comes from Insurance Statistics Australia, which has adjusted historic dollar values for inflation, highlighting an urgent trend in rising car crime claims.

Particularly striking is the 27% rise in claim numbers, growing from 22,000 to 28,000. Interestingly, this surge is primarily driven by regional areas in Australia, though metropolitan zones noted a slight decline. State-wise breakdown shows Queensland and Victoria witnessing the most significant rises in claims.

In Queensland, the total cost of vehicle theft claims soared to $113 million from $36 million in 2015, coinciding with a 32% rise in vehicle policies. Victoria reported 7,823 metro area thefts, costing $140 million, marking a notable escalation in both numbers and expenses.

Conversely, a decline in claim numbers was noted in Western Australia and New South Wales metropolitan areas, while South Australia saw a marginal increase. Overall, the number of vehicle policies escalated by 26%, reaching 12.1 million from 9.6 million in 2015.

Kylie Macfarlane, the deputy CEO of the ICA, pointed out the rising vehicle values and increasing costs of parts and labor as significant contributors to the upward pressure on premiums nationwide. She emphasized recognizing the frequency and cost of motor theft as documented by the industry, indicating widespread implications that could affect consumers broadly.

Insurance Statistics Australia, a voluntary body managing data for insurance stakeholders including the ICA, underscores the growing concern with its latest findings. This trend necessitates vigilance, given its potential impact on the insurance landscape and consumer costs.

Published:Monday, 24th Mar 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Newline Group Strengthens Australian Presence with Sydney Office and Key Appointment
Newline Group Strengthens Australian Presence with Sydney Office and Key Appointment
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Specialty insurer Newline Group has announced the opening of a new office in Sydney, marking a significant expansion of its Australian operations. This strategic move aims to bring the company closer to its distribution partners and clients in the region, enhancing service delivery and fostering stronger relationships. - read more
Markel Insurance Introduces Tailored Financial Institution Products for Australian Market
Markel Insurance Introduces Tailored Financial Institution Products for Australian Market
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Markel Insurance has unveiled a suite of financial institution products specifically designed for the Australian market, featuring localized policy wordings to better address the unique needs of local businesses. This initiative reflects Markel's commitment to providing tailored insurance solutions that resonate with the specific requirements of Australian financial institutions. - read more
KPMG Survey Highlights Australian CEOs' Changing Views on Office Work
KPMG Survey Highlights Australian CEOs' Changing Views on Office Work
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent survey conducted by KPMG has unveiled a significant shift in the expectations of Australian CEOs regarding office work. The findings indicate that only 22% of those surveyed anticipate a full-time return to the office for corporate employees within the next three years. This marks a substantial decrease from the 82% reported in the previous year, signaling a notable change in leadership perspectives on workplace dynamics. - read more
IAG's Recommendations to the Federal Inquiry on Small Business Insurance
IAG's Recommendations to the Federal Inquiry on Small Business Insurance
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently submitted its recommendations to the Federal Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, focusing on the Inquiry into Small Business Insurance. In its submission, IAG outlines how small business insurance operates across its retail and intermediated channels and provides recommendations to support stronger, more sustainable outcomes for small businesses in Australia. - read more
ASIC Directs 11 Insurers to Refund $815 Million to Customers
ASIC Directs 11 Insurers to Refund $815 Million to Customers
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has ordered 11 insurance companies to refund a total of $815 million to customers following an investigation into pricing failures and governance issues. The investigation revealed that these insurers engaged in complex and reckless pricing models, lacked appropriate governance systems, and failed to adequately monitor and control their distributors, leading to millions of customers being overcharged. - read more
APRA Implements Emergency Measures in Commercial Auto Insurance
APRA Implements Emergency Measures in Commercial Auto Insurance
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently introduced emergency regulations targeting the commercial auto insurance sector. These measures are designed to curb excessive premium increases and streamline the claims process, providing much-needed relief to transport operators across the nation. - read more
NTI Spearheads Efforts to Mitigate Fuel Cost Impact on Trucking
NTI Spearheads Efforts to Mitigate Fuel Cost Impact on Trucking
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
National Transport Insurance (NTI) is actively collaborating with government bodies to address the challenges posed by escalating fuel costs on Australia's trucking industry. The recent surge in diesel prices, driven by global geopolitical tensions, has placed significant financial strain on transport operators nationwide. - read more
Broker Held Accountable for Negligence in Truck Insurance Claim
Broker Held Accountable for Negligence in Truck Insurance Claim
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a recent ruling, the industry ombudsman found that a broker breached its duty of care, resulting in the rejection of a truck damage claim by the insurer. The case underscores the critical importance of accurate policy information and the responsibilities of brokers in the insurance process. - read more
APRA's 2026 Report Calls for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation
APRA's 2026 Report Calls for Immediate Action on Extreme Weather Mitigation
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released a pivotal report emphasising the urgent need for substantial action and investment to shield communities from the increasing impacts of extreme weather events. The Insurance Climate Vulnerability Assessment (ICVA) serves as a stress test, modelling potential future scenarios rather than forecasting specific outcomes. However, the risks outlined are already becoming evident, reinforcing the insurance industry's calls for urgent intervention to mitigate extreme weather risks. - read more
HIF's 2026 Health Insurance Premiums to Rise by 2.6% from April
HIF's 2026 Health Insurance Premiums to Rise by 2.6% from April
14 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) has announced a 2.6% increase in health insurance premiums, effective from 1 April 2026. This adjustment is notably below the industry average increase of 4.41%, reflecting HIF's commitment to maintaining affordability for its members. - read more


Farm Insurance Articles

Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Customized Insurance Solutions: The Advantage of Specialized Farm Brokers
Farming in Australia is more than just a way of life; it is a critical sector that supports the nation’s economy and food supply. However, managing a farm comes with its own set of unique risks. From natural disasters to equipment failures, farmers face numerous challenges that can impact their livelihood. - read more
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
The Digital Farmer's Guide to Insuring Your Agribusiness in the Tech Age
Welcome to the defining era where technology and agriculture entwine, bringing forth the digital farmer's era. With the evolution of agribusiness in the tech age, comes an array of new tools, opportunities, and risks. As a custodian of the earth and steward of the latest innovations, safeguarding your digital farm is just as crucial as nurturing your crops and livestock. - read more
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
What Australian Farmers Should Know About Crop Insurance
Crop insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to protect farmers from the financial losses that arise from damages to their crops. This could be due to various risks, including adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. - read more
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
5 Essential Farm Insurance Policies Every Australian Farmer Needs
Farming in Australia is not just a job, it's a way of life. However, it’s also a livelihood that comes with its own unique set of risks. From unexpected weather events to machinery breakdowns, the life of an Australian farmer is fraught with uncertainties. - read more
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Investing in Your Farm's Legacy: Estate Planning and Farm Insurance Combined
Farming is much more than an occupation; it's a way of life and a heritage that often spans generations. In today's ever-evolving agricultural landscape, embracing modern practices while preserving your farm's future has never been more crucial. Estate planning emerges as a pivotal strategy for safeguarding your agricultural legacy, ensuring that your hard-earned investments and the land you hold dear are passed on according to your wishes. - read more
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
How to Protect Your Harvest: Tips for Choosing the Right Crop Insurance
Farming, at its core, is an enterprise fraught with uncertainty. Weather calamities, pests, diseases, and fluctuating market conditions can all impact the output and quality of produce. This is where crop insurance proves its worth, serving as a safety net for farmers against the myriad risks they face each season. - read more
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Building Resilience Against Natural Disasters: Practical Steps for Aussie Farmers
Australian farmers face an array of natural disasters that can threaten livelihoods and disrupt the delicate balance of agricultural ecosystems. From devastating bushfires and droughts to powerful storms and floods, these catastrophic events pose serious risks to the farming community. Understanding and preparing for these forces is not just about survival; it's about building a sustainable future for farms across the continent. - read more
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Tractors, Livestock, and Crops: Tailoring Your Farm Insurance to Fit Your Needs
Welcome to the world of farming, where the fruits of your labor are as tangible as the soil you till. But just as the land is subject to the whims of nature, so too is the business of agriculture. This is where farm insurance becomes essential. Farmers face a set of challenges and uncertainties unlike any other industry, primarily due to the unpredictable forces of weather. - read more
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Insurance for Hobby Farms: Finding the Right Coverage
Hobby farming has become increasingly popular in Australia, with many individuals and families embracing the joys of growing their own produce, raising livestock, and enjoying a rural lifestyle. Whether it's a small vegetable garden, a few chickens, or a larger mixed farming operation, hobby farms offer both relaxation and a connection to nature. - read more
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
Protecting Your Herd: The Aussie Farmer's Guide to Livestock Insurance
For Australian farmers, livestock is more than just a vital asset; it's the heartbeat of their livelihood. In a land where the sunburnt plains are as relentless as they are beautiful, protecting your herd isn't just a duty; it's a necessity. That's where livestock insurance comes into play—a shield against the unpredictability of Mother Nature. - read more


Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Moral Hazard:
The concept that individuals may take on more risk when they do not bear the full consequences of that risk, often relevant in insurance scenarios.