Car Theft Claims Skyrocket, Raising Insurance Concerns
Car Theft Claims Skyrocket, Raising Insurance Concerns
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 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
Recent findings from the National Truck Accident Research Centre's (NTARC) 2025 Major Incident Investigation Report have brought to light the significant role human error plays in major truck accidents across Australia. The report, supported by National Transport Insurance (NTI), indicates that human factors such as inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed are the predominant causes of these incidents. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a freight company in a dispute over the disclosure of transporting dangerous goods. This decision provides valuable insights into the obligations of transport companies regarding insurance disclosures. - read more
In 2026, Australian insurers are confronting a trio of significant challenges: escalating premium costs, persistent cyber threats, and a tightening labour market. These issues are reshaping the industry's priorities and strategies. - read more
Australia's insurtech sector is on the brink of a significant transformation, with projections indicating a surge from $377 million in 2025 to an impressive $4.2 billion by 2034. This anticipated growth, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.68%, reflects the increasing integration of digital technologies within the insurance industry. - read more
The upcoming Insurance News conference, scheduled for March 19 in Sydney, is set to tackle the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber risks and the strategies insurers can employ to mitigate them. This timely event will feature a panel of experts, including QBE's Global Head of Cyber Services, Dominic Keller; WTW's Director of Cyber and Technology for the Pacific, Michael Parrant; and MGA's Broking Operations Manager, Trent Woodward. - read more
Isuzu Australia has announced a significant advancement in its service offerings with the establishment of Isuzu Financial Services Australia (IFSA), a dedicated truck leasing and finance company. This initiative marks the first time the Isuzu Group has founded such a company outside of Japan, highlighting the strategic importance of the Australian market. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favor of a trucking company, mandating that their insurer cover engine damage resulting from a driver's negligence. This decision underscores the importance of comprehending policy exclusions and the circumstances under which insurers are obligated to pay claims. - read more
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has ruled in favor of a freight company in a dispute over the disclosure of transporting dangerous goods. This decision provides clarity on the disclosure obligations of companies handling hazardous materials and their impact on insurance coverage. - read more
In 2026, Australian insurers are grappling with significant challenges that are influencing premium costs and coverage availability. A recent survey by Gallagher Bassett highlights that premium affordability and insurability have emerged as the foremost concerns for the industry. This shift is largely attributed to escalating climate-related losses and evolving regulatory demands. - read more
In 2026, the Australian insurance sector is increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity, recognizing it as a critical challenge in the digital age. According to Gallagher Bassett's latest industry survey, cyber and data security concerns have maintained their position as the second most significant issue for insurers, underscoring the persistent threat posed by digital vulnerabilities. - read more
Farm liability insurance is a type of coverage that protects farmers from financial losses due to legal claims and lawsuits. This insurance is crucial for safeguarding your farm against various liabilities that may arise from farm operations. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on navigating the complexities of farm insurance for Australian farmers. As an integral part of the agricultural industry, insurance provides a safety net that helps secure the livelihood of farmers against unpredictable events that can lead to financial hardship. From property damage due to natural disasters to loss of livestock or crops, having adequate farm insurance can make all the difference in keeping a farming operation afloat in times of crisis. - read more
Farming is a vital industry in Australia, requiring significant investment in equipment, crops, livestock, and labour. As with any major investment, protecting it is crucial. That's where farm insurance comes in. - read more
As the backbone of Australian agriculture, farm equipment plays an essential role in day-to-day operations across our expansive and diverse landscapes. From the vast wheat belts to the tropical fruit farms, machinery ensures efficiency and productivity in the face of constant challenges. But with reliance on such equipment comes significant risk—the financial burden of damage or loss can be devastating to a farmer's livelihood. - read more
In the world of agriculture, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Farming is a high-risk industry that deals with unpredictable elements, and insuring your farm equipment can safeguard your livelihood. - read more
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
Risk management is the practice of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events. In farming, risk management involves various strategies to protect the financial health and operational stability of the farm. - read more
Welcome to the first steps in future-proofing your farming legacy. When we think about the hustle and bustle of daily farm life, it's easy to overlook the critical importance of estate planning. For the Australian farmer, estate planning is not just a matter of securing your assets; it's about ensuring the survival and progression of your hard-earned labour to the next generation. - read more
Australian farmers face a unique set of challenges due to the vast and varied climate conditions that sweep across the continent. From the scorching heat and prolonged droughts of the Outback to the tropical storms and torrential rains of the northern regions, weather-related risks are an integral part of agricultural life in Australia. - read more
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.
Knowledgebase
Liability Insurance: Insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property