After recently ranking the costliest cities in Ontario in terms of auto theft claims, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has now shared the figures for Alberta – naming the so-called hotspots in the province, or the cities with the highest rates of increase in auto theft claims costs from 2021 to 2023.
According to IBC-published data, here are the top cities in Alberta based on the increase in their auto theft claims costs during the period:
|
City |
2021 auto theft claims costs |
2022 auto theft claims costs |
2023 auto theft claims costs |
Increase between 2021 and 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Medicine Hat |
$390,761 |
$427,586 |
$672,398 |
72% |
|
Edmonton |
$15,749,461 |
$21,224,044 |
$26,193,922 |
66% |
|
Fort McMurray |
$2,071,849 |
$2,441,559 |
$3,311,123 |
60% |
|
Calgary |
$20,856,769 |
$29,040,163 |
$33,076,848 |
59% |
|
Lethbridge |
$732,742 |
$1,167,920 |
$955,716 |
30% |
Commenting on the numbers, IBC Western and Pacific vice president Aaron Sutherland (pictured) said: “The auto theft crisis continues to persist across Alberta, and it’s adding pressure to the cost of auto insurance for all drivers. Auto theft disrupts lives and creates fear in communities across the province. Urgent action must be taken to address this growing trend.
“Claims costs now exceed the amount of money insurers are collecting in premiums because of the auto insurance rate cap in Alberta. As a result, insurers are being forced to scale back their offerings to remain viable, and this is making it more difficult for many drivers to secure the coverage they need.
“Reform is needed urgently, and as the government considers various solutions to reduce premiums for drivers, it’s critical that it addresses these cost pressures.”
Citing information from the General Insurance Statistical Agency, IBC said the cost pressures facing the province’s auto insurance system include legal costs, which currently account for a greater portion of the premiums drivers pay in Alberta than anywhere else in the country.
Last month, the federal government unveiled its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, which was welcomed by both IBC and Équité Association.
At the time, IBC president and chief executive Celyeste Power stated: “IBC commends the federal government on the release of its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft. Many of the property and casualty insurance industry’s public policy solutions are captured in the comprehensive and informed plan. We thank the government and law enforcement agencies that contributed to its content.”
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