Extended holidays fuel rise in car, property theft claims – Tower

With public holidays converging into an extended break this April, insurers and brokers are urged to communicate key theft prevention strategies to clients as residential and vehicle crime risks rise during long absences from home.

This year, Anzac Day falls on a Friday, overlapping with Easter and school holidays, creating a rare opportunity for extended travel. Historically, this kind of holiday period has been associated with increased theft-related insurance claims, particularly involving vehicles and household items.

Claims for stolen items increase during the holidays

Tower Insurance reported that following last year’s Easter weekend, claims for stolen contents jumped by 36%, while vehicle thefts rose by 32% compared to average levels.

Similar increases occurred after the summer holidays in January, with contents theft claims up by a quarter and car thefts up 16%.

Steve Wilson, chief claims officer at Tower, said these patterns underscore the need for awareness.

“With so many of us taking advantage of this public holiday bonanza and heading away from home, the risk of theft could be heightened. It’s important to protect yourself – after all, you never know who or what might be around the corner. We want Kiwi to enjoy this holiday without the stress of discovering your home or car has been broken into,” he said.

Tower processed about 1,500 contents theft claims and 1,200 motor theft claims in 2024. Common losses included electronics, tools, bicycles, and items stored in garages or parked cars.

This aligns with recent figures from State Insurance that highlighted a growing concern among young renters, especially those under 25. The insurer found that electronics made up 63% of contents claims in this age group. In many cases, high-value items were stolen from vehicles parked in public places such as gyms and university campuses.

Unlike previous years when Anzac Day fell midweek, this year’s Friday holiday could shift patterns, increasing travel volume and, by extension, theft risk. Brokers are being encouraged to help clients mitigate those risks with practical guidance.

Most stolen cars

In parallel, AMI Insurance recently released new insights into the vehicles most often targeted by thieves in 2024.

The latest theft claim data underscored the prominence of Toyota models across New Zealand roads. Five Toyota vehicles were listed among the top nine most frequently stolen, highlighting the brand’s strong presence in the domestic market.

In 2024, the Toyota Aqua had the highest volume of insurance cover among all models, which AMI linked to increased uptake of compact hybrid vehicles.

The report also noted that the Toyota Hilux moved up four places in the rankings, suggesting its broad appeal among both city and rural drivers.

How to protect home and vehicles from theft

Tower has shared several tips that brokers can pass along:

• Limit social media activity while away – avoid posting travel updates until after returning to prevent advertising a vacant home.
• Secure the property thoroughly – ensure all entry points, including windows, are locked. Don’t leave bins at the curb if they won’t be collected during the absence.
• Park with care – use a garage or driveway when possible rather than street parking.
• Install deterrents – alarms, cameras, and steering wheel locks can help reduce the risk of theft.
• Enlist local support – ask a neighbour or friend to check the property, bring in mail, and help maintain a lived-in appearance.

For brokers and insurance providers, the coming holiday period offers an opportunity to proactively engage clients with theft prevention advice.