Alberta auto theft on the rise, especially in big centres

By Medicine Hat News on January 28, 2026.

Auto theft has risen sharply in Alberta, with Calgary and Edmonton at the epicentre.

The cost of auto theft claims is up 85 per cent and 73 per cent since 2021, respectively to Calgary and Edmonton, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Medicine Hat has seen a 28 per cent increase in auto theft costs in the same time period.

While the rate did decline slightly in the first half of 2025 in part due to concerted efforts of governments and law enforcement, auto theft claims are still 76 per cent higher than the same period in 2021 provincewide.

“Provincial and municipal governments, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, have begun to make progress on efforts to reduce auto theft and data shows it’s making a difference,” said IBC vice-president for the pacific and western region Aaron Sutherland. “It’s important to stay diligent as criminal networks continue operating in our communities and are growing more brazen in their actions to steal vehicles, often shipping them overseas to fund other illicit activities.”

It is expected that costs related to inflation, bodily injury claims severity growth, vehicle theft rates and weather-related losses will continue to grow, with claims from auto theft cited as one of the key cost pressures in a report given by Alberta’s Superintendent of Insurance.

“Auto theft disrupts the lives of everyone and creates fear in communities across the province, with city centres being hit the hardest. Working together with governments, law enforcement, the insurance industry and other stakeholders can help ensure that, in addition to lowering premiums through the new Care-First auto insurance system, Alberta’s drivers are also better protected against the scourge of auto theft,” said Sutherland.

The transition to this system is expected to launch at the beginning of 2027. The new system is expected to improve premiums for drivers and dramatically enhance the care provided to those injured, but this is only half the solution, says Sutherland.

“The Alberta government has frozen or capped auto insurance rates below the cost of coverage for the past four years, crippling the competitive market that consumers rely on,” said Sutherland. “By taking action to restore competition and choice, as well as to reduce auto thefts and other pressures, government can turbo charge its reforms and deliver even greater savings to drivers.”

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