Liability 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:

Rate this article

Sign in with Google to rate

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Insurance News

Isuzu Recall Puts Software Risk on the Insurance Radar
Isuzu Recall Puts Software Risk on the Insurance Radar
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
A fresh Australian Government vehicle recall for selected Isuzu MY25 trucks is a timely reminder that modern heavy vehicle risk is no longer limited to tyres, brakes, steering, driver behaviour or road conditions. Software faults can also create safety exposures that matter for fleet operations, incident investigations and insurance conversations. - read more
Delayed Insurance Inquiry Keeps Tradie Cover Issues on the Table
Delayed Insurance Inquiry Keeps Tradie Cover Issues on the Table
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
A federal parliamentary inquiry into small business insurance has pushed its reporting timetable into early 2027, extending the wait for recommendations that may shape future debate on affordability, availability and regulation. For Australian tradespeople, the delay matters because the inquiry is examining the commercial insurance lines many small operators rely on daily, including public liability, professional indemnity, cyber risk and business interruption cover. - read more
Why Claims Communication Is Back in the Spotlight
Why Claims Communication Is Back in the Spotlight
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
A new Life Code Compliance Committee inquiry has put fresh attention on the way life insurers manage longer-running income protection insurance and total and permanent disability claims, finding that clearer communication and earlier information requests could reduce avoidable stress for people waiting on claim decisions. - read more
New Isuzu Truck Recall Highlights a Claims Evidence Issue
New Isuzu Truck Recall Highlights a Claims Evidence Issue
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
A fresh safety recall affecting 3,710 Isuzu MY25 trucks is a timely reminder that modern truck insurance risk is not only about driver behaviour, road conditions or workshop servicing. Software, trailer systems and electronic braking signals can all become part of the evidence trail if an incident occurs. - read more
Mental Health Cover Debate Now Matters for Business Protection
Mental Health Cover Debate Now Matters for Business Protection
05 Nov 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s life insurance sector is moving into a detailed debate over how mental health conditions should be treated in disability-style cover, and the outcome could matter for business owners who rely on insurance to protect income, debt and operational continuity. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Business Insurance Articles

Understanding the Role of Public Liability Insurance in Business Disaster Planning
Understanding the Role of Public Liability Insurance in Business Disaster Planning
For Australian business owners, planning for unforeseen disasters is not just prudent; it's an essential aspect of sustaining operations amidst challenges. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive strategies, including robust insurance cover, can make all the difference in business longevity and legal protection. As we navigate the complexities of running a business, it's imperative to have a safeguard against mishaps that could otherwise jeopardize our hard-earned success. - read more
Public Liability Insurance for Labour Hire Businesses in Australia
Public Liability Insurance for Labour Hire Businesses in Australia
Labour hire businesses place workers across different client sites, industries and working environments. That can create exposure to third-party injury or property damage claims involving clients, site visitors, members of the public or other businesses. This guide explains how public liability insurance works for Australian labour hire companies, what it may cover, where its limits can apply and what to consider when reviewing cover. - read more
5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia
5 Tips for Reducing Your Liability Insurance Premiums in Australia
Liability insurance is a crucial form of protection that offers coverage against claims resulting from injuries and damage to people or property. Within the bustling landscape of Australian businesses, possessing this form of insurance is key to financial security and continuity. It acts as a safety net, ensuring businesses can manage risks without bearing the full brunt of potentially costly legal claims. - read more
Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?
Decoding Public Liability Insurance: Is It a Must-Have for Your Australian Startup?
Public liability insurance is an integral safety net designed to protect businesses from the financial risks associated with lawsuits or claims. It provides coverage when a business is found legally responsible for personal injury to a third party or damage to their property. This form of insurance can significantly reduce the burden of legal fees, compensation claims, and other associated costs that may arise from unforeseen incidents. - read more
Public Liability Insurance Claims: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Public Liability Insurance Claims: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Public liability insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for businesses and individuals against claims made by third parties for injuries or damages sustained while on their property or as a result of their activities. - read more


Start Here !

Start here!

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

Knowledgebase
Insurance broker:
An agent acting on behalf of the insured (not the insurance company) who negotiates the terms and cover provided by the insurer in the insurance policy.



Quick Links: | Liability Insurance Australia | Public Liability Insurance | Professional Indemnity Insurance | Business Liability Cover | Small Business Liability Insurance | Liability Insurance For Trades | Liability Insurance Quote | Corporate Liability Insurance | Liability Insurance For Professionals | Best Liability Insurance Australia
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.