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.

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:

Insurance News

Clear

IAG's Ambitious 2030 Growth Plan: What It Means for Tradies

31 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has unveiled an ambitious strategy, aiming to achieve over $25 billion in gross written premiums by 2030. This plan, announced during their Investor Day in Sydney, focuses on expanding their customer base to more than 11 million and enhancing shareholder returns. For tradespeople across Australia, this development could have significant implications. - read more

Addressing Delays in Income Protection Insurance Payouts: What Tradies Need to Know

31 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent reports indicate a 67% increase in violations of the Life Insurance Code of Practice related to timely income protection payments. This trend is concerning for tradespeople who depend on these payouts during periods of illness or injury. - read more

Regulators Call for Immediate Reforms in TPD Insurance Amid Rising Mental Health Claims

31 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In a recent joint roundtable, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have emphasised the pressing need for reforms in Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance. The regulators highlighted that without prompt action, the sustainability of TPD insurance could be at risk, primarily due to the increasing frequency and complexity of mental health-related claims. - read more

APRA Enforces Capital Add-On and Licence Conditions on KeyInvest After Risk Management Review

31 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has recently imposed an additional $5.5 million capital requirement on KeyInvest Limited, a life insurance company and friendly society primarily offering funeral bonds. This decision follows an independent review that identified shortcomings in KeyInvest's risk management framework and raised concerns about the board's oversight of the insurer's long-term objectives. - read more

Consumer Advocates Challenge Proposed Changes to Mental Health Exclusions in Life Insurance Policies

31 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Consumer advocacy groups have recently expressed strong opposition to life insurers' proposals to lift existing code restrictions on blanket exclusions for mental health coverage. This move by insurers aims to modify the Life Insurance Code of Practice to allow for broader exclusions related to mental health conditions. - read more

Click for more Insurance News