Car thefts have risen significantly in Queensland with rural and regional areas experiencing a particularly sharp rise.
Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) figures, released today, show that theft claim frequency has risen by 62 percent in rural and regional Queensland and 39 percent in metro areas over a decade.
Along with Victoria, Queensland was the major hot spot for the growing theft problem.
The ICA analysis said that in 2015 the total value of motor vehicle theft claims nationally was $170 million (or around $218 million in 2024 dollars).
In 2024 the total value jumped to $428 million – a rise of 96 percent in real terms.
In raw numbers this meant the number of motor vehicle theft claims rose from 22,000 in 2015 to 28,000 in 2024 – up 27 percent.
ICA Deputy CEO Kylie Macfarlane said motor vehicle theft was currently a small part of insurance premiums, but it was a growing concern.
“The value of motor vehicles has increased significantly since 2015, as has the cost of parts and labour, putting upward pressure on premiums across the country,” Ms Macfarlane said.
“This new data analysis shows alarming rates of motor vehicle theft claims in some parts of the country, which will ultimately cost us all.”
The ICA figures show that, over the survey period, the number of all Queensland car theft claims rose 101 percent, and the value of those claims increased from $28 million ($36 million in 2024 dollars) to $113 million, or an increase of 214 percent in real terms.
Over the same period the total number of motor vehicle policies in Queensland increased 32 percent.
The full report is on the ICA website.
