Victoria Tops Australia for Car Theft Claims With $243 Million in Losses

“A car is stolen or broken into every 42 minutes in Victoria,” Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall said.

A burnt out vehicle is pictured at a crime scene in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov. 9, 2018. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Victoria has recorded the highest car theft insurance claims in the country, with insurers paying out $243 million (US$173 million) last year for motor vehicle theft.

Insurance Statistics Australia data (pdf) reveals Victoria recorded more than 12,500 claims in 2025, representing a 25 percent increase in volume and a 37 percent surge in costs compared to the previous year.

In addition, Victoria’s insurance total bill was higher than all other states in Australia combined.