Auto theft rate in Quebec continued to fall in 2011

The rate of auto theft continued its downward trend last year in Quebec, dropping 64% over the last decade, note new figures from the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA).

The theft rate (theft of whole vehicle) is 0.20% for all regions of the province, notes the 2011 Automobile Statistical Plan in Quebec. “This is a 64% drop since 2002. Montreal (central and eastern regions) has the highest rate of vehicle theft (0.48%), followed by Laval, Lanaudière and the West Island,” Jack Chadirdjian, director of public affairs for GAA, says in a statement.

Figures from the report indicate that claims frequency related to the theft of an entire vehicle fell from 0.67% in 2001 to 0.20% in 2011. The average cost of claims, however, rose from $10,837 to $23,649 over the same timeframe.

The average cost of a theft is higher in outlying regions – northern Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the North Shore – where the total is approximately $20,000 versus $13,649 for the province as a whole, notes the GAA statement.

On the premium side, the average premium (collision, fire, theft, vandalism and broken window) declined from $578 to $536 between 2005 and 2011.