Victoria recorded the highest rates of car theft and home burglary insurance claims in Australia last financial year, according to new data from the Insurance Council of Australia.
Analysis of Insurance Statistics Australia data found that more than 12,300 claims for cars stolen or broken into were lodged in Victoria in 2025-26, costing insurers $244 million. More cars were stolen or broken into in Melbourne than in every other Australian capital city combined.
Every other state and territory recorded a decline in motor theft and related claims over the same period.
Insurance Council of Australia chief executive Andrew Hall said a car was stolen or broken into in Victoria every 43 minutes, while a home was broken into every two hours during the 12-month period.
“The insurance data shows Victoria has a crime problem, and it is being felt directly by households, businesses and communities,” Hall said.
The Insurance Council has called for the next Victorian government to develop a statewide strategy to reduce car theft and property crime, including stronger intelligence sharing, targeted prevention measures and investment in specialist law enforcement capabilities.
The organisation is also calling for centrally coordinated, state government-led disaster clean-up arrangements, the abolition of stamp duty on business, home and contents insurance products, and changes to civil liability laws aimed at improving insurance affordability for healthcare professionals, small businesses, community organisations and live music venues.
The data was released as the state heads towards the November election, with the Insurance Council presenting the recommendations as part of its election platform for the next Victorian government.
