Victoria recorded more insurance claims for stolen or broken-into cars than all other Australian capital cities combined, according to data analysis by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA).
Property crime data released by the ICA on Wednesday night showed Victoria had the highest rates of car theft and home burglary claims in the country in the last financial year. Analysis of Insurance Statistics Australia (ISA) showed that more than 12,300 claims - costing insurers $244m - were lodged in the state for cars stolen or broken into.
Statewide decline elsewhere
In the same time period, every other state and territory recorded a decline in such claims. The figures highlight Victoria's unique position as the only jurisdiction experiencing a rise in these property crime categories.
The ICA’s chief executive, Andrew Hall, said in Victoria a car was stolen or broken into every 43 minutes, while a home is broken into every two hours. These rates underscore the frequency of property crimes affecting residents across the state.
ICA calls for state election action
The insurance data shows Victoria has a crime problem, and it is being felt directly by households, businesses and communities. Ahead of the November state election, the ICA called for the next state government to reduce car theft and property crime through a statewide strategy and better intelligence sharing.
The ICA also urged the next government to improve disaster recovery by establishing centrally coordinated clean-up arrangements and ease cost-of-living pressures by abolishing stamp duty on business, home, and contents insurance products. Additionally, it called for improving insurance affordability for healthcare professionals, community organisations and live music venues by “modernising civil liability laws.”
Impact on residents and next steps
The high claim numbers translate into direct financial and emotional burdens for Victorian households and businesses, with insurers paying out $244m in the last financial year alone. The ICA’s pre-election recommendations aim to address both the root causes of property crime and the broader affordability challenges facing policyholders.
These proposals will be presented to the incoming state government, with the ICA expecting action to curb crime rates and reduce insurance costs for residents and businesses across Victoria.
