Victoria has emerged as Australia’s car crime hotspot, with more than 12,300 insurance claims for stolen or broken-into vehicles lodged during the 2025-26 financial year.

New Insurance Statistics Australia data analysed by the Insurance Council of Australia shows those claims cost insurers $244 million, with most incidents occurring in metropolitan Melbourne.

The figures equate to a Victorian vehicle being stolen or broken into every 43 minutes. According to the Insurance Council, more cars are stolen or broken into in Melbourne than in every other Australian capital city combined.

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Victoria also stands apart from the national trend. While every other state and territory recorded a decline in motor theft claims over the same period, Victorian numbers remained broadly steady and their cost increased.

Insurance claims relating to motor theft cost $233 million in Victoria in the previous financial year, meaning the annual bill has risen by $11 million to $244 million.

The figures have emerged ahead of Victoria’s November 28 state election, where crime is expected to be a major campaign issue.

Insurance Council chief executive Andrew Hall said the data showed crime was having a direct impact on households, businesses and communities.

The industry body has called on the next Victorian government to introduce a statewide strategy targeting car theft and property crime. Its recommendations include improved intelligence-sharing between agencies, targeted crime-prevention measures and greater investment in specialist law-enforcement capabilities.

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The Opposition has linked increasing crime to insurance costs, with Opposition Leader Jess Wilson promising to recruit an additional 3000 police officers if elected, along with tougher bail measures and changes to sentencing laws.

The Victorian Government, meanwhile, argues recent measures are beginning to have an effect on some categories of offending. It has pointed to tougher bail laws, its “adult crime, adult time” reforms and additional police resources.

However, while insurance claims for home theft and burglary declined during 2025-26, the motor figures have shown no comparable improvement.

The Insurance Council argues reducing vehicle theft could also have a broader financial benefit, with the escalating cost of claims ultimately contributing to pressure on insurance premiums paid by Victorian motorists.