The number of motor vehicle theft claims fell across the country last financial year – except for in Victoria, which suffered a record increase.

Victoria is the nation’s car theft capital, racking up more than double the number of claims recorded in any other state.

Its claims numbers were up 59% year on year to 12,000, with incurred losses up 70% to $223 million, according to Insurance Statistics Australia.

Claims numbers rose 70% to 10,000 in metropolitan Victoria, with costs up 80% as insured losses totalled $183 million.

Queensland recorded the largest fall, down 11% to 6000 claims, which totalled $104 million in losses. It was the state’s largest drop in claims in more than a decade. 

Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall says claims have climbed over the past decade and it is “encouraging” to now see them drop in most states. 

“The reductions in Queensland, which was previously leading the country on increases, are particularly pleasing”. 

NSW recorded 5800 claims, down 3%. In WA, claims numbers fell 10% to 4000, and SA was down 10% to 1300. 

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