Insurance in Canada is not just about how carefully you drive. Companies calculate risk using data from thousands of claims, and some vehicles consistently show up as higher risk than others. It could be because they are stolen more often, crash repair costs are astronomical, or their performance profile encourages risky driving. Whatever the reason, these vehicles end up with sky high premiums that owners cannot ignore. Here are ten cars that Canadian insurance companies really do not like to cover, and why they are considered among the highest risks on the road.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is one of the most popular cars in Canadian history, but that success comes with a downside. It has topped Canada’s most stolen vehicle list year after year because it is common, easy to steal, and valuable for its parts. Organized theft rings strip Civics quickly and sell components through chop shops. Insurance companies see this pattern across provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec, where theft rates are highest. Even though Civics are economical, safe, and reliable, their theft reputation alone pushes premiums higher than many rivals. A Civic owner in Toronto will almost always pay more than someone driving a Corolla or Mazda3.
Ford F-150
Canada’s best selling vehicle is also a magnet for thieves. The Ford F-150 is valuable not just as a complete vehicle but also for its parts, and newer models loaded with electronic features are even more attractive on the black market. The repair costs are enormous when one is stolen and stripped, so insurers offset that risk with higher premiums. Beyond theft, the sheer number of F-150s on the road means more claims in general, from collisions to vandalism. Canadian drivers in rural areas who rely on their trucks for work often feel the sting of insurance rates climbing every year.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is one of Canada’s favorite muscle sedans, offering big power and aggressive styling. Unfortunately, insurers flag it as a performance risk. Its reputation for speed and burnouts means insurance companies assume it is more likely to be involved in high speed accidents. It is also frequently targeted by thieves because of its powerful engines and high resale demand in illegal markets. Even drivers with clean records are penalized because of the vehicle’s profile. The Charger may be fun to own, but many Canadians quickly discover it is also one of the most expensive sedans to insure.
Dodge Challenger
Like the Charger, the Dodge Challenger is on the radar of insurance companies for all the wrong reasons. Its muscle car image and powerful V8 engines encourage spirited driving, which statistically increases accident claims. Theft is another major issue, as Challengers rank high among stolen vehicles in Canada. Insurance companies consider it a double threat: costly to repair when crashed and expensive to replace when stolen. Even responsible Challenger owners in provinces like Ontario or Quebec often find themselves hit with some of the highest premiums in the segment.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series has long been the entry point into German luxury, but owning one in Canada comes with a price beyond the sticker. Insurance companies raise rates because even minor fender benders can turn into multi thousand dollar repairs. Parts and labor are costly, and the complexity of modern electronics means simple fixes are rarely simple. On top of that, many younger buyers opt for used 3 Series models, and that demographic is considered riskier. Add winter accidents in provinces like Alberta or Manitoba, and it is easy to see why insurers consider the 3 Series a financial headache.
Audi A4
Audi’s A4 faces the same issues as the BMW 3 Series, only with the added complexity of all wheel drive systems that Canadians demand. While Quattro helps in snow and ice, repairing it after a crash is expensive. Sensors, electronics, and body panels all carry luxury brand price tags, and insurers calculate that into premiums. Statistics show Audi A4 drivers also file above average claims for accidents and maintenance related issues. The result is that Canadian drivers pay noticeably more for insurance compared to non luxury sedans, even if they never take advantage of the car’s performance potential.
Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is a cult favorite among Canadian drivers who love its rally heritage, turbocharged engine, and all wheel drive grip. But to insurers, it is practically a red flag. The WRX is statistically more likely to be driven aggressively, especially by younger drivers. This leads to higher accident claim rates, and the turbocharged engines mean expensive repairs when things go wrong. Even though Subaru markets the WRX as practical and winter friendly, insurance companies treat it as a high performance car, charging premiums that reflect the risk. For young Canadians especially, the WRX is one of the most expensive cars to cover.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra may not seem like an obvious high risk car, but in Canada it has become one of the most stolen vehicles. Criminals target Elantras for the same reasons as Civics: they are common, parts are easy to move, and security systems are often easier to bypass than in premium models. Provinces like Ontario and Quebec report large theft numbers for Elantras, driving insurance costs upward. For owners, it is frustrating because they buy the car for affordability and economy, only to discover the insurance bill eats into those savings.
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is a popular luxury SUV across Canada, but it is also one of the most stolen vehicles in the country. Thieves prize the RX because it is in demand overseas, and export markets will pay high prices for them. Organized theft rings have made it their target, especially in Ontario, where RX thefts are rampant. Insurance companies know the risk and charge accordingly. Even though the RX has a reputation for reliability and comfort, owners often find that insuring one can cost far more than expected, especially in urban centers where theft is most common.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander shares the Lexus RX’s fate as one of the most stolen SUVs in Canada. Crime groups specifically target Highlanders because of their value in international markets. They are exported quickly and rarely recovered, leaving insurers to foot the replacement bill. In addition to theft, the Highlander’s popularity means higher claim rates overall, which pushes premiums up even more. For Canadians shopping for a family SUV, the Highlander looks like the perfect choice, but they are often shocked by how high the insurance premiums are compared to other vehicles in the same segment.
The Insurance Reality
Canadian insurance companies do not choose favorites, they follow the numbers. Cars that are stolen frequently, driven more aggressively, or cost a fortune to repair all end up carrying higher premiums. For some buyers, the added cost is worth it, especially when it comes to performance or luxury. For others, it is a painful reminder that the cheapest car to buy is not always the cheapest to own. Across Canada, these ten vehicles consistently appear on the high risk lists, and they show that sometimes the car you love most is the car your insurer hates the most.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
