New data released by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) reveals a significant decrease in both auto theft and reported crashes across the province in recent years. The spring data roundup from the public auto insurer also indicates that hybrid vehicle registrations have now overtaken electric vehicles (EVs) in British Columbia.
Auto Crime Drops Considerably
According to ICBC's analysis of data spanning the past decade, auto crime has dropped by 31 percent in B.C. over the last 10 years. The most dramatic improvement has been in vehicle break-ins, which have decreased by 60 percent since 2016, with a noticeable decline starting in 2023. Stolen vehicle incidents have fallen by 46 percent since 2016, while vandalism claims have remained relatively stable.
ICBC spokesperson Lindsay Wilkins attributed the drop in auto crime to advancements in anti-theft vehicle technologies and the increasing number of newer vehicles on the road equipped with these features. Additionally, the B.C. RCMP's bait car program and dedicated auto crime unit, which have been operating for over two decades, have contributed to educating the public on theft prevention.
Crash Statistics Improve
Crash statistics also show positive trends. Both minor collisions and injury crashes remain below pre-pandemic levels, despite a growing number of vehicles on the road. ICBC stated that this decline reflects lasting changes in driving patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of enhanced care (no-fault insurance) in May 2021. Last year, injury crash levels were 21 percent lower than the pre-pandemic average (2016–2019), while all crashes were down three percent.
However, vulnerable road users remain at risk. Crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists have increased since pandemic lockdowns, although pedestrian crashes are still well below pre-2020 levels. Cyclist crashes have risen consistently since the pandemic began and, as of 2025, slightly exceed pre-2020 levels. Motorcycle crashes have remained stable and below pre-pandemic peaks. The most dangerous time for crashes remains weekday afternoon commutes, with Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. being the riskiest period.
Hybrid Vehicles Gain Popularity
ICBC's data also confirms a shift in vehicle preferences. Last year marked the first time that new registrations for hybrid vehicles surpassed those for all-electric vehicles. While EV adoption grew rapidly in recent years, that growth has slowed. Gas-powered vehicle registrations fell below 2020 levels last year, but gasoline still dominates the market. In 2025, there were 2,814,575 passenger vehicles registered in B.C., including 235,481 hybrids and 174,819 electric vehicles.
