The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has urged the next Victorian Government to take action on rising crime and bushfire risks. This call from the organisation came after new national property crime data showed the state recording the highest rates of car theft and home burglary insurance claims in the country. More than 12,300 car theft and break-in claims were lodged in Victoria in 2025 to 2026, costing insurers A$244m ($176m). The ICA noted that every other state and territory recorded a decline over the same period.
The ICA said Victoria also recorded almost 3,900 property theft and burglary claims worth more than A$56m over the past year. The ICA is urging a statewide strategy to reduce car theft and property crime, alongside stronger intelligence-sharing and investment in specialist law enforcement. The council also urged the government to establish a centrally coordinated, state government-led and funded clean-up arrangement following disasters, citing confusion and inequity after the January 2026 bushfires.
Insurance Council of Australia, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Hall, said, "In Victoria a car is stolen or broken into every 43 minutes, and a home is broken into every two hours."
He added, "The insurance data shows Victoria has a crime problem, and it is being felt directly by households, businesses and communities."
The ICA is also calling for the abolition of stamp duty on business, home and contents insurance products and changes to civil liability laws to improve insurance affordability.
"This election is an opportunity for every party to commit to these practical reforms that will make Victoria safer, strengthen disaster recovery and put downward pressure on insurance costs," Mr Hall said.