Exclusive: ICBC Data Reveals Sharp Rise in Tesla Vandalism
(Image: Coastal Front)
Tesla-related vandalism is rising in British Columbia, according to new data from ICBC. The trend comes amid a string of increasingly serious incidents — including one where a pregnant woman was injured by a rock that smashed through a Tesla’s windshield.
The provincial insurer told Coastal Front it received 85 vandalism-related claims involving Teslas between March 1 and April 1, 2025 — a 29 percent increase from the same period in 2024, when 66 claims were filed.
ICBC did not provide cost estimates or details about the nature of the incidents, but the spike comes amid a growing number of politically motivated attacks on Tesla properties in Vancouver. In late March, a Tesla dealership in Kitsilano was defaced with obscenities, resulting in the arrest of a 27-year-old man. At the time, it was the eighth such incident tied to opposition against Tesla CEO Elon Musk. That number has since grown to at least 28, according to police — 19 of which involved dealerships or charging stations. By comparison, there were no reported mischief or vandalism incidents at Tesla dealerships or charging stations in all of 2024.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on March 30.
According to Vancouver Police, a two-pound rock smashed through the windshield of a Tesla driving along Nanaimo Street, seriously injuring the front-seat passenger — a pregnant woman. The rock struck her directly before landing on the floor of the vehicle. She is recovering from serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
“We are working to determine whether this was a criminal act, and if someone intentionally targeted this Tesla,” said VPD Sergeant Steve Addison. “This very serious incident could easily have resulted in someone’s death, but for a few inches.”
Investigators are still working to determine where the rock came from and whether it was thrown intentionally. VPD is asking for dash-cam footage from the area between East 29th and East 22nd avenues around 8:40 to 9:00 p.m. on March 30.
While it’s still unknown whether the March 30 rock incident was intentional or linked to anti-Tesla sentiment, it has intensified concerns that hostility toward the brand may be escalating. As Coastal Front has learned, ICBC received 85 vandalism-related Tesla claims in March — a nearly 30 percent increase over the same period last year — suggesting the trend is heading in that direction.
