How to protect your vehicle against theft
Find out the essential preventative measures and security devices that you can use to protect your vehicle against theft and avoid becoming a statistic.
Vehicle theft has spiked in Quebec and Ontario since 2022. You don’t want to become a statistic; take a look at this article to find out what you can do.
1- Think prevention first
In February 2024, the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft was held in Ottawa. The most recent information available suggests that a popular hub for stolen vehicle trafficking is the port of Montreal, from where they’re exported. Everyone is liable to become the victim of such a crime. That’s why, to curb the rise in car thefts, it’s recommended that you take preventative measures, first and foremost. Luckily, there are a number of small steps that you can take to foil a criminal’s plans.
Always lock your vehicle
First thing’s first, never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys inside or with the engine running. In the same vein, always close the windows and lock the doors, even if you’ll “only be gone for a minute.”
Avoid tempting criminals
Keep valuables like your phone or laptop out of sight in your vehicle, and store personal items in the trunk.
Also, keep your insurance certificate, registration and driver’s licence on you—not in the glovebox.
Be vigilant when selling your vehicle
When selling your vehicle online, always prioritize safety. Instead of sharing your home address, arrange to meet potential buyers at a neutral, public location like a shopping center or parking lot. This way, you ensure a safer environment for both you and the buyer, and it’s easier to verify their intentions before allowing a test drive.
2- Protect your smart keys
Car theft techniques have become more and more refined in the past few years. These days, car thieves don't have to smash your window or hot wire your car like in the movies.
Invest $20 in a Faraday cover
Thieves can use an amplifier to capture the signal from your smart keys and easily unlock and start your car. An amplifier is a device that boosts weak signals, allowing criminals to access your vehicle without any physical contact, making traditional security methods ineffective.
To protect your car, consider storing your smart keys in a metal case or a Faraday cover. These simple solutions block the signals your keys give off, stopping thieves from intercepting or copying them. By taking this extra step, you make it much harder for criminals to get into your car without you even knowing.
Park your car strategically
If you own a second vehicle, park it behind the one that uses a smart key. This helps discourage car thieves, who wouldn’t go so far as to move the first car to get to the one they’re really after.
3- Add security devices
There are many security devices out there that help prevent car theft, including a good old fashioned club steering wheel lock. But here are a few more options, for all budgets!
An antitheft tracking system
A tracking system can be a lifesaver if your vehicle is stolen, helping you track its location in real time. Not only does this increase the chances of recovering your car, but it also serves as a deterrent for thieves. Knowing that the vehicle can be tracked from point A to point B might make criminals think twice before targeting it in the first place.
An OBD port lock
An OBD port lock is a protective metal cap secures your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics port, blocking unauthorized access. It’s locked with a unique key that can’t be removed without damaging the port. By preventing criminals from connecting to your car’s computer, this system stops them from obtaining the code needed to reprogram a smart key.
Intensive antitheft marking
Marking or etching different parts of your vehicle is a good strategy for curbing car theft. Thieves obviously prefer to target unmarked vehicles. Investing in intensive antitheft marking could even make you eligible for a discount on your auto insurance premium.
Smart home devices and home security systems
Smart home devices, like cameras and alarms, are becoming increasingly popular for enhancing home security. Paired with a home security system, these devices not only protect your home but also your car. Note that some insurance companies will lower your insurance premiums if you have smart home devices and other types of home security, including motion detectors, garage smart locks, etc.
Insurance policy: am I covered in the event of theft?
Insurance companies offer various insurance policies based on different types of vehicles. For example, luxury cars or sports cars typically require higher premiums due to their higher value and increased risk of theft, while standard sedans or older vehicles may only need basic coverage. It's important to assess your vehicle's value and risk factors to choose the right policy for your needs.
Whether you have a sports car, truck, or older vehicle, it's essential to choose a policy that suits your needs. Review your options carefully to ensure you're getting the right coverage without overpaying.
If your car is stolen, your auto insurance will typically cover the loss of the vehicle itself. However, if personal items such as a laptop, luggage, or other valuables are stolen from your vehicle, it’s your home insurance that will step in to cover those losses. Make sure you check the specifics of your home insurance policy to understand what’s covered in these situations, as some items might have exclusions.
If both your car insurance and home insurance are with the same provider, you can often save money by paying just one deductible—the higher of the two—when you file a claim for both the theft of your vehicle and its contents. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Consider consolidating your policies with the same insurer to make your car insurance claims process even easier. Bundling your auto and home insurance not only streamlines the process but can also result in discounts, making it a smart choice for both convenience and savings.
Top 10 most frequently stolen vehicles in 2023The national non-profit organization, Équité Association, released its latest list of the most coveted vehicles among thieves. The 5 most frequently stolen vehicles in 2023 were:
Once the 2024 statistics will be made available, we will be updating this article accordingly. |
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Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re wanting to shop around for new auto insurance. One of our insurance agents will be happy to assist you and answer all your questions.
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