How to protect your vehicle from theft

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2 min.

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Car theft is more common than you might think. To make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car, it’s important to take precautions and stay vigilant.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, in Quebec alone, more than 30 vehicles are stolen every day. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of your vehicle or its contents being stolen.

A few tips to keep thieves away from your vehicle

Use an anti-theft device on your steering wheel (such as a steering wheel lock)
Buy an OBD protector to prevent access to your vehicle’s OBD port
Choose parking spots in visible and well-lit places, with lots of people around
Don’t leave any valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle, like a cell phone or laptop, and put any personal items in the trunk
Close the windows and lock the doors
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in your vehicle or with the engine running
Install an alarm or anti-theft system on your vehicle. You can also get anti-theft markings engraved on certain parts of your vehicle such as the wheels, lights, engine and windshield. This could also qualify you for discounts on your auto insurance premiums.

Be smart with your smart key

Smart keys are becoming more and more popular. They work by using radio frequencies to unlock a vehicle without a physical key.

The driver simply walks up to the vehicle or touches the handle, and the doors magically unlock, provided their electronic key (or fob) is in their pocket or purse. Then, when the driver gets into the car, they simply press a button, and the car can be started without putting the key into the ignition.

Did you know that thieves can use an amplifier to capture the signal from your smart key to start your car? To prevent this kind of theft, keep your smart key in a closed metal case or box that blocks radio frequencies or store it away from windows and outside doors. If you have a second vehicle, park it behind the one that uses a smart key to discourage potential thieves.

Don’t leave your important documents in your vehicle

Like many people, you might be keeping your proof of insurance, your registration, or even your driver’s licence in your vehicle. However, this makes life much easier for thieves. If a thief is pulled over by the police, they could just tell the officer that you let them borrow it. If you haven’t yet reported the theft, they could easily get away with it. It’s always better to keep these documents on you.

Did you know? Vehicle theft involves more than just your auto insurance!

Depending on the coverage included in your insurance policy, if your car is stolen, it will be dealt with through your auto insurance. However, if you had belongings in the vehicle that were also stolen, like a laptop or luggage, the claim would be covered by your home insurance.

Based on certain conditions, for a claim involving the theft of your vehicle and its contents, you may pay only one deductible (the higher of the two) if we insure both your car and your home. To make your life easier and save you money, don’t hesitate to bundle your auto and home insurance in the same place!