Vehicle Theft
Protect Your Car
According to Statistics Canada, nearly 500 vehicles are stolen every day in Canada. The millions of dollars paid in settlements increase your auto insurance premium whether you are the victim of car theft or not. As a vehicle owner, you have a role to play in reducing these figures.
Take a Preventive Approach
- Never leave your keys in the ignition, even for a quick stop at a convenience store.
- Never leave valuable objects in plain view. Hide them inside your vehicle before you leave home.
- Park your car in safe, well-lit, high-traffic areas.
- Roll up the windows and lock the doors when you are not in your vehicle.
- Avoid hiding a spare set of keys in a small magnetic box under your vehicle.
- When parking your vehicle, block your wheels by turning them to one side and use the hand brake. This will make towing your vehicle more difficult for thieves.
- Do not keep any personal information in your car, such as your address or phone number. Always keep your registration, driver’s license, and proof of insurance on you.
Have the Right Insurance Coverage
- Review your auto insurance policy to ensure you have the right coverage. For example, rental coverage can help you get through the time it takes to process your claim, which can take up to several weeks.
- Remember that your automobile insurance policy doesn’t cover anything that is not attached to the vehicle, including any items you are carrying, such as purses, briefcases or sports equipment. To protect these items at all times, be sure to have a complete home insurance policy.
Choose a Reliable Anti-Theft System
A quality anti-theft system should have
- An automatic immobilizer
- A tracking system that helps locate a stolen vehicle after its disappearance is reported
These devices are the best ways of discouraging would-be thieves and are required in certain high-risk areas. Anti-theft marking and a flashing alert light are also excellent deterrents.
Get Better Coverage and Save
If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you could be eligible for a premium discount. Find out now by requesting an auto insurance quote.
For more preventive tips, consult the Insurance Bureau of Canada website.
It’s better to be safe than sorry and it’s also good to know what to do when the worst happens. For more information, check out what to do if your vehicle is stolen.