Can you imagine that sinking feeling when you head to your car or truck only to find it’s not there? What’s your first thought? Did I park it somewhere else? Does my spouse have it? Darn, kids – I told them not to take my car! No wait! You’ve just become the victim of car theft, a rising occurrence in Canada today.
From 2021 to 2022, vehicle thefts in Alberta increased by 18.3%. as reported in a recent study from Equite Association. So, the cost to us in insurance premiums Canada-wide last year was over $1 Billion. That’s the most the insurance industry has ever had to pay for auto theft in one year.
In the last few weeks, I have had calls from three of my clients whose vehicles were stolen. It’s not a pleasant experience and will be damaged if and when it is recovered. So, take steps now to avoid being a victim of car theft.
Equite Association is a non-profit organization created to protect Canadians and contribute to a more equitable world by tackling insurance fraud and crime. They are recommending a layered approach to preventing auto theft because you don’t want to be that victim!
Layer 1: The simple, common-sense steps
- Keep your car doors locked at all times
- Never leave your keys in the ignition or start your vehicle remotely – even on cold days!
- Ensure your windows are closed completely when leaving your car
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area
- Park your vehicle in a secure garage if possible
Layer 2: Install visible or audible anti-theft devices
- Audible alarms
- Steering column collars
- Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
- Onboard diagnostic (OBD) port lock
- Brake and/or wheel locks
- Theft deterrent decals
- Identification markers in or on the vehicle
- Window etchings
- If possible, turn off the key FOB or place it inside an RFID-blocking pouch (e.g. Faraday bag) when not in use, even at home.
Layer 3: Install a vehicle immobilizer
- Install a quality aftermarket immobilizer device with an ignition disabler that protects against relay attacks, reprogramming attacks and CAN bus attacks.
Layer 4: Invest in a tracking system
- Tracking services install multiple and difficult-to-locate tracking devices throughout a vehicle. In the event of a theft, these devices can help track a vehicle
Finally, check out this list of the Top Ten Stolen Vehicles of 2021 – Canada