How to protect yourself against motor vehicle theft
In 2024, the Insurance Bureau of Canada called auto theft a national crisis. Since then, motor vehicle theft has continued to plague the country. No type of vehicles are off limits: SUVs, trucks, you name it. Thieves are constantly finding new ways to make away with cars, and the problem isn’t just in big cities. Like thousands of other car owners, you’re probably wondering how to protect your vehicle from theft. It’s a fair question, since auto theft doesn’t just mean losing your vehicle. It can also mean significant expenses, complex paperwork and surging insurance premiums. To help you avoid all these headaches, we’ve put together this guide on how motor vehicle theft is evolving, how to prevent it and what to do if it happens to you.
Vehicle theft in Canada
Car theft always feels like it happens to someone else… until it happens to you. You might be surprised to hear that thieves have ways to break into a vehicle in less than a minute, leaving no signs of damage. If you want to protect your car, you’ve got to know what you’re up against.
A risk for all vehicle owners
Vehicle theft trends vary from year to year, but one thing remains the same: cars are stolen every day. And these days auto theft isn’t just a problem for city dwellers. More and more stolen vehicles are being reported in suburban and residential areas, where car owners used to feel more secure. Some makes and models might seem like hot commodities, but no vehicle is safe—no matter what type or how old. Thieves are constantly adapting and shifting tactics to get around car theft prevention measures.
Thieves on the cutting edge
Technology is one of the reasons motor vehicle theft is still such a big problem. Thieves now use cutting-edge devices and portable gadgets to clone key fob signals, reprogram onboard systems and more. As cars get more high-tech, so do car thieves. The same goes for reselling stolen vehicles. It’s increasingly common for organized crime syndicates to falsify vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and resell hot cars on the Canadian market.
How to help keep your vehicle from being stolen
Trying to prevent car theft is a bit like braving the frigid Canadian winter. It takes multiple layers of protection. Stacking measures can discourage thieves and—if it comes down to it—make it easier to recover your vehicle.
Everyday best practices
Here are some simple ways to make your vehicle harder to steal and less attractive to thieves:
- Never leave your keys in the car.
- Always lock your doors and roll up the windows.
- Avoid parking lots and street parking that are isolated and poorly lit.
- Don’t leave valuables in sight.
- Take your insurance and registration when you leave your car.
- If possible, make your parking spot as safe as possible (park in a well-lit spot, ideally with security cameras, and have a line of sight on your vehicle).
Prevent key fob cloning
Electronic keyless entry can be a boon for thieves. Here’s what you can do to prevent your key fob signal from getting hijacked:
- At home, store your keys somewhere safe, away from doors and windows.
- Keep your keys in a Faraday box or bag to block any signals.
- Consider installing a system like Secure Fob, which uses a smart chip and a motion sensor to automatically cut the signal when you’re not using your key fob.
Install a tracker for easier vehicle recovery
Even if you do everything right, there’s always a risk your vehicle could be stolen. If that does happen, you’ll be glad you took a layered approach and invested in a tracking system, because you’ll be one step ahead. A tracker can:
1. Locate your vehicle in real time
2. Speed up the recovery process (when every minute counts!)
3. Boost the chances of finding your vehicle before it’s exported or given a fake VIN
There are a variety of tracking systems available in Canada. The most reliable ones are designed solely to locate your vehicle after a theft and don’t interfere with how you use it in your day to day. They have a strict activation process: you file a police report and share it with the tracking device company. While a tracker can come in handy, it’s always a good idea to check with the automaker before installing any aftermarket devices.
Another good reason to install a tracker is that you might see a drop in your premium. Discounts like these depend on multiple factors, including your vehicle’s risk profile for theft, which can vary from one insurer to the next. To be eligible, you have to install a tracking system that’s approved by your insurer and includes both tracking and recovery services. Your car’s GPS and consumer GPS tracking devices don’t come with these services, so having a regular geolocation system won’t impact your premium.
Understanding auto theft coverage
If your vehicle is stolen, you’re sure to have questions about your insurance. Does your insurance cover stolen cars? Will your premium change? Will you get reimbursed? When it comes to car insurance, theft isn’t automatically covered by all policies, so a lot depends on what coverage you took out.
Which insurance options cover stolen vehicles?
There are a few insurance options that include coverage for theft:
- Comprehensive: an option that offers broad coverage for damage not caused by a collision, including theft and attempted theft. Drivers often choose it because it provides solid value for their dollar.
- Specified perils: an option that only provides coverage for the hazards listed in your policy. Theft and attempted theft are usually included.
- All perils: a less common and often more expensive option, which combines collision and comprehensive coverage (so that means theft and attempted theft are covered) under a single deductible.
You need additional coverage to protect your vehicle in case of theft, and it’s often required if you’re leasing or financing your car. The coverage options have different names and terms and conditions depending on your insurance company and province or territory, so it’s a good idea to understand the options.
Have a policy with Desjardins Insurance and want to check your coverage? Log in to your account and manage your insurance online.
How does theft impact your insurance premium?
Insurance companies take a few different factors into account when calculating premiums:
- The make, model and year of your vehicle, with risk levels determined based on your historical claims data
- Where you live, as some areas are higher risk than others
- If you’ve installed an anti-theft device in your car, such as an approved tracking system
This means your insurance premium is adjusted based on the actual risk associated with your vehicle, without all drivers having to shoulder the cost burden. This approach means insurance providers can increase premiums on high-risk vehicles, while incentivizing drivers to prevent auto theft and rewarding the ones who make an effort.
Your coverage and level of risk have a direct impact on your premium. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn more about how car insurance premiums are calculated.
But what about attempted theft?
When a vehicle is recovered, insurance companies usually treat it as an attempted theft. While it’s great news you got your car back, there’s usually some degree of damage. Car repairs—whether it’s broken windows, damage to the starting system or missing parts—can be pricy. But they may be covered by your insurance (minus your deductible), if you have the right coverage.
What to do if your vehicle is stolen
It’s essential to act fast and do things in the right order. Here’s how to maximize your chances of recovering your vehicle.
Take action straight away
1. Confirm your car was stolen, not just towed away.
2. Contact the police immediately and remember to jot down the police report number for later.
Activate your tracking system
3. If you have a tracking system, contact your provider.
4. Let the police handle your vehicle’s recovery—it’s their job!
Contact your insurance provider
5. Have the essentials ready for your insurer: your policy number, the police report number, a copy of your purchase agreement, the location of the theft and the keys to your vehicle, if you have them.
6. Reach out to your insurer to let them know what happened and file an insurance claim.
All about the claims process
If the police are unable to locate your vehicle, your insurer will pay out the value of your car, minus your deductible. Car insurance usually covers accessories that are attached to your car, while personal items typically fall under your home insurance coverage.
Prevention takes teamwork
You and your insurance company are on the same team, working together to protect your car against theft. Prevention is the name of the game, and your insurer plays an active role by helping you choose the right coverage and offering personalized rates and incentives for installing an anti-theft system. As a car owner, you’re expected to develop daily habits that prevent theft, equip your car with prevention devices like a tracking system and key fob protection, and be vigilant.
Key takeaways
- As car thieves across Canada continue to develop new tactics, knowledge is power, and awareness is your best friend.
- Prevention is still your first line of defence: develop good habits, keep your keys safe and install the right anti-theft systems for your situation.
- Make sure you fully understand your insurance coverage to avoid any surprises down the line.
- If something happens despite your best efforts, act fast and do things in the right order. You’ll boost your chances of recovering your vehicle and make life easier when it comes time to file a claim.
Auto theft FAQ
Immediately contact the police to get a police report number. Activate your tracking system if you have one. And reach out to your insurance company with your policy and police report numbers ready to go.
The mandatory minimum civil liability coverage does not include theft or attempted theft. That means your insurance policy needs to include all perils, comprehensive or specified perils coverage for theft. Check your policy or reach out to your insurance company to confirm what type of protection you have.
When a tracking company installs a system in your car, they put a logo on your vehicle’s windows, which can indeed deter thieves. But even if it doesn’t, an approved tracking system can make finding your stolen vehicle significantly easier and faster. Plus, depending on your situation, a tracking system could also help you save on your insurance premium. That means you might have three good reasons to get one.
If your vehicle is found before your claim is paid out, your insurance company may cover the damages from the attempted theft.
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Certain conditions, exclusions and limitations may apply.
The terms and conditions of the coverages described are set out in the insurance policy, which always prevails. Auto insurance is not available in MB, SK and BC due to government-run plans.
These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held for them. We recommend using caution and consulting a certified insurance agent for comprehensive, tailored advice.