Prevent Auto Theft

Auto Insurance - Prevent Auto Theft

Each year, auto theft costs Canadians $600 million. One of the best ways to combat auto theft is with good old-fashioned knowledge, so we've compiled a list of ways automobile owners can keep their vehicles safer.

Why is automobile theft a problem?

Theft of vehicles and their components costs Canadian policyholders almost $600 million per year in insurance premiums.

Policyholders pay for the cost of theft through the Comprehensive portion of their premiums.

Theft accounts for approximately 50% of the amount paid by insurers for Comprehensive claims for new vehicle models.

Why are cars stolen?

Newer cars, sport utility vehicles and luxury cars are generally stolen to be shipped off-shore and resold in markets abroad. Three to eight-year old cars are generally stolen for their parts. Cars are also stolen to be used in crimes and for joyriding.

In 1998, 42% of the individuals charges with automobile theft were between the ages of 12 and 17 years.

Seventy-six percent of stolen vehicles are recovered, but most have been damaged. Motor vehicle thefts make up 39% of all thefts in Canada.

Honda Civics again top of Canada's Top Ten Stolen Vehicles list

On December 19, 2007 Canada’s car insurers announced that the 1999 and 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door have topped the list of the most frequently stolen vehicles for the third year in a row. These two models also appear in the list of highest theft claims costs per vehicle, as number three and number five, respectively. The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-door all-wheel-drive comes in third place on the most frequently stolen list, and “wins” the number one spot on the highest theft claims costs list.
 
The Top Ten Stolen Vehicles are:

1.   1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door

2.   2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door

3.   2004 Subaru Impreza WRX/WRX STi 4-door AWD

4.   1999 Acura Integra 2-door

5.   1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager

6.   1994 Dodge/Plymouth Grand Caravan/Voyager AWD

7.   1994 Dodge/Plymouth Caravan/Voyager

8.   1998 Acura Integra 2-door

9.   2000 Audi TT Quattro 2-door Coupe

10. 1994 Dodge/Plymouth Shadow/Sundance 2-door Hatchback

The Least Stolen Vehicles were:

1.   (tie) 2003 Buick Le Sabre 4-door

2.   (tie) 2003 Cadillac Deville 4-door

3.   (tie) 2002 Ford/Mercury Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis 4-door

4.   (tie) 2000 Saturn SW1 Wagon

5.   (tie) 2000 Lincoln Continental 4-door

6.   (tie) 2000 Volvo S70 4-door

7.   (tie) 1998 Hyundai Accent 4-door

8.   (tie) 1997 Buick Regal 4-door

9.   (tie) 1996 Buick Park Avenue 4-door

10. 2001 Toyota Highlander 4-door 2WD

How many auto thefts occur in British Columbia?

Over 7,500 this month alone - a car is broken into every five minutes in British Columbia. In fact, thefts from automobiles in the city of Vancouver have gone up 120% since 1987. 

How many auto thefts occur in Alberta?

Approximately 15,000 cars are stolen every year in Alberta. That's an average of 44 cars per day.

Calgary has a higher vehicle theft rate than Edmonton, with 753 cars stolen per 100,000 population. Edmonton has 484 cars stolen per 100,000 population.
Winnipeg, followed by Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa and Hamilton, had the highest motor vehicle theft rates for major cities in Canada in 1998. Calgary and Edmonton were sixth and seventh respectively.

How does an ignition disabler work?

Ignition disablers immobilize your vehicle if a thief tries to override the ignition or ignition disabler.

Ignition disablers do not need to be activated. The system arms itself seconds after the key is removed.

How can I prevent my car from being stolen?

  • Purchase and install a security system if your vehicle is not equipped with one from the manufacturer. Passive electronic immobilizers can cut theft of vehicles by almost 70%.
  • Always lock your vehicle.
  • Never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle, even for a short time. Vehicles are regularly stolen from store parking lots and gas stations.
  • Use good judgment in choosing parking locations. Park in well-lit and busy areas, such as under a street light, in a lighted parking garage, or on a street with lots of traffic. Consider how lit or busy the area will be when you get back.
  • When parking at airports, and other large pay parking lots, never leave the parking claim check in the vehicle.
  • Never keep valuables, especially notebook computers and golf clubs, in your car.
  • Dismantle or lock your automatic trunk latch. Thieves who break into a car can easily access any valuables in your trunk using the internal trunk release. Dismantling it will help keep your valuables secure.
  • Use your garage. Keeping your car parked in your locked garage is one of the simplest ways to keep it away from would-be thieves.
  • If your vehicle is equipped with a security system, make sure it is in good working order and activated. Your owner's manual or dealership should be able to answer any questions about your system.
  • Factory installed security systems are sometimes deactivated when remote control starters are installed. If you have a remote starter, or intend to have one installed, ask your installer how it will affect your security system.
  • When you're safely in the car, don't let your guard down. Lock all the doors.

 

Sources:
Vehicle Information Centre of Canada
Juristat, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Statistics Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada