Auto Insurance - Prevent Auto Theft
Each year, auto theft costs Canadians over $1 billion. 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?
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?
There are 4 common reasons cars are stolen:
- New vehicles or highly sought after vehicles are stolen and shipped abroad where they are sold for more than their original market value.
- In many case stolen vehicles are given a new identity and resold. They may also be dismantled and sold for parts.
- Vehicles are often stolen so the thief can get where they need to go. This is also called "joyriding"
- Finally, vehicles are stolen to commit other crimes. In this case these cars are normally recovered but can sometimes be badly damaged.
Honda Civics again top of Canada's Top Ten Stolen Vehicles list
On December 14, 2011 The Insurance Bureau of Canada announced that the 2009 Toyota Venza was the most stolen vehicle in Canada. The 1999 and 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door have been at the top or near the top list of the most frequently stolen vehicles since 2003.
The Top Ten Stolen Vehicles are:
- 2009 Toyota Venza 4-door
- 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
- 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
- 2006 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
- 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door AWD
- 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS 4-door 4WD
- 2007 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
- 2001 Pontiac Aztek 4-door AWD
- 1998 Acura Integra 2-door
- 1999 Acura Integra 2-door
What is Canadian Direct doing about auto theft?
Canadian Direct is proud to sponsor the Safer Parking Initiative in Vancouver. Since February 2008 Canadian Direct Insurance has been working with the Vancouver Police Department and a coalition of business partners including parking lot owners and operators and community groups to make parking in Vancouver safer. For more information visit www.saferparkingvancouver.com.
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:
Insurance Bureau of Canada