Protect Your Car From Theft

Technology has helped to prevent auto theft in significant ways. Engine immobilizers, keyless entry and ignition, audible alarms and vehicle recovery systems have generally made cars harder to steal and easier to recover. But even with these theft protection improvements, criminals have found new ways to steal cars.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada auto theft rates have soared to historic levels. While there was a 19% decrease in auto theft claims in the first half of 2024, the industry has seen a 138% increase in the past decade. As the auto theft rates have increased, so has the value of the vehicles over the same period.1

Today’s thefts are often the product of opportunity, with would-be thieves looking for unsuspecting drivers who leave their cars unattended. Criminals are also stealing cars using updated tactics, getting tips on social media and targeting specific auto parts instead of the entire vehicle.

Recent trends in auto thefts

As anti-theft innovation has advanced, thieves have gotten more creative. They now use techniques like hijacking the signal from your key fob2 to open your vehicle and watching online videos that describe how to easily take certain cars.

Additionally, Canada has experienced growth in catalytic converter thefts. This car part – which lessens harmful emissions and contains valuable metals – can be removed and sold by thieves for large profits while leaving you with costly repairs.3

Protecting your car and yourself

Despite these trends, there are ways to help protect your vehicle and yourself. Travelers’ Investigative Services unit offer these additional tips to help prevent your vehicle from becoming a target:

  • Stow valuables before you park – Many thieves watch parking lots, looking for people who leave valuables in their cars. Stow valuables out of sight before you park so as not to attract the attention of thieves.
  • Park in plain sight – Always remember to park your car in a safe and visible location. Thieves will act even in broad daylight if they can find cover. Look for well-lit areas and open, unblocked spaces when you park. Also, consider buying an anti-theft device designed for preventing catalytic converter theft.
  • Do not leave your vehicle unattended while idling – Even if you’re just making a brief stop, lock your car and always take your keys and key fob with you. Thieves tend to frequent convenience store parking lots and gas stations, where people may leave their cars running and keys in the ignition. During cold weather, it might be tempting to let your vehicle idle to warm up. This makes an inviting target for car thieves.
  • Hide all electronic cords – Avoid unintentional visual tips for thieves, which include leaving chargers for phones, USB cords, gadgets and holsters for navigational equipment in plain sight.
  • Take precautions and make tracking your car easier – When leaving your car, lock all doors, roll up the windows, set the parking brake and remove the keys. If you have one, activate the alarm. Consider an aftermarket steering wheel/brake lock to help prevent theft. Having your vehicle identification number etched on all windows, and even the catalytic converter, can also help deter criminals. Additionally, you can install theft recovery systems, such as GPS tracking devices, to help locate your vehicle if it is stolen. Alarms and immobilizers can also be effective in preventing theft by making it more difficult for thieves to start your car.

If you believe your car was stolen

Though taking safety precautions can help to lower the chances of your car being taken, it’s still possible for theft to occur. Here are some actions you can take if you believe your car was stolen:

  • Verify that it actually was stolen and not parked or moved by someone else with access to your car.
  • Call the police.
  • If you have a vehicle recovery device or vehicle assistance plan or system, contact the company to activate the locator.
  • Notify your broker as soon as possible.

If your car is stolen or gets damaged by thieves removing valuable parts, it can be an expensive problem to fix. Auto theft can also lead to – at least temporarily – a loss of transportation to work, school, the grocery store and more.

That’s why it’s important to protect your car with the appropriate car insurance for you. Explore Travelers auto insurance products available to you and contact your broker to get started.

Sources
1  https://www.ibc.ca/news-insights/news/new-data-shows-auto-theft-continues-to-soar-above-historical-levels
2  https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/more-than-half-of-canadians-think-their-keyless-entry-fobs-are-fuelling-the-auto-theft/article_bda61e82-d4e5-11ee-905c-8fc1d4359996.html
3  https://rcmp.ca/en/bc/safety-tips/theft-and-vandalism/catalytic-converter-thefts