Yahoo Finance Car theft is on the rise. Here are 8 tips to help prevent your car from being stolen
Set a timer for five minutes. By the time it goes off, at least one vehicle in Canada has been stolen, according to a recent study conducted by Équité Association.¹
However you slice it, car theft is on the rise, especially in provinces like Ontario, where car thieves aren’t just becoming more brazen, they’re also becoming increasingly advanced in the techniques they use to bypass your car’s manufacturer security features. At the same time, supply chain issues have created a hotter market for used vehicles and parts domestically, while new and luxury vehicles can bring in an increasingly hefty profit overseas, resulting in even more demand for stolen vehicles.
So, what can you do to help prevent your car from becoming a statistic? Plenty. Together with custo, here’s a closer look at a few key steps you can take to help prevent car theft, what to do next if your car has been stolen or broken into, and Canada's 10 most commonly-stolen vehicles.
8 tips to help protect your car against theft
While the stats may seem bleak, fortunately, there are still steps you can take to discourage would-be thieves from targeting your car and increase your chance of recovering your vehicle if it gets stolen.
1. Secure your vehicle: Many car thefts are crimes of opportunity, and an unlocked door is like an open invitation. Always make sure to keep your vehicle locked, no matter how long you plan on being gone or where you’ve left it parked.
2. Never leave a car running unattended: Unattended idling vehicles are prime targets for theft. So always be sure to turn off your engine and take your keys with you, even if you're only stepping away for a minute or going back into the house to get something. Along those lines: If you plan on running the AC to cool your car down this summer before getting in, don’t leave your car unattended while you do so.
3. Hide your valuables: Keep your personal items and valuables out of sight, and never leave your phone or wallet in your car where someone can see it. Can’t take an item with you? Use your trunk or glove compartment to store it out of sight instead.
4. If you have access to a garage, use it: Parking in a garage gives you another layer of protection compared to parking on the street. Not only does it help safeguard your vehicle from the elements, but it also helps protect it from potential thieves. Again, same as with your car, you should ensure your garage door is closed and locked to prevent unwanted access.
5. Park in well-lit areas: Whether parking at home or on the street, make sure the area you’re leaving your car is well-lit. This could mean choosing the parking spot underneath a streetlight when you go out or installing motion-activated lights around your garage or driveway at home. No matter where you are, good lighting can help make your vehicle less appealing to thieves.
6. Install a security camera: In addition to a set of motion-activated lights, you can also consider installing exterior cameras for added security. Having a camera focused on your driveway and/or garage doesn’t just act as a potential deterrent for theft, it can also be an aid to law enforcement in the event your car is stolen.
7. Invest in anti-theft devices: From steering wheel locks to electronic engine immobilizers, anti-theft tracking devices and key fob protectors, adding an extra layer of security beyond what comes standard with your vehicle can help make your car less attractive to thieves and may reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen. Just always make sure to have any anti-theft systems professionally installed and consult your dealership, leasing or financing company to ensure the device won’t impact your vehicle warranty.
Installing an anti-theft system may also help reduce your insurance costs. Check with your insurance provider if they have any discounts for installing an anti-theft tracking device.
8. Ensure your vehicle is adequately covered: Having the right insurance coverage won't prevent your car from being stolen, but it can help make the process a bit less stressful if the unfortunate does happen. TD Insurance offers Comprehensive, Specified Perils or All Perils coverage to help protect your car against events such as car theft. Reach out to a TD Insurance Advisor to discuss your auto policy needs or get a car insurance quote online quickly and easily.
What to do if your car has been stolen
First, contact your local police department to file a police report. Make sure to provide as much information as possible, including handing over any video or photo footage you may have captured of the incident. Then let your insurance provider know what happened so they can begin the claims process if you’re insured for theft.
For TD Insurance customers with Comprehensive, Specified Perils or All Perils coverage, you can use the TD Insurance Mobile App to file a claim, get step-by-step guidance, and track the status of your claim, all right from your phone. Unsure if you’re covered against theft? Visit MyInsurance to review your current coverage or contact a TD Insurance Advisor with any questions about your policy.
The top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada
Which makes and models are the most popular targets among car thieves? Here’s a list of Canada’s most stolen cars, courtesy of Équité Association, ranked by number of thefts.
It’s important to remember, however, that this isn’t a list of cars to avoid as much as it is a reminder to be extra vigilant if you own any of the below. If you do own, or plan on purchasing, one of these 10 vehicles, it may be worth chatting with your insurance company to ensure you’re properly covered against theft.
Honda CR-V
Dodge RAM 1500 Series
Ford F150 Series
Lexus RX Series
Toyota Highlander
Honda Civic
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Land Rover Range Rover
Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra 1500 Series
Jeep Wrangler
Looking for insurance advice? Explore insurance tips and find the right coverage for your needs at TD Insurance.
¹ Source: Équité Association 2023 Auto Theft Trend Report, published February 6, 2024
TD Insurance residential and personal lines automobile insurance policies are underwritten by Security National Insurance Company, Primmum Insurance Company, TD General Insurance Company, and TD Home and Auto Insurance Company, and are distributed by TD Direct Insurance Agency Inc. and Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services.
Due to provincial legislation, TD Insurance does not offer personal lines automobile insurance products in British Columbia, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan.
