How to protect yourself from vehicle theft

Newer vehicles tend to be at higher risk of being stolen.² This is primarily due to technological advancements like smart keys, which criminals can use to their advantage. In fact, many thieves use devices to capture the radio signals these keys emit. This allows them to program new keys they can use to get into cars. Larger vehicles like SUVs, 4X4 trucks, minivans and luxury cars are also attractive to thieves.

Vehicles are more likely to get stolen in major urban centres. Your car is also more likely to get stolen at night while parked in a private driveway, or outside a shopping mall or movie theatre during the day. Transit terminals (like bus, train and metro station parking lots) also tend to be hotspots. Thieves watch commuters park their cars in the morning, knowing they'll have lots of time to get into the car and drive away before the theft is reported many hours later.²

These systems usually involve placing of a set of wireless devices inside your vehicle to help you find it if it ever gets stolen. Some services also etch a logo on your windows and parts with a high resale value. Tag^® Tracking system External link., Kycs Locate External link., and Domino^© Tracking External link. are among the best-known tracking systems.

These systems are gaining popularity. Not just because they're very efficient at protecting your car against theft, but also because they can help you recover your vehicle after it's been stolen. In other words, they help reduce your risk of car theft and help you avoid the headaches that tend to arise when your car gets stolen, since you're more likely to get it back.

If you're concerned about protecting your privacy, rest assured that most systems will only start tracking your vehicle after it's been reported stolen. Your supplier can provide you with more details about their practices for locating your vehicle.

And if you drive a vehicle that your insurer considers high-risk or vulnerable to theft, installing a tracking and recovery system can help you avoid a premium increase or limit how much it will go up.

You can physically lock your steering wheel or brakes with a device, or cover up your on-board diagnostics (OBD) system to discourage thieves from targeting your car. You can also keep your car key in a special pouch or metal container to prevent it from emitting radio signals that thieves can use to clone it. Never leave your key unattended or keep it in an obvious place. If you have a spare key, don't hide it in your car.

Does your car have a keyless system? The Secure Fob system External link. could be right for you. This motion-sensitive chip tracks your key at all times and disables the battery 3 minutes after it was last moved, making it undetectable by potential thieves.³

Never leave valuables in your car unattended. Bring your laptop, wallet and cellphone with you wherever you go. If you can't bring them with you, keep them in the trunk and double-check to make sure everything is locked.

Whenever you can, park in busy, well-lit areas with security cameras. If you have access to a garage, keep your vehicle inside at night. 

Here are a few simple steps to follow:

1. Call the police from the scene of the crime as soon as you realize your car's been stolen. You'll need to file a police report before you contact your insurer. If your car has a tracking system, report the incident to your service provider.
2. Next, contact your insurance company or file your claim online. You'll need:

• The location where your car was stolen
• The number provided to you when you filed your police report
• The contact information for any potential witnesses
• The number on your auto insurance policy

Once a claim has been submitted, your claims advisor will review your file and will contact you to discuss the next steps. 

There are a number of ways to protect your car against theft. The more you invest in security equipment, the less likely thieves will be to target your vehicle. If your vehicle does get stolen, having a tracking and recovery system increases the chances of getting your car back. Take a minute to think about what you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle.