10 tips to reduce your risk of vehicle theft

In Canada, thousands of vehicles are stolen every year. Over the past year, we estimates that approximately 80,000 vehicles have been stolen- and this trend is only expected to increase. The IBC has even published estimates that car theft costs Canadians approximately $1 billion annually, and insurers an additional $500 million to replace or repair stolen vehicles.

Quebec alone has seen a steady decline in car thefts over the past decade, but recently, with the global car shortage, there has been an unexpected surge. Stolen vehicles are commonly used in nighttime criminal activities, such as street racing, or they are dismantled and sold in various parts of the world to global buyers. What can be done? We never consider ourselves victims of car theft until it's too late. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of having your car stolen. Some of these deterrents may even qualify you for a lower car insurance premium!

Tip #1: Never leave valuables inside your car in plain sight, or at all.

Car thieves are much more likely to break into your vehicle if you leave a credit card, laptop, phone, or wallet in plain sight on the dashboard. Ideally, you should never store valuables in your vehicle and take them with you every time you leave your car parked somewhere (yes, even in your driveway!), but if you absolutely must leave them inside, make sure they are stored securely. Your trunk is a good option, or a locked glove compartment. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight at all costs.

Tip #2: Never leave your keys in the ignition, inside your garage, or in key boxes.

Among the most common causes of vehicle theft are cases where the car owner leaves the key in the ignition, even if only for a few minutes. The same is true if you leave your keys somewhere easily accessible. A key box in plain sight or hanging from a peg in your garage might not be the best idea, especially if you have a key fob. If these are close enough to your front door, drivers can use wireless transmitters to pick up fob signals and unlock your vehicle without even having to enter your house. Ultimately, keep your keys in a secure place, preferably in a protective bag or box, inside your home—and away from the door.

Tip #3: Don't leave your car running if it's not being watched.

Quebec experiences fairly harsh winters. In the cold, it can be tempting to leave your car running while you wait inside so it warms up enough by the time you're ready to go. Unfortunately, this leaves your vehicle wide open to thieves who only need a few seconds to get in and steal it.

Tip #4: Park in a safe place.

Vehicles are easier to steal when they're parked outdoors. Even dimly lit public parking lots are better than crowded, well-lit areas. If you have a garage, park your car inside and lock it. If not, choose a spot that's easy to see, well-lit, and preferably not well-hidden from other vehicles. If your vehicle is highly visible, thieves may be less likely to steal because they can't conceal their activities as effectively as if it were isolated.

Tip #5: Buy a vehicle equipped with an integrated security system.

Almost all vehicles today are guaranteed to have some form of anti-theft device installed. It may cost you a little more to buy a vehicle with this protection included, but it will save you money in the long run. Furthermore, some of the systems these vehicles come with qualify you for an insurance discount. Be sure to inform your broker about this extra layer of security when purchasing coverage.

Tip #6: Install an immobilizer or vehicle tracking device.

An immobilizer will disable the circuits necessary to start your vehicle, including the ignition, fuel supply, and starter. These circuits will only be able to function with a specially coded chip in a key that was issued to you when you purchased your car. Immobilizers may also qualify you for a car insurance discount.

A vehicle tracking device is also an excellent purchase, as it can help the police locate your vehicle if it has been stolen. Some manufacturers will include this device as a standard security measure, or you can purchase it from your vehicle's factory after the fact.

Tip #7: Engrave your vehicle's VIN on the window or on your car.

You can choose to have your vehicle identification number engraved on a large part of your vehicle, such as its window, to make it easier to track and less attractive to thieves who want to resell your car to an unsuspecting buyer.

Tip #8: Install a wheel or brake lock.

Anti-theft devices that lock your steering wheel or brake are not only excellent ways to deter thieves because of the difficulty of driving off with a vehicle with this system implemented, but they can also qualify you for a car insurance discount as well.

Tip #9: Use your emergency brake when parking in an isolated location.

If you have no choice but to park in a secluded or poorly lit area that might not be easily visible to the public, use your emergency brake. If a thief tries to tow your vehicle at night, it will be much more difficult for them to do so.

Tip #10: Always lock your car and roll down the windows.

It might seem too obvious to tip the last person on the list, but you'd be surprised how many car owners forget to lock their vehicles. The majority of stolen cars are left unlocked or with their windows partially rolled down. Resourceful thieves can exploit even the tiniest cracks in your window to gain access to your vehicle or, at the very least, to its contents.

Preventing vehicle theft doesn't take much time and can save you stress in the long run. Furthermore, it can significantly reduce your car insurance premiums with the right equipment. If you have recently purchased an anti-theft device or are planning to buy one, remember to call your car insurance company and let them know.