21

Aug

For many of us, our vehicles are our second home. Whether it is our daily commute or frequent travelling, our cars are a valuable asset and big investment for us. The monetary value of vehicles is often very attractive to thieves, who are constantly finding clever methods to steal cars effortlessly. In Canada, auto theft has been on the rise for the last few years, resulting in billions of dollars in loss for Canadians. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), a car is stolen every seven minutes. Auto thieves are also becoming smarter and faster when it comes to vehicle theft. IBC reported that a thief can steal a vehicle in as little time as 30 seconds. To help you avoid vehicle theft, and protect your valuable asset, we’ve got some useful tips for you to implement into your day to day lives and outsmart car thieves!

 

1. Purchase An Anti-Theft Device

As thieves become smarter at breaking into vehicles, the anti-theft and safety features that are built into automobiles are often not enough protection. For added security, consider shopping around for an anti-theft device to install in your vehicle. The most common devices are steering wheel locks, brake locks, GPS trackers and kill switches. A steering wheel lock, brake lock and kill switch can halt a thieve’s attempt to steal your vehicle. A GPS tracker can help you track your vehicle if it has been stolen. The good news is these devices are fairly inexpensive and worth every penny.

 

2. Be Mindful About Parking

While looking for a parking spot can be a hassle, where you park can play a key role in avoiding vehicle theft. Homeowners often overlook a safe parking spot that can help prevent vehicle theft; the garage. If you own a home with a garage, consider parking your vehicle there instead of your driveway. Believe it or not, vehicle thieves can still target vehicles on a home’s driveway. If you are parking in a public area, always assess the location before parking your vehicle. Thieves look for dark and empty streets to steal vehicles, to ensure that they are not caught. Look for parking spots in well-lit and busy areas. Also, if you can find public parking garages with security cameras, your chances of encountering vehicle theft are reduced.

 

3. Safeguard Your Keys 

For a thief, your keys are the ideal gateway to stealing your vehicle. During your day to day activities, always double-check that your car keys are not left behind and store them safely in a bag. While it may be tempting to leave your keys by the front door of your home, the proximity of the keys to the vehicle can be risky. Using a transmitter, a thief can capture your key’s signal from outside your home and unlock your vehicle. Today’s car thieves are experts at hacking keyless fobs and can access your vehicle easily without the need for a key.

 

4. Never Leave Your Vehicle Running And Unattended

In this day and age, we are often in a rush. Leaving your car unlocked or your engine running while you run a quick errand can be an easy habit to pick up, but it is also the easiest way to get your car stolen. An unlocked vehicle can be very attractive for a thief and requires minimal effort and time to steal. You may assume that the chances of your car being stolen in a few minutes are slim, however, today’s car thieves are experts at stealing vehicles quickly without drawing attention to themselves. No matter how quick the errand is, always turn off your engine and lock your vehicle.

 

5. Protect Your Valuables

Storing belongings in a car is an all too common habit amongst car owners, especially with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Often, car owners mistakingly leave their valuables in plain sight which can increase the risk of theft. Before you exit your vehicle, take a quick scan of your surroundings to ensure you have not left behind any valuables. If you must leave your belongings in your vehicle, store them in the trunk and/or conceal them.

 

How We Can Help

Protect yourself, by protecting one of your most valuable assets. Our team can help you find the right insurance coverage to protect yourself against theft. With our expertise, you can invest in the most suitable home and auto insurance policies for your lifestyle and circumstances. If you have encountered vehicle theft, notify the police immediately and contact your insurance broker to file a claim. Our team can help our customers navigate through the process. Contact us today to learn more about our policies or inquire about your current coverage!