Prevent your car from being stolen

Beware of electronic auto theft

Technology used in vehicles is evolving, and so are theft techniques! This is the case with electronic theft, a way for thieves to target cars with a remote key or a keyless push-button starter. They are hackers who remotely pick up the transmitter signal from the electronic keychain or computer system of the vehicle itself to unlock and steal it without having to damage the lock. With all new vehicles now equipped with smart keys, it's becoming easier and easier for offenders to start and drive away with a vehicle.

7 measures to counter theft

1. Never leave your vehicle running unattended with the keys in the car.

2. Always lock your vehicle.

3. At home, store your keys in a safe place, away from front doors or in a special metal case, especially if it's an electronic key.

4. Park in a garage or in a secure and well-lit parking lot.

5. Do not leave insurance and registration certificates in the car.

6. Never leave your belongings in the car in plain sight.

7. Find out about engraving parts or installing a tracking system. Several insurers could offer discounts for this type of coverage.

Car theft: number and cost on the rise

Over the ten-year period from 2012 to 2022, the number of auto theft claims has soared by 42%, while the average cost has risen by 145%.

In 2022, figures from the Groupement des assureurs automobiles show that the number of claims for total vehicle theft is 10,600.  The average cost of claims for the same year was over $35,000. While all higher-end vehicles, regardless of manufacturer, are targets, the Honda CR-V remains the most popular vehicle for thieves across the country.

Limiting both the number and amount of claims related to auto theft can help reduce the cost of insurance for everyone, because it's the premiums paid by everyone that pay the claims.

Were belongings stolen from your car?

Property thefts are also committed in vehicles each year in Quebec. Your vehicle was vandalized and your laptop was stolen? It is your home insurance that will compensate you for stolen property in your car. You will then have two claims to make. The first to your car insurer for your damaged vehicle, and a second to your home insurer for the theft of your computer.

Don't have home insurance? In that case, you won't be covered for the items stolen from your car. See more information. 

Do you own a motorcycle or an off-road vehicle?

Did you know that you can prevent this type of theft? Just adding a lock can dissuade thieves and make their job harder. That's something to consider!