Car Thefts Are Up in Ontario: Are You Protected?

Car theft is on the rise across Canada, and Ontario has seen a sharp spike in recent years. In 2023 alone, more than 30,000 vehicles were stolen in Ontario, making it the hardest-hit province. In Toronto, the rate of theft reached over 12,000 vehicles, an alarming increase from previous years.

Losing your vehicle is not just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your daily life and cause financial strain. While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of car theft, there are several steps you can take to lower your chances of being targeted and ensure you’re properly protected by insurance.

Top Tips to Prevent Car Theft

Avoid Leaving Your Car Unattended to Warm Up in Winter

During the winter months, many people leave their cars running to warm up. While convenient, this makes your vehicle an easy target for thieves. Experts advise that modern vehicles don’t require a long warm-up period—they reach the desired temperature within minutes of driving. Leaving your car idling for too long not only risks theft but can also damage your vehicle’s engine.

Protect Against Keyless Entry Car Theft

Keyless entry systems, while convenient, have also become a common target for thieves. Criminals can use transmitters to intercept signals from your key fob, allowing them to access and start your car. Here are some ways to protect yourself:

• Store your keys away from entry points: Keep your key fob far from the front door or windows, ideally on the second floor of your home.
• Use a Faraday bag: These RF signal-blocking pouches prevent thieves from intercepting your key fob’s signal, making it harder for them to unlock and steal your car.

Additional Car Theft Prevention Tips

To further safeguard your vehicle, consider the following tips:

• Use your garage: If you have a garage, park your car inside. Vehicles parked outdoors are at a higher risk of theft.
• Install a security camera: Modern, smartphone-operated security cameras allow you to monitor your property in real-time and receive alerts if any suspicious activity is detected.
• Get an OBD port lock: This device blocks access to your car’s Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) port. With some models, you can monitor your car’s movements via an app and receive notifications if tampering occurs.
• Use a steering wheel lock: A simple but effective deterrent, a steering wheel lock makes it more difficult for thieves to drive your vehicle away.

How Auto Insurance Can Help After a Car Theft

Even with the best precautions, car theft can still happen. This is where comprehensive auto insurance becomes essential. Most comprehensive policies cover vehicle theft and reimburse you for the value of your vehicle, helping ease the financial burden. Additionally, your policy may cover the cost of rental cars and repairs if your stolen vehicle is recovered but damaged.

If you’re unsure whether your current insurance policy covers theft, or if you want to ensure you’re fully protected, speak with a Regal Insurance broker today.

How the Right Insurance Coverage Saved Sarah After Her Car Was Stolen

Sarah, a Toronto resident, woke up one morning to find her car missing from her driveway. Like many others in her neighbourhood, she had been aware of the rising car theft rates in Ontario but never thought it would happen to her. The vehicle, a high-value SUV, was vital for her daily commute and family errands.

What Happened Next: Fortunately, Sarah had opted for comprehensive auto insurance coverage with her provider. After reporting the theft to the police, she immediately contacted her insurance broker, who guided her through the claim process. Because her policy included coverage for stolen vehicles, Sarah was reimbursed for the full value of her car—helping her avoid the financial burden of purchasing a new vehicle.

Additionally, her policy covered the cost of a rental car for two weeks while she sorted out the details of replacing her vehicle. Sarah also had access to roadside assistance and legal support, which made the entire process much smoother.

Outcome: Within two weeks of the theft, Sarah had the reimbursement in her account and was able to secure a new vehicle, all while minimizing disruption to her day-to-day life. Thanks to her proactive decision to invest in comprehensive coverage, she was able to quickly recover and get back on the road without facing significant financial losses or delays.

Stay Protected and Informed

As car theft rates continue to climb in Ontario, it’s more important than ever to take preventive measures and ensure your insurance coverage is up to date. By following these tips and reviewing your policy, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim and ensure peace of mind.

Protect your vehicle from theft today by exploring your coverage options with Regal Insurance. Contact us to review your policy or get a quote for comprehensive car insurance coverage.