Canada is no stranger to brutally cold temperatures in the winter, which makes starting your car in the morning less than enjoyable. Although there isn’t one season for vehicle theft, cold wintery days seem to make cars a prime target. Leaving your vehicle unattended while it warms up with the key in the ignition leaves your vehicle vulnerable to thieves. Just because you think your neighbourhood is safe doesn’t mean that a thief couldn’t strike at any second.
Alberta leads Canada for the highest number of auto thefts, accounting for “almost one-third of all auto thefts” in the country, reports CBC News. Around half of these vehicles are stolen with the keys left inside them.
From 2003 to 2010, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) produced a list in December every year of the top ten most stolen cars across the country. Now, the list is published annually by Équité Association. To see the full list and a breakdown by region, visit their website.
What you can do to protect your vehicle
There are several different ways that you can increase your security and avoid being the target:
- Remove your keys, don’t leave your car unlocked and unattended
- Don’t keep anything visible in your car
- This includes sunglasses, phone chargers, coins—if they can see it, they could steal it
- Install technology
- GPS tracking devices
- Audible alarm system
- Remote starter
- Steering wheel lock
- Leave spare keys and garage openers out of your car
- Park in well-lit, high traffic areas
You may be surprised to learn that the contents inside your car, such as your tools, gym bag or sunglasses, are not covered under your auto insurance policy. Unless the items are physically part of the vehicle (like the aforementioned remote starter), they fall under your homeowners, tenants or business property policy as applicable. If you are carrying tools or equipment in your vehicle on a regular basis, you should review this exposure with your broker to make sure your business property or mobile equipment policy properly covers this exposure.
READ MORE: Using Your Personal Vehicle for Business Purposes: Are You Covered?
If your car does get broken into or stolen, make sure to contact your insurance broker. In the case of a vehicle break in, take photos and videos of the damage and an inventory of every item that was stolen.
For questions on how your insurance protects you against vehicle theft or what to do if you experience a break in, contact one of the experts at Fuse Insurance.
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Fuse Insurance Ltd. is the evolution of the commercial insurance brokerage, and the first of its kind in Western Canada. Backed by policies from a selection of A-rated insurers, Fuse Insurance can provide coverage for businesses large and small from almost any industry. For further information or to start an online quote now, click here or call us at 1-866-387-FUSE (3873) for more details.