According to the Équité Association, automobile theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion each year, and if you own one of the most commonly stolen vehicles, you may have noticed an increase in your car insurance premium as car theft continues to rise. An average of one car is stolen every six minutes — but using an aftermarket anti-theft device can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a target and may qualify you for savings on your insurance premium. While most newer vehicles come equipped with a variety of built-in anti-theft features, you can enhance your vehicle's security by adding one or more of these popular aftermarket anti-theft devices to your arsenal.
Anti-theft vehicle tracking systems
When a vehicle has been stolen or even carjacked, the chances of it being found safe and sound tend to be pretty slim — but an anti-theft GPS tracking device can help police track down and recover your vehicle, which could lead to an arrest and (hopefully) the safe return of your vehicle. There are several different types of tracking devices; some constantly monitor your vehicle's location in real-time, while others are activated to pinpoint your vehicle's location when it has been reported stolen. Installing an anti-theft device could also help you qualify for an insurance discount, offsetting higher premiums that may apply to high-theft vehicles. Check in with your licensed insurance broker if you recently installed an anti-theft device.
Steering wheel locks
If you can't steer a vehicle, chances are you won't get very far once the engine is running — and car thieves know this. So, when a thief sees a steering wheel lock through your window, it's an immediate deterrent that will likely have them moving on to their next target.
Steering wheel locks come in many different styles and materials. Here are a few questions to ask when trying to choose the style that's best for you:
- What's it made out of? Look for a steering wheel lock made from a strong material for maximum durability (one made of steel, for example, will likely be more difficult to cut or pry off than one made of plastic).
- Does it do more than just lock the steering wheel? Consider looking for a model that has a hook connecting your steering wheel to your clutch or brake pedal for added security.
- Is it enough on its own? A steering wheel lock isn't always enough to stop a professional thief, who may go as far as removing your entire steering wheel and replacing it with their own. If you frequently park in areas with high car theft rates, consider adding a lock that connects your steering wheel to the steering column so it can't be removed.
Alarm systems
Most vehicle alarm systems are designed to go off when a vehicle is subject to some kind of impact (like a window breaking) or entered without the proper key or key fob. When the alarm goes off, it'll ideally scare away a potential thief who's tampering with your car and doesn't want to be spotted.
Many vehicles come with built-in alarm systems, but if yours doesn't have one, you may want to consider having one professionally installed. There are a lot of different types of alarm systems out there (some come with automatic starters, lock/unlock fobs, and even mobile phone functionality that notifies you when your vehicle has been broken into).
Anti-theft dash cams
Dash cams are widely known for recording footage while the car is running, which can expedite the claims process if an accident occurs. But certain dash cam systems include multiple cameras to record the interior and exterior surroundings of the car while it's in park. This footage can help identify a thief, and the presence of a camera may even deter them from attempting a theft in the first place.
Electronic immobilizers
An immobilizer prevents your vehicle's engine from running unless the proper key or key fob is inserted, preventing your vehicle from being "hot-wired." Immobilizers have been mandatory in new cars, vans, light trucks, and SUVs built in Canada since 2007, so chances are your vehicle already has one built in. If you have an imported vehicle or a Canadian vehicle built before 2007, check the owner's manual to find out if it has a built-in immobilizer, and if it doesn't, consider having an aftermarket one installed by a professional mechanic.
A similar device is a kill switch, which disrupts electricity to the fuel pump and prevents a car from starting until the switch is flipped. Enabling a kill switch and hiding it within your vehicle can effectively slow down a thief's attempts to steal your car, meaning they'll likely give up.
Hood locks
Some car thieves steal and sell engines, batteries, and other valuable under-the-hood car parts. Designed to lock your vehicle's hood so it can't be opened without a key, a hood lock won't prevent a thief from stealing your entire vehicle, but it can deter thieves who set out to sell vehicle parts (especially if you have a specialty or antique vehicle with modified parts). If you're thinking about installing a hood lock on your vehicle, ask a professional mechanic which type they recommend for your vehicle.
Looking for additional tips to protect your car against theft? Follow these simple steps to deter thieves:
6 ways to prevent car theft
Car theft is on the rise. Follow these simple steps to deter potential thieves and protect your vehicle.
- Lock your car and close all your windows.
- Keep valuables hidden in the trunk or glove box.
- Park in well-lit, visible areas. Try to park close to busy building entrances or in view of a security camera.
- Hide your keys instead of leaving them in an obvious spot. Did you know thieves can hijack a wireless key fob's signal to open and start a car? Store your keys away from your front door so the signal is weaker.
- Install a physical anti-theft device, like a steering wheel lock.
- Utilize your car's alarm system.
If your car doesn't have a built-in alarm system, consider installing an aftermarket system.
Keep your car secure with these proactive parking tips!
Protect what matters most.
Depending on your insurance company and your location, installing certain aftermarket anti-theft devices (especially steering wheel locks and alarm systems) could qualify you for a discount on car insurance, which can help offset higher premiums for high-theft vehicles. To find out how you could qualify for an anti-theft discount, contact your licensed car insurance broker. Wondering what else you can do to protect your vehicle from being stolen? Here are even more ways to deter potential thieves and avoid becoming a target for car theft.
Even if you’ve taken every precaution to prevent car theft, follow these steps if your car is stolen.
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