Vehicle loss
prevention

Steer clear of auto theft

Auto theft trends continued in 2023, led by Ontario and Quebec¹

Many of us depend on our cars for our every day. From running errands to going to work and picking up kids to and from school, it can be hard to imagine what it would be like without a car. As car theft is on the rise, it’s important to take more steps to lock them out. With some diligent and vigilant habits, you can be your vehicle’s best defence against theft.

Car theft facts you should know

On average, a vehicle is stolen every 5 minutes in Canada¹

An experienced car thief can steal a car in minutes²

Car thefts cost Canadians billions of dollars every year¹

Vehicle theft prevention tips

Rising auto thefts concern all of us. Latest industry data has shown a dramatic increase in targeted vehicle thefts of specific make and models.² Thieves have become more sophisticated and tech-savvy, such as changing vehicle identification numbers (VIN) as a cover-up and taking advantage of smart keys as an easy way to create keys electronically. Even if your car isn’t on the list of most stolen cars, there are some proactive steps you can take to help safeguard your vehicle.

Video transcript
Vehicle theft is on the rise

6 tips to help protect yourself
1. Use a steering wheel lock
2. Install a data port lock
3. Park your car in your garage
4. Store keys away from your front door
5. Store keys in an aluminum or metal box
6. Install a tracking device

Park smart

Park your car in the garage, or if you are unable to, in a well-lit, highly visible parking space.

Don’t make it easy

Never leave your vehicle unattended while idling. Ensure doors are locked and windows are rolled up.

Build a barrier

Use a steering wheel lock (i.e., the Club anti-theft steering wheel lock) to present a barrier to theft and maybe dissuade the attempt.

Be signal silent

Use a key fob signal blocker and don’t leave your fob unattended in your car or near the front door of your home.

Immobilize your car

Use smart keys, starter, ignition and fuel disablers, and wireless ignition authentication.

Track it

Install a vehicle anti-theft recovery system like Tag³ to help deter, prevent vehicle theft, and recover your vehicle should it be stolen. Tag uses secure anti-jamming technology that can’t be easily intercepted by thieves.

Aviva auto theft recommendations

As Canada creates a new National Action Plan on Auto Theft, Aviva Canada was pleased to participate in government, industry and stakeholder consultations and to submit a list of recommendations designed to better protect Canadians against auto theft. They include:

Update the anti-theft requirements in Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, which haven’t changed since 2007.
Ensure that anti-theft technologies in Canadian vehicles are never more than three years old by keeping them regularly updated.
Require auto manufacturers to update security systems on vehicles built between 2018 and 2022.
Ban the sale of technology and devices used to commit auto thefts.
Continue to help consumers better understand how to protect themselves from auto theft.

Create a National Auto Theft Tip Line.
Share more information about Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to better identify stolen vehicles with fraudulent VINs.
Invest in Canada Border Services Agency to enhance agents’ ability to prevent the export of stolen vehicles.
Align Canada’s vehicle export requirement of being presented 72 hours before export with the current U.S. standard.
Require customs service providers to have a registered business number and create declaration requirements for the export of vehicles.

Increase deterrence through amendments to the Criminal Code, Customs Act and other legislation.
All provinces should have dedicated auto theft teams with prosecution supports, similar to Ontario.
Empower Canadian diplomats abroad to raise the problem of auto theft during discussions with foreign governments.
Establish a National Auto Theft Office to coordinate policy, implement the Action Plan and gather ongoing intelligence.

Help protect your vehicle from theft

Track, recover and protect your car with an anti-theft recovery system like Tag.

Discover Tag benefits

Vehicle theft and loss prevention FAQ

Find answers to commonly asked questions about vehicle theft and loss prevention.

Which vehicle anti-theft recovery system does Aviva currently recommend?
Does having an anti-theft recovery system help me save on my car insurance?
How do I get the Tag anti-theft recovery system installed in my car?
How does the Tag anti-theft recovery system work?
- Theft prevention: Discrete Tag logos are etched on the windows to help discourage potential thieves.
- Tracking and recovery: Wireless tracking devices are hidden throughout your vehicle to help track and recover your vehicle anywhere in North America.
- Identified parts: Vehicle parts highly sought after by thieves are marked with radio frequency identification (RFID), which makes them a lot harder to sell.
What should I do if my car is stolen?

Car theft can happen to anyone at any time. As soon as you notice your car has been stolen, report it to police and your insurance company. You can also contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership to see if they can locate your car - radio subscriptions, such as satellite radio may also have tracking capabilities. Be sure to save any personal video surveillance you may have of the theft, and if you have any personal ID in your car, you may want to take measures to protect yourself from potential identity theft (for example, notifying your bank of any stolen bank information and arranging for credit monitoring if personal information was compromised).

If you have a Tag³ anti-theft recovery system installed and your vehicle is stolen, call the police immediately and report your vehicle stolen. The police will provide you with an event number. Call Tag and provide them with the police event number and your Tag ID number provided to you at the time of installation. Tag will promptly initiate the tracking and recovery process.
Are certain vehicles more susceptible to theft than others?

Any vehicle can be a target for theft, but certain makes and models are more attractive to thieves for various reasons. Thieves might focus on new or luxury vehicles for maximum profit when they sell them overseas or they may focus on cars without an engine immobilizer (such as starter, ignition and fuel disablers) because it’s easier to steal. Before purchasing your vehicle, it’s a good idea to do some research to better understand the factors that may make your car more vulnerable than others. You can also speak to the car dealership about any built-in anti-theft systems in the car or add-on security options, such as a Tag tracking system that can help deter thieves.

Suspect attempting to break into vehicle

³Tag may not be available in your province or territory. Visit Tag to find out more.

The content in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as specific professional or expert advice. Aviva Canada accepts no responsibility for action taken as a result of reliance on any information contained on this page. Tag is a product of Otodata Wireless Network Inc., an Aviva Canada Inc. contracted third-party product and service provider.

Vehicle loss
prevention