Drivers beware! Your pick-up truck or SUV may be one of the most stolen vehicles in Canada.
If you drive a Ford F-series pick-up truck you may want to consider investing in an anti-theft device (or dash cam) because there’s a better than average chance it will get stolen. And odds are, your auto insurance premium already takes this into account.
Each year, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) releases the top 10 stolen vehicles in Canada and according to the latest data, the Ford F-series trucks make up 80 per cent of the list. Last time around, it took seven out of the 10 spots.
Top 10 Stolen Vehicles in Canada
- 2015 Lexus GX460 4DR AWD SUV
- 2007 Ford F350 SD 4WD Pick-up
- 2006 Ford F350 SD 4WD Pick-up
- 2005 Ford F350 SD 4WD Pick-up
- 2001 Ford F350 SD 4WD Pick-up
- 2003 Ford F350 SD 4WD Pick-up
- 2004 Ford F350 SD 4WD Pick-up
- 2016 Toyota 4Runner 4DR 4WD SUV
- 2002 Ford F350 SD 4WD Pick-up
- 2006 Ford F250 SD 4WD Pick-up
Pick-Ups and SUVs Are Heavily Targeted in Ontario
For Ontarians, if you drive a Toyota, Chevrolet, or GMC, you’ll want to be vigilant about protecting your wheels too as these car brands dominate the IBC’s top 10 most stolen vehicles list for the province.
- 2016 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2015 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and GMC Yukon 4WD SUVs
- 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 2WD Pick-Up
- 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD and GMC Yukon 4WD SUVs
- 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4WD and GMC Sierra 2500 4WD Pick-ups
- 2003 Hummer H2 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-door 4WD and GMC Yukon 4-door 4WD SUVs
- 2014 Toyota 4Runner 4-door 4WD SUV
- 2005 Buick Rainier/Chevrolet Trailblazer/GMC Envoy 4-door 2WD SUVs
Auto Theft in Canada Is Costly
According to IBC, automobile theft costs Canadians almost a billion dollars year of which more than half ($542 million) is in insurance claims to fix or replace stolen vehicles. The rest is made up of the costs for police, health care, the courts and correctional services. It is for this reason, that the insurance industry as well as police regularly team up to remind drivers on how they can minimize the likelihood of their car being stolen.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police’s (OACP) Lock it OR Lose it campaign, for example, encourages drivers to lock their vehicles and to keep their valuables out of sight. To see if motorists are following these precautions, police officers, auxiliary officers, and crime prevention personnel inspect parked cars. Discreet notices are left for drivers who don’t follow the recommended precautions (making them a target for theft) as well as a congratulatory note for those who do.
In association with the campaign, Steve Kee, Director of Media and Digital Communications for IBC, said the insurance industry supports the initiative. "The insurance industry is proud to work with the OACP to support the Lock It OR Lose It campaign."
It’s a much-needed reminder to drivers as car theft in Ontario has risen. "Between 2015 and 2016, we saw an overall increase of 1% in auto theft across Ontario,” Kee said. “Let's not make it easy for the thieves. Leaving your vehicle unlocked or valuables in sight is an open invitation to thieves. We must be vigilant in fighting this crime."
Tips to Protect Your Vehicle from Being Stolen
Kim Donaldson, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC says it doesn’t take long for car thieves to steal a vehicle. "It takes less than a minute for a car thief to steal your vehicle,” Donaldson said. “If you've gone to the trouble of buying a car that has a theft deterrent system, don't make it easy for thieves by leaving the keys in the car."
Follow these tips to avoid your call from being stolen:
- Always lock your car doors and roll up your windows, even if it’s a quick stop at the convenience store.
- Never leave your vehicle running when unattended, even if you quickly run back to your house to grab something.
- Park your car in well-lit areas as it makes easier for thieves to be spotted.
- Park your car in your garage and lock both your car and garage door. A locked garage door is an added deterrent so make sure to lock both.
- Keep your valuables and personal information hidden, in your trunk or take it with you as not all thieves steal cars but instead loot for valuables.
Watch and Check Your Insurance Rate Too
Remember to check-in regularly to make sure you’re paying the best rate for your car insurance, especially Ontarians, as insurance rates are increasing. See if you could be saving more on your auto insurance today with Rates.ca.
