The likelihood of your car being stolen by thieves plays a factor in how much you pay for your car insurance. The more likely a thief is to target the type of car you drive, the more it will likely cost you to insure.
Each year, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) announces the 10 vehicles most commonly stolen by thieves in Canada, based on actual insurance claims data. While many people think newer, flashier cars are more likely to be stolen, claims data suggests otherwise.
• Related Read: 10 Car Insurance Myths Debunked
Many of today’s vehicles come with car security systems, but even with a security system drivers should still take precautions. In fact, police in midtown Toronto recently reported that since the beginning of the year they’ve seen an increase in thefts of SUVs right out of people’s driveways. The vehicles targeted are Toyota and Lexus SUVs and the police suspect the thieves have access to electronic devices that can compromise these vehicle’s security system.
The IBC says that that all it takes is 30 seconds for a professional thief to steal your car, and that a vehicle is stolen every three minutes in Canada.
“Don’t make it easy for thieves. Approximately 20 per cent of all stolen vehicles have keys in them,” said Rick Dubin, Vice-President, Investigative Services, IBC.
In addition to not leaving your keys in the car, the IBC offers up the following additional tips to avoid being a victim of car theft:
Lastly, the Toronto Police Service suggests that when parking, turn your wheels to the side and use your emergency brake. This makes it more difficult for thieves who steal cars by towing them away.