We know that theft has a significant impact on the cost of car insurance. We present to you 8 technologies to protect yourself from thieves.
• Also read: Here are the 10 most stolen cars in Quebec
In 2023, 10,330 vehicles were stolen in Quebec, according to the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA). A vehicle is stolen every five minutes in the country, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
The average cost of claims for an entire flight was $33,603. The average premium for motor insurance cover for a passenger car was $897 last year, according to the GAA. That’s a lot of money.
How to reduce this bill? By adopting certain technologies that make it possible to obtain (or not) discounts granted by insurers or to repel thieves. Some are affordable, others less so. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the expense.
1–Faraday boxes and cases
Several car models work with smart keys, which use RFID technology (radio frequency identification). However, some thieves intercept their waves to open and start the vehicle. A Faraday box or case blocks these waves (but not a metal cookie tin).
The boxes, of different sizes and finishes, also help protect your wallet and credit cards. They sell for around $25 (cases around $10). No insurance discounts.
2–Immobilization system
Immobilizer systems with RFID remote control sell for around $30. They arm automatically when the vehicle is turned off by disengaging the control circuits, particularly the engine. No insurance discounts.
3–Alarm systems
Once very popular, they no longer impress thieves because the public is desensitized to repeated false alarms. Several, integrated into many car models, work with sensors, glass break detectors, GPS tracker, remote activation systems and notification on the phone. They sell for around $400 (under $600 with remote starter), installation included. Some insurers offer discounts, depending on the car model and technology.
4–Tracking technologies
Some people hide an Apple AirTag or a Samsung Galaxy SmartTag in their car. This Bluetooth gadget communicates with nearby Apple or Samsung devices, without revealing their identifiers, allowing location by triangulation, which transmit it to your account on the cloud. You can locate your car with your phone. Occasionally intermittent operation. No insurance discounts.
5–Physical blockers
A very popular solution is to install physical blockers on the steering wheel (bar), to prevent the use of the brake pedal (lock) or access to the diagnostic box (OBD port lock).
These systems only delay thieves (who use battery-powered saws), require a physical key and are cumbersome. Steering wheel locks sell for between $50 and $300 (some models have an alarm system). Brake pedal locks retail between $65 and $110; $30 for OBD port locks. No insurance discounts.
6- Marking/burning
Anti-theft marking systems (like Sherlock) allow you to engrave a number on around sixty important components and parts of the vehicle. This technology is becoming less and less popular as the majority of stolen vehicles are dismantled or exported. Sells between $300 and $500 depending on the car model. Insurance discount between $50 and $100.
7–Cellular tracking systems
GPS type tracking systems (GM Onstar, LoJack or Tag) are recommended by the vast majority of insurers (even mandatory for models popular with thieves). They allow location by cellular systems or GPS. Some thieves manage to block wireless connections, and the GPS is often inoperable in the garage. The most popular, Tag (which is not connected to the car’s wiring), sells for around $350 and carries a discount of $100 (or 10% of the premium), depending on the insurer. Some require a monthly subscription between $15 and $50. Others sell for between $400 and $500, but include a five-year subscription.
8–Passive systems
Many vehicles have passive alarm or door lock systems, such as Tesla, BMW, Mazda and Honda Civic. As soon as the smart key moves away from the vehicle, the doors lock. Some allow you to immobilize the vehicle remotely or locate it using the phone application.
Many insurers provide automatic discounts for electric vehicles, of which safety is a major component. These vehicles include on-board systems, often free, for locking, surveillance, recording of misdeeds by cameras, immobilization and location.
