Vehicle Theft Is on the Rise – Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Safe

As technology progresses, vehicles continue incorporating more advanced features to stand out. However, with supply chain issues still impacting manufacturing and online shopping, making items more accessible, thieves have had time to fine-tune their tools and increase their skills for vehicle theft.

With this evolution, thieves have shifted to utilizing electronic theft and targeting residential neighbourhoods for privately owned automobiles. Often exporting these vehicles or reselling them with false vehicle identification numbers makes them tough to track and tougher to recover.

Vehicle theft claims have increased by 40% over the past five years. Here are some tips for leaving your automobile less exposed.

Vehicle Electronic System Tactic:

One of the most common theft tactics is by accessing the vehicle’s electronic system through the onboard diagnostic port (ODP). Once the thief is in the vehicle, they simply plug into the ODP and can reprogram a new Key Fob and be on their way with your vehicle within minutes!

How to Safeguard:

LOCKS! Not only is it good practice to lock your vehicle as a matter of deterrence, but ODP locks, steering wheel locks, and even pedal locks are available for vehicle owners. Many individuals purchase ODP dummies as an additional road black in the thief’s success.

Key Fob Tactic:

Similarly to electronic theft through the ODP is the wireless transmission of your Key Fobs radio frequency identification (RFID). A thief simply needs to be near your Key Fob to initialize the RFID transmitter or relay device, which will extend your Key Fobs frequency and unlock or even possibly start the vehicle’s engine from further distances.

How to Safeguard:

There are a variety of methods to protect against this maneuver. The most direct approach is to store your keys at the back of your home rather than by the front door, making it difficult to reach the frequency. Additionally, some Key Fobs have either sleep or power saving modes which, if activated, will stop the frequencies from being sent until turned off manually. The most full-proof method would be to purchase signal isolation bags or boxes, allowing you to confidently store your Key Fob wherever in your home or on your person without concern for these RFID transmitters being able to hack in.

Easy Target Tactic:

Theft of convenience. Clearly stated, the more accessible your vehicle, the more at risk it is. Thieves won’t take heightened risks and move on to a car with fewer obstacles.

How to Safeguard:

A multi-layered defense is your best defense – the more complex your vehicle can access using compound deterrence techniques, the better it is protected. Not leaving personal articles or money visible, locking your vehicle, or storing it in your home’s garage are all simple solutions you can practice right now! Investing in measures such as property motion detector lights & security cameras can further make your vehicle less attractive to target. Additionally, if your vehicle did not come with a car alarm, it is worth considering purchasing one to startle potential thieves away. It is also highly recommended you install a tracking device, as though it is not a preventative method, it will make recovery easier.

Many of these preventative measures are acknowledged by insurers through additional discounts, which reduce your rates and save you money. It’s a win-win!

Written by: Laura Ferri

*The content on this page is for information purposes only, provided as a courtesy to our Lawrie Insurance Group customers. The insights and insurance products described herein are subject to terms, conditions, restrictions, and exclusions, and should not be taken as a replacement for current information provided by governing authorities. Please contact your Personal Broker for any questions specific to your policy and needs.

Get the auto insurance coverage you need

Browse More blog posts