One of the great things about being insurance brokers is the number of options we are able to provide people. We are familiar with dozens of different policies from numerous reputable providers, and enjoy being able to provide our clients with the exact kind of coverage they want. Car insurance policies come in more forms than you might be aware of, and for those who are looking to reduce their premiums there many ways to do so. You can increase your deductible, waive glass coverage with a 13D endorsement, and even choose a policy that does not cover for theft.
Your coverage is your choice and we would never try to talk you into purchasing a policy that does not suit your needs. If you feel your car is consistently kept in a safe place and it is not one of the more commonly stolen types of vehicles in Calgary, therefore the chances of theft are likely low, then perhaps you might consider a car insurance policy that does not include coverage for theft.
We do warn, however, that Statistics Canada’s 2017 census found that out of 2.2 million reported crimes for the year, slightly more than 85,000 were for the theft of a motor vehicle. That number was an increase of more than 5,000 from the year before (2016), and more than 6,000 from the year before that (2015). This means that even though anti-theft devices are standard in vehicles manufactured since 2007, car theft remains a serious problem in Canada.
Are You Covered for Theft?
Unfortunately, we have heard from people, who did not purchase their insurance through us, who assumed they were covered for theft when it turned out they were not. Many policy owners assume that their coverage will cover for all damages or losses outside of your control, however sometimes insurance companies stipulate for specific incidences under separate “named perils” coverages. Other policies that only provide the provincially mandated minimum coverage may also not cover for a stolen vehicle. Never assume anything when it comes to your car insurance coverage. Working with trained insurance brokers will help ensure there are no misunderstandings.
Insurance brokers work specifically on behalf of our customers. We are not employed by insurance companies. We are independent professionals who act as agents, connecting clients with the right insurance products to protect their homes, vehicles, businesses, property, and interests. The companies we choose to work with are the most reliable in the business, providing the very best policies with numerous available discounts that can be accessed by many.
How to Keep Your Vehicle Safe
Prevention is your best weapon against auto theft, and there are numerous strategies and products you can use to avoid the hassle and stress of having your car stolen. Be sure to follow safe procedures whenever you park or leave your car:
- Always lock your car.
- Never leave your keys in your car, or in the ignition.
- Park your car in well-lit areas whenever possible, and avoid desolate, dark or potentially dangerous places.
- Leave your car in your garage at night. If you don’t have a garage, make sure the area is well-lit and even covered by a video camera.
- Do not leave valuables in your car, especially in plain sight.
- Do not leave your car running, even if it is locked.
- Consider a dash cam as a deterrent.
What to Do if You Think Your Car Has Been Stolen
There’s no worse feeling than coming out to where you left your car only to find it has disappeared. Here’s what to do if you think your car has been stolen:
- First, make sure it actually has been stolen. Is it possible it was towed? Check the signs around and call the local impound lot to make sure it’s not there. Or, did you maybe park it somewhere else? Hit the alarm button on your key fob to see if you can hear it nearby.
- If your car has been stolen, the next step is to call the police. You will need to provide your vehicle’s VIN number, so make sure it is written down and stored in a safe place (at home and your phone is good). It’s also good to have pictures of your vehicle at the ready, so snap a few – including the license plate – and save those in your phone. You will need to write a report about where you were parked and at what time, so the sooner you call the police, the better, as those details will be fresh in your mind.
- Vehicle tracking services like OnStar can come in really handy when your vehicle has been stolen. If your car is equipped with OnStar or something similar, ask the police if you should notify the company and provide the contact information for the officer in charge of your case.
- Let your insurance company know. They need to know you are not in possession of your vehicle anymore. They will likely ask for a copy of the police report as well as additional information about the incident.
Theft of Belongings From a Vehicle
Many mistakenly believe that the contents of your vehicle are covered under their auto insurance policy, but they are actually covered by your home insurance. If your car is broken into, any loss of valuables will need to be claimed under your home or renters insurance policy.
Some tips for keeping your car from being broken into include:
- Park in well-lit areas. Avoid parking in remote places and unsupervised lots whenever possible.
- Always lock your vehicle after parking, even if you’re only going to be gone for a few minutes.
- Never leave valuables in sight when you park your car.
- Consider investing in an anti-theft device.
- Close your windows all the way, and make sure your sunroof is fully sealed too.
- Keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained. Thieves are more likely to assume that a cared-for vehicle has some kind of anti-theft system in place.
Talk to Us at Renewal Time
If you think your car insurance is not robust enough, call the trained insurance brokers at Lane’s at your renewal time (or even earlier). If you take no action after receiving your notice, your current policy will automatically be renewed. That means the terms and conditions, coverage limits, exceptions, qualified perils, and all other technicalities will remain identical. Contact us at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton or Alberta offices for a fast, free quote.
