Insurance basics

Putting the brakes on car theft

Car theft remains a growing concern in Canada and affects thousands of drivers every year. In this post, we’ll cover what you can do to protect your vehicle, and what to do if, unfortunately, it is stolen.

Understanding car theft in Canada and steps you can take to help prevent it

Just imagine - you’ve returned to a lot only to discover your vehicle isn’t where you parked it. Quickly, that sinking feeling sets in when you realize your car was stolen. But it’s not just a car. It’s an extension of yourself, part of your daily routine and independence. The sense of violation makes you angry and leaves you feeling vulnerable.

Car theft statistics

Did you know it takes less than 30 seconds for a thief to steal a car, especially new vehicle models with keyless entry and start-up? At the height of the car theft crisis, Équité Association reported that a car was stolen every five minutes in Canada. The growing numbers amounted to a staggering $1.5 billion in annual insurance claims.

Risk, reward, and other reasons for car theft

Car theft has evolved from opportunistic joyriding to organized crime, with theft rings exploiting the low risk and high reward of exporting in-demand vehicles overseas for resale or parts. At the same time, re-VINning has increased, allowing stolen vehicles to be relabeled and illegally sold within Canada.

Car theft insurance

Basic auto insurance includes third-party liability coverage and accident health benefits - but it doesn’t cover theft. That’s why adding optional coverage, such as Comprehensive Coverage, is important. It helps protect you if your vehicle is stolen. Call 1-877-253-8177 to speak with a Licensed PC® Insurance Advisor.

5 tips to help lock out thieves

Keep windows closed, doors locked, and never leave your car running unattended. Thieves look for easy targets.
Park in your garage if you have one. Garage parking adds an extra layer of protection by making your vehicle harder to access.
Park in busy well-lit areas. Thieves like to work in the shadows. Park where there’s good lighting and lots of foot traffic.
Use low-cost deterrents:
- Steering wheel locks offer a visible barrier to make thieves second guess the theft.
- On-board diagnostics (OBD) port locks can prevent thieves from reprogramming keys.
- Faraday pouches or metal boxes for storing keys in your home can prevent thieves from spoofing your car’s key fob.
Install anti-theft tracking and recovery devices approved by your insurance company. Devices from theft-recovery services like Tag or KYCS Locate can help track and locate a stolen vehicle anywhere in North America. These companies then work with the police to try to recover your vehicle. Some insurers also offer an anti-theft recovery device discount. Call PC® Insurance at 1-877-253-8177 to find out more.

Remember to review your current policy to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage for car theft.

What to do if your car is stolen

Check the area you parked your vehicle for parking restrictions or towing zone signs to ensure that it wasn’t towed.
If you’re sure it was stolen, call the police immediately. The sooner they know, the greater chance that they can recover it.
Provide them with your vehicle’s make, model, year, and colour, VIN number, and the location and approximate time of the theft.
Call your Licensed Insurance Advisor who can provide claims counselling.

All hands-on deck to prevent theft

This crisis demands a whole-of-society response. Governments, port authorities, insurers, and vehicle makers are working together and taking a more proactive approach to combat car theft. Their efforts are starting to pay off. According to an Équité Association report, “auto theft trends dropped by 19% across Canada in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024”.

Empowering You Against Theft

You aren’t powerless when it comes to car theft. While trends are improving, vigilance is still essential ̶ thieves are constantly adapting. Distraction theft is a new trend. Criminals try to get your attention by asking for directions, or selling you jewellery, or even spilling something on you while their partner robs from or steals your vehicle.

Always keep an eye on your car, but remember your personal safety must come first. Your vehicle and valuables can always be replaced. We hope these tips help you stay safe, and remember, we’re always here to help with a commitment to quick claims processing for theft and our expertise in guiding customers through this difficult process.

Speak to our Licensed Insurance Advisors to help you review your current policy and see if additional coverage may be right for you. Call PC® Insurance at 1-877-253-8177.

General information is provided for your reference and interest only. PC® Insurance accepts no responsibility for action taken as a result of reliance on any information on this page. The above content is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on matters of interest and is not a substitute for and should not be construed as the advice of an experienced professional. PC® Insurance does not guarantee the currency, accuracy, applicability, or completeness of this content.

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Important Information on Products, Discounts, and Services by PC Financial Insurance Agency Inc.

Not everyone who uses online platforms or calls in will be able to get a quote or buy an insurance policy. This page provides, for information purposes only, a summary of our different insurance products and discounts that may be available to you. If you purchase a product, the terms and conditions of your insurance coverage will be outlined in your insurance policy, which will prevail. Certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. Savings are not guaranteed and vary based on your profile, place of residence, and, where applicable, year, make and model of your vehicles. Rates, discounts, and eligibility rules are subject to change without notice. Please speak to a PC^® Insurance advisor to learn more.

*All purchases with the PC Financial^{^®} Mastercard^{^®} earn a minimum of 10 PC Optimum™ points per dollar and all purchases with the PC Money™ Account earn a minimum of 5 PC Optimum™ points per dollar. When you pay your PC^{^®} Insurance home or auto insurance premium with your PC Financial^{^®} card, earn double the regular PC Optimum™ points per dollar (20 points per dollar for PC Financial^{^®} Mastercard^{^®} and 10 points per dollar for PC Money™ Account). PC Optimum™ points are awarded exclusively by President’s Choice Services Inc. This is not an offer provided by any other entity. PC Money™ Account points offer is available only with Aviva General Insurance Company policies entered into after January 20, 2025. Minimum redemption is 10,000 PC Optimum™ points (worth $10 in free rewards) and in increments of 10,000 PC Optimum™ points thereafter, at participating stores. You can redeem the PC Optimum™ points you earn for eligible purchases, or for any other purposes of which we may advise you from time to time. Some redemption restrictions apply; visit pcoptimum.ca for details and full store list.

^†Details on Potential Savings

Save up to $890 on PC^® Home and Auto Insurance
PC Optimum™ members could have a combined savings of up to $890 on their homeowner’s and car insurance policies if they are eligible for the following discounts: Combined Policy Discounts by purchasing home and auto insurance together, Claims Free Discount for homeowners, Conviction Free Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. Customers may be eligible for other discounts on their car or home insurance such as the Electric Vehicle Discount, Hybrid Vehicle Discount, Winter Tire Discount, Mortgage Free Discount and Multi Product Discount. Savings are based on rates in force as of July 2025. Savings are calculated by determining the average base premium PC^® Insurance customers with one car insurance policy and one homeowner insurance policy would have paid if they were not eligible for the discounts. Discounts may not apply to all coverages and endorsements. PC Optimum™ members must be in good standing to be eligible for the Affinity Discount. Certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. Condominium and tenant insurance policies are excluded from this savings calculation. For detailed information about how savings could apply to you, including saving opportunities for condominium owners and tenants, speak with a PC^® Insurance advisor.

Save up to $1,000 on PC^® Home and Auto Insurance in Toronto
PC Optimum™ members in Toronto could have a combined savings of up to $1,000 on their homeowner’s and car insurance policies if they are eligible for the following discounts: Combined Policy Discounts by purchasing home and auto insurance together, Claims Free Discount for homeowners, Conviction Free Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. Customers may be eligible for other discounts on their car or home insurance such as the Electric Vehicle Discount, Hybrid Vehicle Discount, Winter Tire Discount, Mortgage Free Discount and Multi Product Discount. Savings are based on rates in force as of July 2025. Savings are calculated by determining the average base premium PC^® Insurance customers with one car insurance policy and one homeowner insurance policy would have paid if they were not eligible for the discounts. Discounts may not apply to all coverages and endorsements. PC Optimum™ members must be in good standing to be eligible for the Affinity Discount. Certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. Condominium and tenant insurance policies are excluded from this savings calculation. For detailed information about how savings could apply to you, including saving opportunities for condominium owners and tenants, speak with a PC^® Insurance advisor.

Save up to $150 on PC^® Homeowner’s Insurance in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
PC Optimum™ members could save up to $150 on their primary homeowner’s insurance policy if they are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount for homeowners and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. In British Columbia, savings for being claims-free have already been factored into the premium rating calculations for homeowner’s policies. Customers may be eligible for other discounts on their homeowner’s insurance such as the Mortgage Free Discount and Multi Product Discount. Savings are based on rates in force as of July 2025. Savings are calculated by determining the average base premium PC^® Insurance customers with a homeowner insurance policy would have paid if they were not eligible for the discounts. Discounts may not apply to all coverages and endorsements. PC Optimum™ members must be in good standing to be eligible for the Affinity Discount. Certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. Condominium and tenant insurance policies are excluded from this savings calculation. For detailed information about how savings could apply to you, including saving opportunities for condominium owners and tenants, speak with a PC^® Insurance advisor.

Save up to 35% on PC^® Home and Auto Insurance
PC Optimum™ members could save up to 35% on their homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if they are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount by purchasing home and auto insurance together, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. PC Optimum™ members may also save up to 35% on their car insurance policies if they are eligible for the following discounts: Conviction Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount by purchasing auto and home insurance together, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. Customers may be eligible for other discounts on their car or home insurance such as the Electric Vehicle Discount, Hybrid Vehicle Discount, Winter Tire Discount, Mortgage Free Discount and Multi Product Discount. Total available discounts are in comparison to the base premium PC^® Insurance customers would have paid if they were not eligible for the discounts. Discounts may not apply to all coverages and endorsements. PC Optimum™ members must be in good standing to be eligible for the Affinity Discount. Certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. For further information, see More Information Section below.

Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ Members
PC Optimum™ members in good standing could benefit from an Affinity Discount on their homeowner’s, condominium, and tenant insurance in all provinces and territories, except Quebec where PC^® Insurance is not available. Additionally, an Affinity Discount could apply on car insurance for PC Optimum™ members in the following provinces and territories: Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

Save up to 25% on PC^® Motorcycle Insurance
You could save up to 25% on your motorcycle insurance when combining the following discounts: Loyalty, Conviction Free, Motorcycle and Car, Motorcycle and Property, and Multi-Motorcycle. Discounts may not apply to all coverages and endorsements. Due to provincial legislation, PC^® Insurance motorcycle products are not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Savings are not guaranteed and vary based on your profile and place of residence. Rates, discounts, and eligibility rules are subject to change without notice. If you purchase a product, the terms and conditions of your insurance coverage will be outlined in your insurance policy, which will prevail. Certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply.

More Information Section

British Columbia
You can save up to 5% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. In British Columbia, savings for being claims-free have already been factored into the premium rating calculations for homeowner’s, condominium, and tenant insurance policies.

Alberta
You can save up to 30% on car insurance if you are eligible for the following discounts: Conviction Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. You could also save up to 20% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.

Saskatchewan
You can save up to 20% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the Claims Free Discount and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.

Manitoba
You can save up to 20% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the Claims Free Discount and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.

Ontario
You can save up to 30% on car insurance if you are eligible for the following discounts: Conviction Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. You could also save up to 25% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.

New Brunswick
You can save up to 35% on car insurance if you are eligible for the following discounts: Conviction Free Discount and Combined Policy Discount. You could also save up to 40% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.

Nova Scotia
You can save up to 40% on car insurance if you are eligible for the following discounts: Conviction Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. You could also save up to 40% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.

Prince Edward Island
You can save up to 35% on car insurance if you are eligible for the following discounts: Conviction Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. You could also save up to 40% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.

Newfoundland and Labrador
You can save up to 30% on car insurance if you are eligible for the following discounts: Conviction Free Discount and Combined Policy Discount. You could also save up to 35% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.

Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut
You can save up to 15% on car insurance if you are eligible for the Combined Policy Discount and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members. You could also save up to 35% on your homeowner’s, condominium, or tenant insurance policy if you are eligible for the following discounts: Claims Free Discount, Combined Policy Discount, and Affinity Discount for PC Optimum™ members.