Vehicle theft is still a major problem costing Canadians close to $1 billion dollars each year. This number includes $542 million for insurance companies to fix or replace stolen vehicles, $250 million in police, health care and court systems and millions more for correctional services.
How often your make and model of vehicle are stolen is one of the factors that insurance companies use to determine how much you have to pay for insurance.
So why do criminals target certain vehicles? They usually steal them for four reasons:
• To sell the vehicles out of country. Stolen vehicles are often immediately packed and shipped abroad to be sold for many times their original market value.
• To get somewhere or have fun, often referred to as joyriding.
• To sell to unsuspecting customers. Stolen vehicles are given a false VIN and then sold to unsuspecting consumers or taken apart and sold for parts.
• To commit another crime. Stolen vehicles are also often used to commit other crimes such as robbery or theft. These are usually found abandoned and damaged within 48 hours of their theft.
Top 10 Stolen Vehicles – Ontario 2017:
1. 2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
2. 2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
3. 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
4. 2003 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500 2WD PU
5. 2005 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
6. 2006 CHEVROLET/GMC SILVERADO/SIERRA 2500 4WD PU
7. 2003 HUMMER H2 4DR AWD SUV
8. 2002 CHEVROLET/GMC TAHOE/YUKON 4DR 4WD SUV
9. 2014 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD SUV
10. 2005 BUICK/CHEV/GMC RAINIER/TRAILBLAZER/ENVOY 4DR 2WD SUV
Tips to Deter Theft:
• Park in well-lit areas
• If possible, park in your garage at night
• Lock your vehicle and roll up the windows whenever it is parked
• Never leave your car unattended and running, even for just a minute
If your vehicle is on the most stolen list, it is likely you are paying more for insurance. To make sure you are getting the best possible price for your insuranc please contact Absolute Insurance Brokers today at 1-877-941-2266 or contact@absoluteinsurance.ca.
