{"id":8712,"date":"2025-03-06T05:01:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T05:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youset.ca\/?p=8712"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:12:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T12:12:14","slug":"car-theft-prevention-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Theft Prevention: Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts (+Checklist)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between 2018 and 2023, the cost of insurance claims for car theft <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibc.ca\/news-insights\/news\/new-data-shows-severity-of-canada-s-worsening-auto-theft-crisis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increased by 254%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It became such a pervasive and costly problem for car owners and car insurers alike, with losses amounting to over $1.5 billion, that the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibc.ca\/stay-protected\/theft-prevention\/end-auto-theft\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance Bureau of Canada<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">labelled it a \u201cnational crisis.\u201d&nbsp;<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the beginning of 2024, these types of claims saw a slight decline, thanks to the combined efforts of law enforcement, insurers, governments, and drivers. However, the Insurance Bureau cautions that we\u2019re not out of the woods yet. Despite a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibc.ca\/news-insights\/news\/new-data-shows-auto-theft-continues-to-soar-above-historical-levels\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19% decline in the first six months of 2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the number of car theft claims filed are still far above historical trends.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<section id=\"post-callout-block_4642e467411f9cc3bae337a2a9cc7952\" class=\"post-block py-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"px-6 py-8 border-l-8 border-indigo-500 rounded-l-lg md:py-11 md:px-12 bg-grayBluish-50\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"mb-6 text-grayBluish-900 h3\">Key takeaways<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"prose body-2 text-grayBluish-900\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While some factors are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of car theft. Consider investing in anti-theft devices, parking in secure areas, and adding comprehensive coverage to your car insurance. It\u2019s also wise not to leave valuables in plain sight, ignore your vehicle\u2019s safety features, or choose a model that\u2019s frequently targeted by thieves.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-car-theft-prevention-tips-do-s-and-don-ts\">Car theft prevention tips: Do\u2019s and don\u2019ts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what can you do to protect your car from theft? Quite a bit, actually. While some factors are beyond your control, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your chances of having your car stolen. In fact, here are some helpful do\u2019s and don\u2019ts to follow.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-make-it-easy-for-thieves\">Don\u2019t make it easy for thieves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Car thieves are often opportunistic, meaning if they spot an easy target, such as a car with the doors unlocked, windows rolled down, or keys in the ignition, they may be more likely to seize the opportunity to strike. Don\u2019t give them that opportunity! In fact, it can be surprisingly easy to make your car harder to steal.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lock your doors, whether you\u2019re inside or outside the vehicle&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close your windows<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never leave your car running unattended<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take your keys with you when you exit the vehicle&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-invest-in-anti-theft-devices-and-put-them-on-display\">Invest in anti-theft devices and put them on display<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visible deterrents are highly effective, which is why they are often recommended by police officers. Thankfully, there is a wide range of anti-theft devices available in Canada at various price points, making them accessible to almost every driver. While it comes at an extra cost, many insurance companies and brokers, including YouSet, offer discounts on car insurance to drivers who install these kinds of devices, such as:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Steering wheel lock:<\/strong> A physical device that locks the steering wheel in place, making it difficult for thieves to steer the car.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Brake lock:<\/strong> A device that locks the brake pedal, preventing the car from being driven even if it&#8217;s hotwired.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Gear shift lock:<\/strong> A device that physically locks the gear shift in place, preventing the car from being shifted into gear and driven.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>OBD lock:<\/strong> A lock that covers the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port, preventing the thieves from being able to bypass security features or reprogram the key.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Kill switch: <\/strong> An electronic device that disables the car&#8217;s ignition system, preventing the engine from starting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-leave-valuables-in-plain-sight\">Don\u2019t leave valuables in plain sight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaving valuables like a purse, wallet, or laptop in plain sight is like rolling out the welcome mat for car thieves. Again, don\u2019t make it that easy! Always take these kinds of items with you. If that\u2019s not possible, at least make sure to hide them where they can\u2019t be seen &#8211; like in your trunk or tucked out of view under your seat.<\/span>\n\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-keep-your-keys-safe\">Keep your keys safe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rise of keyless cars has become somewhat of a controversial issue. In fact, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thestar.com\/news\/canada\/more-than-half-of-canadians-think-their-keyless-entry-fobs-are-fuelling-the-auto-theft\/article_bda61e82-d4e5-11ee-905c-8fc1d4359996.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">56% of Canadians believe that keyless entry<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and ignition systems have increased the risk of auto theft. While this is just one way thieves can steal your car, it\u2019s one worth addressing to reduce your risk.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Store your keys away from entry points like the front door or garage<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invest in a protective bag or case that blocks electromagnetic fields<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t leave your spare key in your car<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your car&#8217;s instruction manual to see if you can turn off your key fob when it\u2019s not in use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-ignore-your-car-s-security-features\">Don&#8217;t ignore your car\u2019s security features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/marketplace\/car-theft-security-features-canada-uk-1.7361826\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">car manufacturers still have room for improvement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, many vehicles today come equipped with advanced security features, including tilt sensors, intrusion sensors, and double locks. Since you&#8217;ve already invested in these features when purchasing your car, make sure they\u2019re activated and working properly to enhance your vehicle&#8217;s protection.<\/span>\n\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-park-strategically\">Park strategically<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parked cars are vulnerable, which is why it\u2019s so important to think about where you leave your vehicle. The more obstacles you create for thieves, the less likely they are to attempt a theft. Take advantage of all available tools and strategies to make your car less inviting to criminals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in well-lit areas, especially at night<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in view of any security cameras, if possible&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in high-traffic areas where your vehicle and any unusual activity will be more likely to be noticed<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in a secure and enclosed garage, if possible<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-ignore-signs-that-your-car-is-being-targeted\">Don\u2019t ignore signs that your car is being targeted<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to protect your car from theft, especially if you live or park in a high-risk area, you need to stay alert and observant. There may be subtle signs that your car is being targeted, and you won\u2019t notice them if you\u2019re not paying attention. So, always keep an eye on your surroundings, be proactive in spotting potential threats, and notify local police if you have reason for concern.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check for any signs of forced entry when entering your vehicle<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for unusual marks, stickers, or items left on your car<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notice if unfamiliar vehicles repeatedly appear around your car, especially if they seem to be circling or parked nearby for extended periods<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch for suspicious behaviour around your parking area, like someone watching you park or hanging around your car after you&#8217;ve left<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-improve-the-security-of-your-garage-driveway\">Improve the security of your garage\/driveway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the safest places to park your car is in a secured garage that locks. However, if that\u2019s not an option and you need to park in your driveway, there are steps you can take to make it less accessible and more difficult to steal your vehicle. In fact, here are some ways to enhance your home\u2019s security:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install motion-activated lights<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install a security camera\/system<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install fencing and\/or a gate to limit access<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use landscaping strategically to make it harder to approach your vehicle, but avoid creating hiding spots<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nationalpost.com\/news\/canada\/people-are-installing-bollards-in-their-driveways-to-protect-their-cars-from-thieves-in-toronto\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install physical barriers (ex. bollards)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in high-risk situations or locations&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-announce-you-re-away-from-home-on-social-media\">Don&#8217;t announce you&#8217;re away from home on social media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the safety of your home and your car, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/social-media\/is-social-media-putting-your-home-at-risk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">avoid publicly announcing when you\u2019ll be away<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and for how long. Whether it\u2019s a weekend getaway or a month-long vacation, when you tell your friends and followers this kind of information, you risk it falling into the wrong hands. Instead, wait until you return to share photos and limit travel details to trusted friends and family on a need-to-know basis.<\/span>\n\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-make-your-car-trackable\">Make your car trackable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if your car does get stolen, there\u2019s a chance it can be found and returned to you. In fact, according to the Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform, up to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/globalnews.ca\/news\/10861646\/ontario-auto-theft-minister-interview\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50% of stolen cars are found<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and returned by police.&nbsp;<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to improve your chances of this possible outcome, it helps to make your car trackable. While Apple AirTags are a popular option, they have limitations. For instance, iPhone users may get an \u201cAirTag Found Moving With You\u201d message on their phone, which can tip off a thief. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid this, consider investing in a dedicated vehicle tracking system specifically designed for theft recovery. These systems offer real-time location tracking data, which can be sent directly to authorities without the risk of detection.<\/span> &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<section id=\"post-cta-block_29888957c98d90efab036974cb36b2a7\" class=\"post-block pt-8 pb-8 lg:pb-20\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lg:flex justify-between items-center gap-x-6 rounded-lg bg-indigo-600 px-8 py-7 shadow-[0_2px_10px_0_theme(colors.surface.background.disabled)]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"text-white lg:mb-0\">Get the best price on car insurance year-after-year<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.app.youset.ca\/start?lng=en&#038;externalId=blog\" class=\"the-button the-button--white !text-text-primary\">Get a quote<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-leave-personal-documents-in-your-car\">Don\u2019t leave personal documents in your car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your personal information can be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rcmp.ca\/en\/bc\/safety-tips\/theft-and-vandalism\/prevent-theft-and-vehicles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">just as tempting to thieves<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a purse or laptop &#8211; if not more. Items like passports, driver\u2019s licenses, social insurance cards, or credit card statements can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/identity-theft-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lead to identity theft<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or even make it easier for thieves to target your home. Even something as simple as a piece of mail left address-side-up can provide criminals with the information they need to steal your car or commit fraud in your name.<\/span>\n\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-buy-car-insurance-with-comprehensive-coverage\">Buy car insurance with comprehensive coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2024, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ratehub.ca\/insurance\/car\/auto-insurance-survey\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">33% of Canadians<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> surveyed admitted they didn\u2019t know if their car insurance covered theft. To be protected against car theft or damage from an attempted theft (ex. broken windows or forced locks), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/comprehensive-car-insurance-in-canada\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you need comprehensive coverage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you&#8217;re unsure whether you have it, take this as a sign to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/what-does-car-insurance-cover\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">check your policy and understand what\u2019s covered<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While this tip might not help you prevent theft, it can help prevent a serious financial setback in the event your car, despite your best efforts, does get stolen.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-buy-a-highly-sought-after-car\">Don\u2019t buy a highly sought-after car<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the current state of car theft and the fact that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/torontosun.com\/news\/local-news\/drivers-of-10-of-the-most-commonly-stolen-vehicles-paying-37-more-than-average-in-insurance-costs-study\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">owners of the 10 most commonly stolen vehicles pay a lot more for insurance<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (roughly 37% above average), it\u2019s wise to choose your car carefully. If possible, avoid buying a vehicle that is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.equiteassociation.com\/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">known to be targeted by car thieves<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as the Toyota Highlander or Dodge RAM 1500 series.<\/span> &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-upgrade-to-replacement-cash-value\">Upgrade to replacement cash value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Canada, a lot of car insurance policies offer coverage for the actual cash value of your car, which means you\u2019ll be reimbursed based on your car&#8217;s depreciated value at the time it\u2019s stolen. Unfortunately, if you\u2019re a driver with a large outstanding car loan, this might leave you responsible for the remaining balance <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and<\/span><\/i> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the cost of a replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on your financial situation and how concerned you are with your car being stolen, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/what-is-replacement-cost-value-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">upgrading to replacement cost value<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">could alleviate this by ensuring your payout isn\u2019t reduced by depreciation.<\/span> &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-protect-your-car-from-theft-checklist\">How to protect your car from theft checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to take protecting your car from theft seriously, especially if you live in a hot spot like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibc.ca\/news-insights\/news\/insurance-bureau-of-canada-reveals-ontario-s-top-10-costliest-cities-for-auto-theft-claims\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greater Toronto Area (GTA)<\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canadianunderwriter.ca\/brokers\/which-atlantic-canada-cities-are-becoming-car-theft-hot-spots-1004247098\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Atlantic Canada<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. To help you do so, here is a practical car theft prevention checklist you can apply going forward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Practice safe habits<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lock your doors, whether you\u2019re inside or outside the vehicle&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close your windows<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never leave your car running unattended<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take your keys with you when you exit the vehicle&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remove or hide valuables\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Install security features<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/anti-theft-devices-for-cars\/\">Install anti-theft devices<\/a> and inform your insurance provider (it may earn you a discount!)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Capitalize on your car\u2019s built-in security features&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install a tracking device<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Protect your keys<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Store your keys away from entry points like the front door or garage<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invest in a protective bag or case that blocks electromagnetic fields<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t leave your spare key in your car<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your car&#8217;s instruction manual to see if you can turn off your key fob when it\u2019s not in use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Park strategically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in well-lit areas, especially at night<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in view of any security cameras, if possible&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in high-traffic areas where your vehicle and any unusual activity will be more likely to be noticed<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Park in a secure and enclosed garage, if possible<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch for warning signs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check for any signs of forced entry when entering your vehicle<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look for unusual marks, stickers, or items left on your car<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Notice if unfamiliar vehicles repeatedly appear around your car, especially if they seem to be circling or parked nearby for extended periods<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch for suspicious behaviour around your parking area, like someone watching you park or hanging around your car after you&#8217;ve left<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Improve home security<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install motion-activated lights<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install a security camera\/system<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install fencing and\/or a gate to limit access<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use landscaping strategically to make it harder to approach your vehicle, but avoid creating hiding spots<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Install physical barriers (ex. bollards), in high-risk situations or locations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-make-smart-buying-decisions\"><strong>Make smart buying decisions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.app.youset.ca\/start?lng=en&amp;externalId=blog\">Get comprehensive coverage<\/a> added to your car insurance policy<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upgrade to replacement cash value<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid buying a car that is commonly targeted by thieves<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Between 2018 and 2023, the cost of insurance claims for car theft increased by 254%. It became such a pervasive and costly problem for car owners and car insurers alike, with losses amounting to over $1.5 billion, that the Insurance Bureau of Canada labelled it a \u201cnational crisis.\u201d&nbsp; At the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":8713,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[459],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-insurance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Car Theft Prevention: Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts (+Checklist) - YouSet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Follow these do&#039;s and don&#039;ts, along with a practical car theft prevention checklist, to help protect your car from theft.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Car Theft Prevention: Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts (+Checklist)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"%\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/youset.ca\/en\/blog\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/yousetinsurance\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-03-06T05:01:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-16T12:12:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/youset.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Car-Theft-Prevention-Dos-and-Donts-YouSet.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Emily May\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Emily May\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Emily May\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0686aae361019707f752e540bb05fb40\"},\"headline\":\"Car Theft Prevention: Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts (+Checklist)\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-03-06T05:01:45+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-16T12:12:14+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1984,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Car-Theft-Prevention-Dos-and-Donts-YouSet.webp\",\"articleSection\":[\"Car insurance\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/youset.ca\\\/en\\\/blog\\\/car-theft-prevention-checklist\\\/\",\"name\":\"Car Theft Prevention: Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts (+Checklist) - 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