34 vehicles are stolen every day in Quebec: CAA-Quebec’s tips on how to protect yourself

Press release
Published on July 22, 2019

Good news! The crime rate is still very, very low in Quebec, according to data published Monday by Statistics Canada. The bad new is that crime still happens. So you need to know how to protect yourself—by taking everyday precautions and by taking advantage of our insurance coverage.

“Insurers look closely at crime statistics,” says Suzanne Michaud, Vice President, Insurance at CAA-Quebec. “If your neck of the woods is quiet and safe, that’s great, because it means you should pay less for your insurance. Of course, if you live in more of a hotspot, insurance will cost you more.”

Statistics Canada crime data for Quebec in 2018:

  • 4% decrease in vehicle thefts (but that means more than 34 vehicles are still stolen every day)
    • Montreal: -8%
    • Quebec City: +5%
    • Gatineau: +28%
    • Sherbrooke: -19%
    • Trois-Rivières: +10%
  • 15% increase in thefts of over $5,000
  • 5% decrease in property crimes
  • 15% decrease in break-ins
  • 2% decrease in crime rate

How to prevent car theft and what to do if your car is stolen

Although it’s impossible to prevent all crimes, there are definitely ways to stack the deck in your favour! Here are a few easy tips on preventing car theft:

  • Avoid parking in remote or poorly lit areas.
  • Apply the emergency brake to make it harder for thieves to tow your vehicle.
  • Store valuables in the trunk, ideally before you hit the road.
  • Be sure to lock your vehicle’s doors before you walk away.
  • Have important vehicle components marked with antitheft etching.
  • Get an effective anti-theft device, such as a tracking system or engine immobilizer.

What do you do if your vehicle is stolen? The first thing to do is call the police. You’ll then need to contact your insurer. What’s covered if your vehicle is stolen? “Obviously your auto insurance covers the vehicle itself,” says Michaud. “But any items stolen from inside the car that you also use outside your car (e.g., sunglasses, phone, etc.) are actually covered by your home insurance. So you’ll need to make two claims and pay two deductibles unless both your policies are with the same company. In such a case, many insurers will only charge one deductible (whichever is higher), which can make things a lot easier.”

Protect your home too

Having high-value objects etched, installing an alarm system (and the stickers that come with it), and setting up outdoor lighting are basic measures to discourage would-be burglars. However, any time you leave your home for a long period of time, you need to take extra precautions to avoid attracting thieves’ attention. The idea is not to give them any clues that you’re away:

  • Find someone to pick up the mail and take care of the lawn and flower beds or clear snow off the driveway.
  • Ask a friend or neighbour to park their car in the driveway from time to time.
  • Don’t announce your trip on social media.
  • Lock (all) doors and windows.
  • Use a light timer to make it look like someone is home.

For a more exhaustive list, read this home security checklist for extended absences. Remember to let your insurer know if you’ll be away for an extended period.

About CAA-Québec

Being there when it counts! That’s what drives CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization that assists its 1.3 million members by providing mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products, and services. With a commitment to complete transparency, CAA-Quebec offers advice and a full range of tailored general and personal insurance products for all to deliver peace of mind—as it has done since 1904.