Canadian Underwriter
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Ontario drivers concerned about auto theft, but are not taking precautions


July 5, 2012   by Canadian Underwriter


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More than 60% of Ontario car owners surveyed by Angus Reid incorrectly believe they are fully covered by insurance if their vehicles are stolen.

LoJack Canada, which distributes vehicle recovery and tracking systems, commissioned the online survey, which was conducted in May 2012. A total of 808 car drivers from Ontario and Quebec participated in the survey.

Sixty-four per cent of Ontario respondents believed their insurance company covers them entirely in the event of vehicle theft.

“Unfortunately, this is not the case, as theft can cost the victim an average of $2,500 in out-of-pocket expenses alone, even if they have vehicle replacement insurance,” LoJack Canada notes in a press release announcing the survey results. “Moreover, the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that vehicle theft costs Canadians $1 billion annually in insurance and law enforcement costs, thereby increasing each policyholder’s insurance premium as well.”

The study shows a wide discrepancy between people’s stated concerns about auto theft and the actions they take to prevent it.

Nearly 60% of Ontarians surveyed said they have considered the potential of vehicle theft as part of their personal car or truck purchases.

And yet, even though 81% confirmed they were are aware of the existence of security devices and systems for tracking and recovering stolen vehicles, only 10% of surveyed Ontario vehicle owners actually use tracking systems.

Eighty-six per cent of stolen vehicles in Ontario were not equipped with an anti-theft or vehicle tracking system, the study indicates.

Setting aside the issue of tracking systems, a significant minority of Ontario drivers admitted they did not even take basic precautions. The survey found 44% of Ontarians admitted to parking their car and leaving it unlocked. Twenty-four per cent of Ontarians reported leaving the car unattended with the keys in the ignition and the engine running.


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