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An Associated Press report released on March 21, 2007 brought up some interested issues about the increasing number of U.S. autos being stolen in Canada, especially in Montreal where a large number of New Englanders drive over for fun in the big city. Apparently the Canadian officials believe the increase theft of U.S. cars may be due to the recent insurance standards Canada has established about Auto Anti-Theft devices.
The Canadian Auto Theft Deterrent Standard was created following extensive research all over the world. The research indicated the most effective anti-theft deterrent system for automobiles are electronic immobilizers. With the assistance of the Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada, the Insurance Bureau of Canada a new Auto Theft Deterrent standard was developed. The Canadian Auto Theft Deterrent standard is considered to be one of the best worldwide
Recent Studies by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) have documented dramatic reductions in vehicle theft when an approved and tested vehicle immobilizer is installed. Many Canadian Insurance companies offer great discounts for personal auto insurance policyholders who have these devices installed.
Because of this fact, it appears U.S. citizens driving cars over the boarder for a visit are becoming huge targets for auto theft. The criminal car theft rings have learned it’s a lot easier to steel and U.S. car rather then risk taking a Canadian car that may be equipped with an electronic immobilizer.
In the United States as of November, 2005, The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported the top ten list of most stolen vehicles in the U.S. for 2004 were:
- 1. 1995 Honda Civic
- 2. 1998 Toyota Camry
- 3. 1991 Honda Accord
- 4. 1994 Dodge Caravan
- 5. 1994 Chevrolet C/K Pickup
- 6. 1997 Ford F-150
- 7. 2003 Dodge Ram
- 8. 1990 Acura Integra
- 9. 1988 Toyota pickup
- 10. 1991 Nissan Sentra.
In 2005 the highest Vehicle thefts ranked by the rate of theft reports per 100,000 people based on the 2000 Census were:
- 1 Modesto, CA
- 2 Las Vegas/Paradise, NV
- 3 Stockton, CA
- 4 Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, AZ
- 5 Visalia/Porterville, CA
- 6 Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue, WA
- 7 Sacramento/Arden-Arcade/Roseville, CA
- 8 San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, CA
- 9 Fresno, CA
- 10 Yakima, WA
Auto theft is covered under the Comprehensive portion of an Auto Insurance policy and is an optional coverage. Most policies have a deductible an insured would pay before the insurance company pays for the theft of a car. Most insurance policies with Comprehensive coverage will pay the Actual Cash Value less the customer’s deductible if a car is stolen.
If you own one of the “most stolen” cars or live in an area where car theft is higher your insurance premiums may be higher then someone who owns a less stolen car or lives in an area where fewer cars are stolen.
U.S. Citizens visiting Canada should talk with their insurance agent or company and be sure they have the correct type of insurance, and will be covered if they drive over the boarder. Most insurance companies both in the U.S. and Canada offer discounts for a variety of Anti-Theft Deterrents.
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