Did you know that 75% of stolen vehicles are destined for export abroad? According to Freddy Marcantonio, Vice President of Business Development and Distribution at Tag (Tracking System), a new phenomenon is emerging: vehicles are stolen in Montreal, driven to Toronto and returned to the Port of Montreal in containers for export.

Vehicles equipped with a Tag system helped the police, the investigation division of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) dismantle a large network of exporters of stolen vehicle.

Quebec, champion of stolen cars

Auto theft and fraud costs insurers operating in the Quebec market millions of dollars each year. This is a big source of concern.

As the reigning champion for stolen cars, Quebec also arrives first in the number of frauds related to auto theft. Fraud occurs when an insured is found guilty of misrepresentation of a claim by the insurance company.

The insurance industry estimates that losses related to auto fraud are about 10% of the volume of claims, but according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the actual number is much higher.

What is covered by your auto insurance contract

A reminder of what your auto insurance policy covers: As a general rule, it covers your vehicle itself as well as the accessories attached to it or related to its use.

Items inside the vehicle that are not used to operate the vehicle are covered by your home insurance (CD, IPad, clothing, etc.)

What to do in case of theft

• A police report:  Contact the police as soon as possible. They will fill out a report and give you the number.
• Communication with the insurer:  Call your insurer or broker as soon as possible. Give them the police report number.
• Settlement agreement:  Your insurer will replace your automobile according to the payment terms selected in your insurance policy.
• Payment of the indemnity:  Depending on the agreement, the insurer could pay you the indemnity or pay the dealer directly.

Note that your insurer could also wait until the police investigation is completed before settling your claim. This delay is normal and is needed to find out if the vehicle will be found by the police. Some stolen vehicles are indeed abandoned shortly after the mischief and found.

If the vehicle is not found, the insurer will discuss with you the terms and conditions to replace or refund your car. These conditions are reflected in your contract.

List of the 10 most stolen vehicles in Quebec in 2018

2017 ACURA MDX 4DR 4WD
2015 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD
2017 HONDA CR-V 4DR AWD
2016 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4DR 4WD
2016 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4DR 4WD
2017 HONDA PILOT 4DR 4WD
2017 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4DR 4WD
2016 HONDA PILOT 4DR 4WD
2015 TOYOTA PRIUS V 5DR
2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V 5DR

Jackie Beaudoin, Leclerc Insurance and Financial Services
Source : Tag’s newsletter, infoassurance.com