Vehicle Tracking System: You May be Eligible for Free Installation

Auto theft is a growing problem in Canada, with more than a 300% increase over the past five years. As a result, insurance companies estimate $1 billion in losses to car thieves, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). To combat rising theft rates, insurance companies are looking for innovative solutions to reduce the number of stolen vehicles and improve the chances of recovering them. One solution is to install vehicle tracking systems in cars.

More Canadian insurance companies are encouraging clients to install anti-theft tracking devices and offering to cover the cost of installation. Canadians who own vehicles detailed on the high-risk for vehicle theft list may be subject to a premium increase if they elect not to have a tracking system installed. While some insurers will cover the cost of anti-theft systems, specifically the recommended Tag Tracking, you should speak with your broker before installation. Your insurance broker can determine if your insurance provider will cover the cost of installing the device, or if you need to pay out-of-pocket.

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that if you lease your vehicle, you should check your contract before installing the tracking device to ensure there are no restrictions.

The Tag Tracking System

Tag Tracking is a stolen vehicle recovery system offered by OTODATA WIRELESS NETWORK INC. The system is North America’s most effective stolen vehicle tracking and recovery system. The Tag system aims to protect vehicles, including cars, RVs, boats, and heavy machinery, from theft through a three-step process.

The first step is theft prevention. The Tag system involves etching the logo on the driver and passenger side windows, alerting potential thieves that the vehicle is protected. This visible deterrent can significantly reduce the instances of theft.

The second step is tracking and recovery. Wireless tracking devices are installed throughout the vehicle, allowing the tracking team at Tag to locate the vehicle anywhere in North America. Additionally, tiny RFID devices can be installed on vehicle parts often sought after by thieves. If stolen, these parts are marked as stolen property, making it harder for thieves to buy and sell them.

For more information, individuals can request a quote through the Tag website. Tag Tracking offers resources for customers and dealers and is committed to protecting vehicles and reducing incidents of theft in Canada.

How Tracking Systems can Help Recover Stolen Vehicles

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has been pushing for the installation of anti-theft tracking devices as a method to reduce the number of stolen vehicles and increase the chances of recovery. It is no secret that tracking devices lead to the recovery of stolen vehicles. The Tag system, for example, can even immobilize the engine of the stolen vehicle until the police locate it and the owner is verified.

Limitations of Local Authorities

While tracking devices can provide peace of mind and potentially aid in the recovery of your vehicle, it’s important to note that their effectiveness can have certain limitations. A recent case in Gatineau, Quebec, serves as an example. Despite having an Apple AirTag in his vehicle, Simon Poirier was unable to retrieve his stolen vehicle from the port of Montreal, where it was located in a shipping container. The police explained that they cannot search through the containers as they fall under federal jurisdiction. This incident highlights how certain situations, such as stolen vehicles being in shipping containers, can pose challenges for local authorities in their efforts to intervene in car theft cases.

In conclusion, tracking devices are a proven way to recover stolen vehicles. However, there are some disparities among insurance companies regarding coverage for installing these systems. While some insurance companies will pay for the installation of the device, others will not. 

Working with your insurance broker can help you understand your insurance policy and specifications that pertain to installing tracking devices before proceeding with one. Additionally, it is worth noting that installing an anti-theft tracking device does not fully guarantee vehicle safety, and it is up to vehicle owners to take other measures to keep their vehicles safe, such as ignition or fuel kill switches, steering wheel locks, and steering column collars.