In Quebec, a vehicle is stolen every 15 minutes, according to the Journal de l'assurance. This statistic is a good illustration of the real scourge that thousands of motorists face each year. Here is the procedure to follow in the event of an automobile theft.
Step 1: call the police
When you come out of a show, you find that your vehicle has disappeared. First, make sure it isn't a distraction error and that your car has indeed been stolen.
If so, contact the police immediately. The agents will complete a report and give you the number. Keep it in a safe place: it will be essential for the rest of the procedures.
If your car is equipped with a tracking system (eg Boomerang) or a telematics installation (eg Mobiliz, Ajusto), contact your supplier. He will be able to quickly locate your vehicle. However, if your car is on the move, let the police stop the thieves.
Step 2: call your insurer
When you get home, call your insurer right away to inform them of the theft and give them the police report number. The insurer will initiate the compensation process according to the terms and conditions that appear in your contract. For example, if the amount allocated for the replacement of the vehicle is $ 20,000 and you have opted for a deductible of $ 500, you will be compensated for an amount of $ 19,500.
However, be aware that the insurer can respect a period of 30 days before paying the compensation in order to give the police the necessary time to try to trace the vehicle. Following this waiting period, you will receive compensation which will allow you to choose a new car. The insurer is required to issue the reimbursement on behalf of the vehicle owner and the creditor or lessor, if applicable.
Rental of a replacement vehicle
If you have added the FAQ 20 “Travel expenses” rider to your auto insurance contract, your insurer will provide you with a replacement vehicle similar to yours during the waiting period or while waiting for your vehicle to be repaired. Check your contract to find out the maximum reimbursement amounts allocated per day and per claim, for the rental of the replacement vehicle.
Two special cases
Theft of your car's contents
If any goods were in your vehicle at the time of the theft, be aware that they are also covered by your insurance contract. While items permanently attached to the vehicle (GPS, baby seat, bicycle rack, etc.) will be reimbursed to you according to the terms of your auto insurance policy, items that you do not use exclusively in the car, such as instead, a laptop, camera or sunglasses are covered by your home insurance.
Vehicle found after theft
If, by chance, your vehicle is found by law enforcement authorities, but has suffered some damage, the repairs will be covered by your automobile insurance policy.
Some tips to avoid auto theft
There is no guarantee that your vehicle will never be stolen. However, there are plenty of tips to help you increase your odds.
- Make sure the vehicle's doors are securely locked before leaving, whether there are objects inside or not.
- Chisel the key parts of your car and get yourself an effective anti-theft device, such as a tracking system or an immobilizer.
- Avoid parking in an isolated or poorly lit place that could make the work of ill-intentioned people easier. • Store valuables in the trunk.
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