Your Car Was Stolen From Your Own Driveway

It is not a parking lot story anymore.

A large share of vehicle thefts in Ontario happen from driveways, overnight, in ordinary neighbourhoods.

And it is showing up in premiums, eligibility, and the questions insurers now ask.

Which coverage responds

Theft is generally covered under comprehensive, all perils, or specified perils.

If you carry liability only, your own stolen vehicle is generally not covered.

This is the single most important thing to check before your next renewal.

Why some vehicles cost more to insure now

Insurers look at how often a specific make and model is stolen and how much it costs to replace.

Some frequently targeted models are priced higher, or come with extra requirements.

This is worth checking before you buy, not after.

What can help

✅ An approved after-market anti-theft or tracking device — ask which ones your insurer recognizes
✅ A steering wheel lock, which is still a real deterrent
✅ Keeping key fobs in a signal-blocking pouch, away from the front door
✅ Parking in the garage if you have one, and using the driveway if you do not

The renewal question

Ask your broker directly: if this vehicle is stolen tonight, what does my policy pay?

If the answer is "nothing," you want to know that today.