LoJack Canada survey shows a majority of Ontarians are misinformed about stolen vehicle coverage
More than 60% of Ontario car owners surveyed wrongly believe they are completely covered in the event of their vehicle being stolen
TORONTO, July 5, 2012 /CNW/ - For vehicle owners, theft is an ongoing concern. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted on behalf of LoJack Canada, more than one in three respondents are concerned about having their vehicle stolen and 10% claimed that they have been victims of vehicle theft. Most also responded that they are willing to go to great lengths to avoid having their vehicle stolen.
Many respondents, however, admitted that they engage in behaviour that puts them at risk of theft. Furthermore, they aren't properly equipped to ensure the recovery of their stolen vehicle, incorrectly thinking they are fully covered by their insurance policy.
Alarming Ontario reality
With more than 23,000 incidents of motor vehicle theft in Ontario in 2010, according to Statistics Canada, it is no wonder that the subject is on the minds of Ontario vehicle owners. LoJack Canada, distributor of Boomerang and now LoJack brands, recently commissioned a survey by Angus Reid to learn more about vehicle theft among car owners across Ontario and Quebec. The survey results revealed that car theft isn't taken lightly by owners.
A disconnect on knowledge and practice
Nearly 60% of Ontarians surveyed said that they consider the potential of vehicle theft in their personal car or truck purchases.
- While 81% are aware that security devices and systems for tracking and recovering stolen vehicles exist, only 10% of Ontario vehicle owners actually use a tracking system.
- 86% of stolen vehicles in Ontario were not equipped with an anti-theft or vehicle tracking system.
"Because vehicle owners are concerned with the possibility of having their vehicle stolen, it is important they be able to install effective and reliable anti-theft vehicle tracking and recovery solutions. Although there are many devices available on the market, none have the proven track record of LoJack solutions," said Michael Lendick, National Security Director and Law Enforcement Liaison, at LoJack Canada. "With more than 25 years of experience in the market, LoJack vehicle tracking and recovery systems offer the latest technology to deter theft and find stolen cars and trucks anywhere across Ontario, Quebec and the United States. They are so reliable that they can even track and recover vehicles in areas that could obstruct GPS signals such as steel containers, which is one of the reasons why LoJack is the only system to be used by many police services for their stolen vehicle tracking."
A costly crime
Vehicle theft is not only stressful and terribly inconvenient, it is time-consuming and can be unexpectedly expensive. According to the survey, 64% of Ontarians stated they believe their insurance company covers them entirely in the event of vehicle theft. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as theft can cost the victim an average of $2,500 in out-of-pocket expenses alone, even if they have vehicle replacement insurance. Moreover, the Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that vehicle theft costs Canadians $1 billion annually in insurance and law enforcement costs, thereby increasing each policyholder's insurance premium as well.
"Most victims of vehicle theft don't realize the true financial implications for themselves and others. That's why it is important they understand the details of their insurance policy and contact their insurer as soon as possible. Most importantly, by equipping their vehicle with an effective and reliable LoJack device, it will enable the quick tracking and recovery of their stolen car or truck and keep the costs associated with the theft down," explains Lendick. "Thanks to vehicle owners who installed LoJack on their cars and trucks, our dedicated vehicle tracking and recovery teams have found more than 7,200 vehicles, worth approximately $351 million, in Canada alone, since 1995. Globally, LoJack has recovered more than 300,000 vehicles, worth almost $4 billion, since 1986 - all major contributions to helping owners find their valuable stolen vehicle and to keeping costs down."
High risk
An overwhelming 90% of survey respondents take concrete actions such as parking their vehicle in well-lit locations and making sure their doors are locked to avoid theft. However, many also engage in behaviour that can lead to vehicle theft:
- 44% of Ontarians admit to having parked their car and leaving it unlocked.
- Leaving the car unattended with the keys in the ignition and the engine running is an invitation to theft. Yet, 24% of Ontarians responded that they have done just that.
"Considering the potential for theft and the risky behaviour of vehicle owners, installing a tracking device is the only sure way to locate and recover a stolen car or truck. While other anti-theft devices exist, LoJack solutions are the only devices able to trace the location of the vehicle. Consequently, it is important for owners to equip their cars and trucks with LoJack, the industry's most effective and reliable system, to ensure maximum protection. Vehicle owners can enjoy peace of mind with LoJack because there is no solution on the market today that can beat it," claims Lendick.
Survey methodology
LoJack Canada, distributor of Boomerang and now LoJack brands, commissioned Angus Reid to conduct an online survey from May 25 to May 29, 2012, among a sample of 808 Ontarians and Quebecers that own a car, and who are Angus Reid Forum panel members. The margin of error on the full base — which measures sampling variability — is +/- 3.4%. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
About LoJack Canada
Founded in 1995 as Boomerang Tracking Inc., LoJack Canada has become a technological leader in tracking stolen property and offers a seamless solution to the ever-growing concern for the protection and recovery of stolen vehicles and other valuable assets in Canada. LoJack offers a range of affordable vehicle recovery and tracking systems, equipped with self-powered Radio Frequency technology that is independent of the vehicle's electrical system. Heavy equipment, commercial and recreational vehicles are also protected under LoJack C, a new ruggedized tracking and recovery system that is easy to install and hide. LoJack has helped recover more than 7,200 vehicles and other assets with an approximate value of $352 million, in Canada. The company and its trained recovery teams work closely with local law-enforcement agencies. Its assistance has also led police to make over 500 arrests in the past five years. In 2004, Boomerang became a wholly owned subsidiary of LoJack Corporation (NASDAQ:LOJN), the company that invented the stolen vehicle recovery market two decades ago and today remains the undisputed global leader in tracking and recovering valuable mobile assets in more than 30 countries worldwide. The tracking technology is used by insurance companies worldwide. Since 1986, LoJack has recovered more than 300,000 vehicles worth a total value of nearly $4 billion.
For further information on LoJack Canada, please visit the company's website: www.lojack.ca.
or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Simon Bassett
Veritas Communications
416-955-4587
[email protected]
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