Fraud never takes a vacation, which is why this summer Équité Association is raising awareness about emerging insurance fraud trends. Équité’s 2025 First Half Auto Theft Trend Report revealed that criminals continue to evolve their tactics to identify new funding opportunities in vehicle crime; resulting in 44% of private passenger vehicles stolen this year nationally unrecovered. Fraud always has a victim, through this awareness campaign, Équité and its property and casualty members, are helping to fight against insurance fraud and keep Canadians safe.

Checklist for a secure summer car rental

☐  Ask the rental agency about additional security features

• Search for a rental company that offers advanced security features in their vehicles, such as alarm systems, immobilizers, and GPS tracking devices. Ask about their standard and enhanced insurance coverage options to ensure you are fully covered in the event of a theft or break-in.

☐   Bring your own security devices

• For added protection, consider investing in anti-theft devices, such as a steering wheel lock. These devices make your rental car more difficult to steal and can deter thieves.

☐  Park in well-lit and secure areas

• Look for designated parking lots or garages with surveillance cameras, bright lights or security personnel. If you’re in an unfamiliar location, check with your hotel concierge or rental host for advice on where to park.

☐  Look like a local vehicle

• Thieves know tourists may be travelling with important items, so attempt to blend your vehicle in as a local. Keeping a local newspaper on a passenger seat can give the illusion you are a resident. If you can, remove any rental car company stickers or tags that could make your vehicle stand out. Additionally, avoid leaving your guidebooks or maps in view.

☐  Remove valuables when you leave the car

• Thieves are more likely to target vehicles with visible valuable items, if the glove box is empty, leave it open to deter break-ins by showing there is nothing to steal. Remember to take your belongings with you, keep them out of sight or securely locked in the trunk.

Research Local Safety Information: Knowledge is power when traveling to a new destination. Take time to become familiar with local safety advice from law enforcement agencies. Research whether there are areas with higher crime rates or theft hotspots.

What is being done to prevent auto theft?

Led by Public Safety Canada, with solution-focused recommendations from Équité, the National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft has been instrumental in implementing comprehensive strategies to protect Canadians from the organized crime behind the auto theft crisis. Équité’s First Half of 2025 Auto Theft Trend Report, revealed a national decrease in auto theft of 19.1%, with the most significant decreases in Ontario (-25.9%) and Quebec (-22.2%), provinces that previously experienced the highest auto theft rates from 2021-2023. Équité remains committed to enhancing its investigative expertise and technology to make a meaningful impact on combatting insurance crime and protecting honest, hardworking Canadians.

On behalf of Canadian property and casualty insurers, Équité combats insurance crime by deploying advanced analytics, intelligence best practices, and coordinated investigations. Follow this campaign and future awareness articles on LinkedIn, @Équité Association and equiteassociation.com. To report information about insurance crime by phone (available 24/7), please call 1-877-422-TIPS (English) or 1-866-422-4331 (service en français). If you would like to remain anonymous, please call our partners at Crime Stoppers (available 24/7) at 1-800-222-TIPS.