What is an Engine Immobilizer?

Ontario has been experiencing a troubling surge in car thefts, with reports indicating a vehicle is stolen every 14 minutes in the province. Car theft has become so prevalent across Canada that in February of this year, the Government of Canada hosted a National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft to work with governments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and private-sector partners to create an action plan to reduce auto theft.

Insurance companies are taking action too, with many mandating the installation of anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, pedal locks, vehicle tracking devices, and engine immobilizers in vehicles they deem to be high-theft risks.

CAA Insurance is even going as far as mandating the installation of an engine immobilizer in high-theft vehicles or risk a $1,500 premium surcharge being added to your policy. So what exactly is an engine immobilizer?

What is an Engine Immobilizer?

An engine immobilizer is an anti-theft device installed in vehicles to prevent the engine from starting unless the correct key or smart key is present in the vehicle. Here’s how it works:

1. Electronic Security Device: The immobilizer uses an electronic chip embedded in the key or smart key.
2. Key Authentication: When the key is inserted into the ignition or the smart key is detected inside the vehicle, the chip sends a unique code to the car’s engine control unit (ECU).
3. Code Matching: The ECU checks this code against its internal database. If the code matches, the ECU allows the engine to start. If it doesn’t match, the ECU disables the fuel system or ignition system, preventing the car from starting.
4. Enhanced Security: An engine immobilizer system significantly reduces the risk of car theft by making it very difficult for the car to be hotwired or started without an authorized key.
5. Built-In or Aftermarket: Engine immobilizers can come built into the vehicle by the manufacturer or can be installed as an aftermarket accessory.

 CAA Insurance Mandating the Installation of Vehicle Immobilizers

CAA Insurance announced in May that a $1,500 premium surcharge will be applied to all of their automobile policies where a high-theft vehicle is insured. The vehicles they deemed to be at the highest risk of theft (and will therefore receive a surcharge) were the Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Land Rover/Defender, Lexus GX460, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover/Range Rover, Acura RDX, Dodge RAM 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Highlander/Grand Highlander, and any vehicle with a MSRP of $125,000 or greater (regardless of the make or model, but excluding electric vehicles).

In order to have the $1,500 premium surcharge removed from your policy; CAA Insurance will require proof of the installation of an eligible after-market engine immobilizer.

Ghost II – An After-Market Engine Immobilizer

Developed by Autowatch, the Ghost II vehicle immobilizer is designed to counteract the most advanced car theft techniques. Unlike traditional immobilizers, the Ghost II uses a unique approach that doesn’t rely on key fobs or traditional security measures that can be easily bypassed. Instead, it requires a specific, user-defined PIN sequence to start the vehicle. This makes it virtually impossible for thieves to steal the car, even if they have access to the keys or use advanced relay attacks.

Since Autowatch Canada was established in 1997, they have protected over one million vehicle with zero reported thefts. They also hold the distinction of being the first vehicle security system in Canada to be approved by the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

What You Can Do To Protect Your Vehicle

While car theft is a growing concern, there are several steps vehicle owners can take to protect their ride:

1. Install Advanced Security Devices: Investing in advanced security devices, such as vehicle tracking systems, car alarms, or engine immobilizers, can significantly reduce the risk of theft.
2. Use Traditional Security Measures: Combining advanced security devices with traditional measures, such as steering wheel locks and pedal locks, can create multiple layers of protection. This can deter thieves who are looking for easy targets.
3. Be Mindful of Key Security: Modern car theft techniques often involve gaining access to electronic keys. Vehicle owners should avoid leaving their keys in easily accessible locations and consider using key fob signal-blocking boxes to prevent relay attacks.
4. Park in Secure Locations: Whenever possible, park vehicles in well-lit, secure areas. Using garages or secure parking facilities can also reduce the risk of theft.
5. Stay Informed and Vigilant: Keeping up-to-date with the latest car theft trends and tactics can help vehicle owners stay one-step ahead of thieves. Being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities can also contribute to community-wide efforts to combat car theft.

Conclusion

Overall, engine immobilizers are a critical component in vehicle security, helping to deter theft and provide peace of mind to vehicle owners, but they aren’t the only option for keeping your vehicle secure. It’s also important to speak with your insurer before installing after-market technologies in your vehicle, as this can impact your insurance.

If you are looking for Insurance for your high-theft risk vehicle, look no further! We’re fortunate to say we still have lots of markets that will write your vehicle, even if it is at a higher risk for theft.