Prevention Tips

Automobile theft-deterrent systems

Taking preventive measures to protect your car will really pay off in the long run. Not only will you keep away would-be thieves, you will also save on your auto insurance premiums.

We recommend using a theft-deterrent system in order to reduce the chances of having your vehicle stolen. Here are a few examples:

• Marking of parts : Sherlock is an effective deterrent against car thieves looking to resell your vehicle or its parts.
• Immobilizer systems : they will cut off power to your engine and prevent the ignition from starting. These systems are more effective than immobilizers installed by car manufacturers.
• As far as tracking systems are concerned, TAG and Boomerang Espion deter thieves and enable you to quickly recover your vehicle in the event of theft.

If your vehicle (automobile, motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV or motorhome) is equipped with another type of system, we likely recognize it as well.

Impacts of impaired driving

• If you're arrested for impaired driving, your driver's licence will be automatically suspended and you will be obligated to notify your insurer immediately.
• Your premiums could double or even triple for the three years after your licence is suspended, and they could stay higher than your regular premiums for as long as six to 10 years.
• Once you get your driver's licence back, you will be limited to minimum civil liability coverage of $50,000. This means that if you have an accident, you will be responsible for all of the damage to your vehicle.
• You could also incur all kinds of other expenses, including the cost of extricating your vehicle, installing an immobilizer or lawyer fees.

Why risk so much when effective alternatives are available to everyone? If you've been drinking, get a ride from a designated driver, use a safe ride service, call a taxi or take the bus!

For a great vacation…

• Make sure your licence and registration are in order for the entire time that you will be away.
• Check to see if your insurance coverage is in order. If it is, find out if the coverage is adequate for your trip, i.e. high-risk activities, civil liability, out-of-province collision, coverage for medical expenses specific to a given area, etc.
• Have your car inspected, with particular attention to the cooling system, tires, brakes, electrical system, etc.
• If you plan to rent a car in Canada or the United States and your automobile insurance policy provides Q.E.F. No. 27 coverage (Civil Liability resulting from damage to non-owned automobiles), make sure you have your insurance certificate with you when you go to the car rental agency. The certificate for this coverage, included in your automobile insurance with La Capitale General Insurance Inc., was sent to you along with your automobile insurance policy.
• Close the windows, lock the doors, and always store your luggage in the trunk.

Source: Quebec Safety League