‘It doesn’t make sense’: Not all auto insurance companies offer discounts for anti-theft device

As vehicle thefts continue to rise, more and more auto insurance companies are offering discounts for anti-theft devices – but not for all customers. One man, who drives one of the most stolen cars in the GTA, is questioning what he calls unequal policies.

Tony Waldron, who lives in the Peel region, is one of those customers who remain loyal to brands, including his auto insurance company.

“I have been an Allstate customer for more than 20 years,” he said.

But that loyalty is being tested.

“I have no problem with the company as a whole, but this is a sticking point,” said Waldron pointing to Allstate’s policy when it comes to giving out discounts to drivers who install anti-theft devices on their vehicles.

Waldron drives a Honda CRV, which according to the latest statistics, is one of the most stolen vehicles on the market in the GTA. He started to shop around for anti-theft products and wanted to know if he’d be given a discount.

“I was told it’s only for Quebec Allstate customers, not for us in Ontario,” said Waldron, adding it didn’t make sense.

“In Peel, auto theft is a huge problem, and my car tops the list of stolen vehicles, why not offer a discount? It’s a win-win for me and the insurance company,” He said. “If my car is stolen, it will cost them more than the discount they could offer.”

Waldron has been emailing the company repeatedly, even going so far as to contact the company’s president.

“Nobody can tell me why they won’t offer it. I just want to know the reason behind it.”

CityNews contacted Allstate looking for a reason.

“Allstate Canada is actively working with stakeholders, industry associations, and government representatives to help address the growing issue of auto theft,” a spokesperson said. “The company is continuously evaluating the effectiveness of its regional and national programs that help customers reduce risks. Allstate Canada is appreciative of feedback and taking into account the interest in its Quebec-focused program that was expressed by this Ontario-based customer.”

Not exactly the answer Waldron was looking for. So, we asked Adam Mitchell with Mitch Insurance Brokers to weigh in.

“As for an answer as to why it’s offered in Quebec and not Ontario, only Allstate can tell you,” He said. “But if I were to guess, I’d say it could be a couple of things. The problem of vehicle thefts really began in Quebec.”

Which is maybe why Allstate rolled out the discounts there earlier.

Mitchell says of the 13 auto insurance companies he works with, nine offer discounts to Ontario drivers. But many of them only started doing so recently.

“If you went back a year ago, that list was probably only three or so,” he said. “It’s a quickly evolving landscape and I expect everybody will have this modelled into their data as they get a grasp on it.”

Discount policies are also not the same across the board.

“The ones that took action in Ontario have come up with either a $100 discount all the way up to a fully funded solution.”

Mitchell believes insurers not offering a discount may soon do so to keep up with the competition especially as auto thefts continue to get worse in Ontario.

“The stats are unbelievable,” he said. “We’re now over $1 billion in theft claims for vehicles for the first time ever. And that was a 48 per cent increase in 2022. Then if you look at how this year is tracking, it’s already up another 40 per cent from this August, year over year.”

Waldron remains hopeful. As for switching things up and giving his business to another company that offers the discount? He’s not there yet.

“Again, I’m loyal,” he said. “I’ve been a happy customer of Allstate for decades and my home policy is also with them, I don’t want to switch but I just think customers like me should be offered the same discount they give to people in Quebec, that’s all.”

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