Yes, studies show that keyless cars are more likely to be stolen in Ontario due to “relay attacks,” where thieves amplify your fob’s signal to unlock and drive off in seconds. This trend is fueling a surge in auto theft across the province, especially in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). For drivers who value the convenience of push-to-start vehicles, understanding the risks—and how to protect against them—is more important than ever.
Traditional car theft often required brute force or hot-wiring. Keyless theft, however, relies on tech. Thieves use two small electronic devices: one captures the signal from your key fob inside your house, while the other transmits it to your vehicle. In a matter of seconds, your car unlocks and starts as if the real key is present. This technique, called a relay attack, doesn’t leave broken glass or forced locks — making it harder for police and insurers to track.
Thieves don’t just steal randomly. They target high-demand SUVs, luxury cars, and trucks equipped with push-to-start systems. Once stolen, these vehicles are often shipped overseas, resold locally with altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs), or dismantled for parts. Ontario’s position as a major shipping hub makes this even easier for organized crime rings, who move stolen vehicles through ports and across borders within days.
Drivers love the convenience of never taking their keys out of their pocket—but criminals love it too. Keyless systems were designed for ease of use, not maximum security. Features like remote start or automatic unlocking when you approach the vehicle expand the “attack surface,” giving thieves more ways to exploit the technology. The trade-off between convenience and security is at the heart of why push-to-start vehicles face higher theft risks.
Auto theft has become one of Ontario’s fastest-growing crimes. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) reported that in 2023, auto theft cost Canadians more than $1 billion in insurance claims, with Ontario accounting for the majority (Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2023). Vehicles with keyless entry systems are disproportionately represented on the annual Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles list. For example, the Honda CR-V, Lexus RX series, and Ford F-150 consistently rank among the most stolen models — all of which commonly use push-to-start technology (Insurance Bureau of Canada, 2023).
The Greater Toronto Area has become the epicentre of vehicle theft in Canada. Peel Regional Police and Toronto Police Service issue regular public alerts about relay attacks, often noting that vehicles are stolen directly from residential driveways at night. Organized theft crews are highly mobile and target multiple neighbourhoods in a single evening, making prevention all the more critical.
Yes. Theft is generally covered under a comprehensive auto insurance policy. If your keyless car is stolen, your insurer will reimburse you for its value, subject to your deductible and policy terms. However, theft rates are now directly influencing premiums. Vehicles on high-risk lists may cost significantly more to insure, and some insurers are tightening their underwriting rules.
In Ontario, insurers may require policyholders with certain vehicles to install approved anti-theft devices, such as aftermarket immobilizers or tracking systems. Failing to take these measures can lead to coverage restrictions or even denial of theft claims. This is why working with an experienced broker is essential — we know which insurers impose these requirements and how to keep your coverage compliant while minimizing cost.
Relay attacks depend on capturing your key fob’s signal. By storing your fob in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday bag) or even a metal container at night, you can stop thieves from extending the signal. Don’t leave spare keys near doors or windows — these are the easiest entry points for criminals with signal amplifiers.
Simple, visible deterrents still work. Steering wheel locks, brake locks, or even wheel clamps make thieves think twice. Criminals want quick wins; anything that slows them down increases the risk of being caught and makes your car less attractive compared to an unprotected one parked beside it.
Tracking devices give you a fighting chance of recovery if your car is stolen. Many insurers in Ontario now partner with GPS tracking providers, offering discounts for installation. Some even subsidize the cost of the device because it lowers their claims exposure. For example, products like TAG or aftermarket GPS systems are specifically designed to combat organized theft rings.
Some manufacturers issue software updates to address vulnerabilities in keyless entry systems. These updates may change how fobs communicate or reduce the window of time a vehicle remains active after remote unlocking. Check with your dealer or manufacturer regularly to ensure your vehicle’s electronic security is up to date.
The best strategy is layered security:
Each layer adds friction, making your vehicle a less appealing target.
Insurance isn’t just about paying for stolen vehicles after the fact — it’s also about risk management. Insurers track theft trends closely, and Ontario’s surge in keyless theft is changing how policies are priced. Working with a broker like Regal Insurance helps you:
By proactively protecting your keyless vehicle and choosing the right coverage, you can shield yourself from both theft and rising insurance costs.
Don’t wait until your vehicle is stolen to take action. Regal Insurance brokers specialize in helping Ontario drivers protect their vehicles against theft with tailored, affordable coverage. We compare rates from Canada’s leading insurers and advise on anti-theft measures that keep you—and your premiums—secure. Get a free quote today and take the first step toward peace of mind.
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Yes, studies show that keyless cars are more likely to be stolen in Ontario due to “relay attacks,” where thieves amplify your fob’s signal to...
