The "Warm Car" Trap
We get it. It’s -25°C in Didsbury. The leather seats feel like blocks of dry ice, and the steering wheel is actively stealing heat from your hands.
The temptation to run outside, start the truck, blast the heat, and run back inside for a "quick" coffee is overwhelming. This is called "Puffing" (because of the exhaust clouds), and while it makes your commute comfortable, it is also the absolute favorite scenario for car thieves.
The "Valet Service" for Thieves
Leaving your car running with the keys in the ignition isn't just risky; it’s practically a donation.
Thieves really appreciate the hospitality. You’ve saved them the trouble of breaking the glass, popping the lock, or hot-wiring the ignition. You have effectively provided a warmed-up, gassed-up getaway vehicle.
In Alberta, warm-up thefts are a massive contributor to our provincial auto theft statistics. A thief can spot a "puffer" from two blocks away by the exhaust plume -or is that just your super cool teenager vaping? Honestly, it's hard to tell the difference these days.
The Million Dollar Question: "Am I Covered?"
This is the first thing clients ask after their idling car vanishes.
The Answer: Generally, yes. Standard auto insurance policies usually cover theft, even if you made it incredibly easy for them. Stupidity is not an exclusion.
The "But": Just because it is covered doesn't mean it’s painless.
The Investigation: Because the keys were in the vehicle, the insurance company will investigate heavily. They need to rule out fraud (did you have a friend take it?). This slows down your claim.
The Keys: If your house keys were on that ring, you now have to re-key your entire home. The auto policy won't pay for that—your home policy might, but do you really want to pay two deductibles?
The Record: A theft claim is a major claim. You will lose your "Claims Free" discount, and your premiums will likely rise on renewal.
Risk Management: How to Stay Warm and Keep Your Car
The Remote Starter: If you don't have one, get one. A remote starter allows the engine to run while the doors remain locked and the transmission remains immobilized. It is the best investment you can make for winter comfort.
The "Club": Yes, the steering wheel club from the 90s. If you must idle your car with a key, lock the steering wheel. Thieves want speed; they don't want to hacksaw through a steel bar.
The "Suffer It" Method: Sit in the car. It builds character.
A cold commute is miserable, but dealing with a police report, a rental car coordination, and a claims adjuster (even though he is totally friendly) is worse.
If you are currently relying on the "hope and pray" method of warming up your vehicle, please stop.
If you need to review your Comprehensive coverage to make sure you have "Loss of Use" (Rental Car coverage) for when the worst happens, give us a call.