Boat Theft in British Columbia
Could your B.C. boat be a target for theft? Boat theft in B.C. is a serious concern with police routinely investigating multiple cases.
Boat thieves may target boats for their resale value, strip them for parts, or use them in illegal activities.
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate your car, home, boat, and business insurance during this period of economic uncertainty.
How do most B.C. boats get stolen?
In British Columbia, most boats are stolen when they are stored on trailers, usually from yards or storage facilities, especially at night. Thieves target these boats due to the ease with which they can be transported. Boats are also frequently stolen from marinas and storage warehouses, especially ones with little security.
Thieves can transport a boat on its trailer using a truck and hitch. Boats can also be stolen while in slips and they can also be stolen from storage warehouses.
Your B.C. boat stored on a lift is the safest because only a small percentage of thefts are a result of this storage method.
How many boats are stolen in Canada?
Boat theft is an issue in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec due to their active boating communities.
Recent data shows that several thousand boats are stolen each year in Canada.
What is the most popular type of boat stolen in Canada?
Runabout boats (small, open boats) are the most frequently stolen type of boat and make up almost half of stolen boats in Canada. Then its cruisers, those equipped for overnighting, and personal watercraft (PWC) like jet skis that get stolen.
What types of boats are stolen in B.C.?
In B.C., small, easily transportable boats like runabouts, inflatable boats, and personal watercraft (PWCs) are the most frequently stolen.
Are there anti-theft devices and measures for B.C. boats?
If your B.C. boat is stolen, the real-time location data provided by a tracking system can help police locate and recover it. Make sure that you buy a tracking device that’s suited to a marine environment. GPS systems with satellite-based communication are a good choice for boats.
Engrave your hull identification number (HIN) on your B.C. boat and trailer or a small design that will make it more difficult to resell if stolen. This will also help police identify your boat.
Trailer locks and locks designed specifically for boats provide extra protection against boat theft.
A kill switch, also called an engine cut-off switch, is designed to shut off your boat’s engine and it’s an additional layer of security that can be used with other anti-theft measures, like locks and alarms.
Top tips to prevent B.C. boat theft
- Use locks; for example, use a wheel lock for your trailer and lock your engine compartment.
- Choose a marina with good security measures such as cameras.
- If you are storing your boat on your property, use camera surveillance.
- Choose a secure boat storage facility that has camera surveillance.
- Don’t leave any valuables on your B.C. boat.
- Be cautious about pictures and comments about your boat on social media.
- Use an alarm system with sensors.
- Install a kill switch in the ignition system to disable the boat’s engine remotely.
- Install an alarm system.
What to do if your B.C. boat is stolen
Contact police and your boat insurance provider right away to report the theft of your boat and to start the insurance claims process.
Be sure to provide as much detailed information about your boat as possible (type, length, age), identification numbers, and any tracking data.
You can register your stolen boat with Stolen Boats Canada to help with recovery. Stolen Boats Canada has listings of stolen boats, engines, and trailers to help boat owners and police in their recovery efforts and to protect prospective buyers.
Why B.C. boat insurance is important
A boat is a big investment. Theft is typically covered by comprehensive boat insurance policies, but you will need to understand the details of theft coverage in your policy and if there are any restrictions. Ask a Western Financial Group insurance expert about BC Boat Insurance.
In conclusion
Just like your car, your B.C. boat can be stolen. Awareness, anti-theft measures, and B.C. boat insurance all help to protect your boat against theft.
5 FAQs about boating and boat theft in British Columbia
Do police patrol B.C.’s waterways?
Yes, police patrol British Columbia's waterways. Both the RCMP and local police forces, such as the Vancouver Police Department, have marine units that patrol various waterways, including the Fraser River and the inside passage of Vancouver Island.
Does B.C. boat insurance cover theft?
Yes, B.C. boat insurance typically includes coverage for theft. This coverage is usually part of comprehensive boat insurance coverage, which also protects against damage from accidents, vandalism, and severe weather. It’s important to understand your B.C. boat policy’s theft coverage and what is included and what is not included.
Do thieves ever steal just the boat’s motor?
Yes, thieves often steal just the boat’s motor, especially those with high horsepower.
What are the top boating spots in British Columbia?
The top boating spots in B.C. include Okanagan Lake, Desolation Sound, and Haida Gwaii.
How many marinas does B.C. have?
There are more than 200 marinas and small craft harbours on British Columbia coast and islands.
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