The steps to take after car insurance and registration have been stolen can vary somewhat from province to province in Canada. While I’ll provide you with a general outline, it’s always best to consult local resources or websites of the specific provinces for the most accurate and current information.

Here’s a general guide:

1. Report the theft to the police: As soon as you notice that your car insurance and registration documents have been stolen, report the incident to the local police department. They will record the details and provide you with a case number. This is an essential first step for every province, as the case number is often required by insurance companies, financial institutions, or the Motor Vehicle Registry when replacing your documents.
2. Notify your insurance company: Contact your car insurance company to inform them about the theft. They can guide you on how to get a replacement for your stolen insurance papers. Your insurance company might require a copy of the police report or case number.
3. Replace your vehicle registration: Visit your local Motor Vehicle Registry to apply for a replacement vehicle registration. The process can vary from province to province, but typically involves filling out an application form and paying a replacement fee. You might also need to provide proof of identity and the police report.

Here are more province-specific steps:

• British Columbia (BC): Contact ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) to report the theft and replace your insurance documents. Visit an ICBC office to replace your registration.
• Alberta: Contact your insurance broker to report the theft and replace your insurance documents. Visit a local registry agent to replace your vehicle registration.
• Saskatchewan: Contact SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) to report the theft and replace your documents.
• Manitoba: Contact MPI (Manitoba Public Insurance) to report the theft and replace your documents.
• Ontario: Contact your insurance company and Service Ontario to replace your stolen documents.
• Quebec: Contact the SAAQ (Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec) to report the theft and replace your registration. Contact your insurance company for the insurance papers.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Contact Service NL for replacing your vehicle registration, and your insurance company for the insurance papers.
• Prince Edward Island: Visit Access PEI for replacing your vehicle registration, and contact your insurance company for the insurance papers.
• Nova Scotia: Visit Access Nova Scotia for replacing your vehicle registration, and your insurance company for the insurance papers.
• New Brunswick: Visit Service New Brunswick for replacing your vehicle registration, and your insurance company for the insurance papers.

Please make sure to check the respective official websites for any changes or additional requirements. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your documents in a safe place at home, so you have the necessary information available if needed.

Why do thieves steal car insurance papers?

There are several reasons why a thief might steal car insurance papers or other vehicle documents:

1. Identity theft: Vehicle registration and insurance documents often contain personal information about the vehicle owner, such as their full name and address. Criminals can use this information to commit identity fraud, applying for credit, loans, or other financial services under the victim’s name.
2. Car theft: Thieves might steal these documents to make it easier to sell a stolen vehicle. If they have the legitimate papers for the car, it can be harder for authorities to prove that the vehicle is stolen.
3. Vehicle Cloning: Criminals may use stolen documents to clone a vehicle. They’ll match the stolen documents with a stolen car of the same make and model, then alter the vehicle identification number (VIN) to match the one on the stolen documents. This can make the stolen car appear legitimate when it’s sold.
4. Commit other forms of fraud: A less common motive is that thieves might use the stolen papers to make false claims on the car owner’s insurance, or to avoid traffic fines and penalties by providing the police with stolen documents.

Report stolen documents to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible to minimize the potential harm.

Where do you keep car ownership?

In Canada, it’s generally advised that you keep your vehicle ownership (registration) paper in a safe place and not in the vehicle, as a measure to prevent identity theft in the case of vehicle theft or break-ins. However, you should always have proof of insurance in the vehicle as you may be required to show it if stopped by law enforcement.

1. British Columbia: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance (ICBC insurance papers).
2. Alberta: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance.
3. Saskatchewan: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance (SGI insurance papers).
4. Manitoba: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance (MPI insurance papers).
5. Ontario: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance.
6. Quebec: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance.
7. Newfoundland and Labrador: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance.
8. Prince Edward Island: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance.
9. Nova Scotia: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance.
10. New Brunswick: Recommended to keep registration at home. Must carry proof of insurance.

In all cases, it would be best to have a photocopy of the registration in your vehicle and keep the original in a secure location at home. Also, it’s a good practice to have a digital copy of your important documents, including vehicle registration and insurance papers, stored securely.

Always check with local laws and regulations or the appropriate provincial motor vehicle department to be certain of the requirements, as they can vary and change over time.

Is photocopy of car insurance valid in Canada?

1. British Columbia (BC): ICBC accepts digital proof of auto insurance.
2. Alberta: Digital or electronic proof of insurance is generally accepted, but you should always carry a physical copy as a backup.
3. Saskatchewan: SGI accepts digital proof of insurance, but it’s a good idea to also have a paper copy.
4. Manitoba: MPI accepts digital proof of auto insurance.
5. Ontario: The province of Ontario allows drivers to show electronic proof of auto insurance.
6. Quebec: The SAAQ typically accepts a digital proof of auto insurance.
7. Newfoundland and Labrador: As per Service NL, digital proof of insurance should generally be accepted, but carrying a physical copy is advised.
8. Prince Edward Island: Digital proof of insurance is typically accepted, but having a physical copy as a backup is recommended.
9. Nova Scotia: Access Nova Scotia generally allows digital proof of insurance, but a paper copy is suggested as well.
10. New Brunswick: Service New Brunswick generally accepts digital proof of auto insurance.

Note that while digital proof of insurance might be accepted, some law enforcement officers may prefer a physical copy, and there could be issues if you’re unable to display the digital copy (for example, if your phone’s battery is dead). Therefore, it’s usually a good idea to keep a physical copy in your vehicle as a backup.

Always consult with your insurance company or local motor vehicle registry to confirm what forms of proof of insurance are currently acceptable. The information provided here is subject to change.

Where is the best place to keep your car title?

In Canada, the car title is often referred to as the vehicle registration, and it provides proof of vehicle ownership.

The best place to keep your vehicle registration (car title) is in a secure location at home, not in the car. Here are some places you might consider:

1. Safe deposit box: A safe deposit box at your bank is a very secure place to store important documents like your vehicle registration.
2. Home safe: If you have a home safe, especially one that is fireproof and waterproof, this can be an excellent place to keep your vehicle registration.
3. Secure filing cabinet or document box: Keeping your vehicle registration in a lockable filing cabinet or document box at home along with other important documents can also be a good option.
4. Digital copy: You might also consider making a digital copy of your vehicle registration to keep as a backup. Ensure the digital copy is stored securely, such as in a password-protected file or secure cloud storage.

Always remember not to keep your vehicle registration in your car, as this could lead to identity theft if the car is stolen or broken into.

If your vehicle registration is lost or stolen, you’ll need to apply for a replacement from your provincial motor vehicle registration authority, which may involve a fee and some paperwork.

What do you keep in your car?

When driving in Canada, there are certain items that are recommended to keep in your car, either for safety or legal reasons. Here are some essentials:

1. Vehicle Documentation:
   • Proof of Insurance: You should always carry proof of your current insurance coverage in your car. You may be asked to present it if you’re stopped by law enforcement or in case of an accident. A photocopy or digital copy is usually acceptable in most provinces.
   • Driver’s License: Always keep your valid driver’s license with you when driving. This is your main form of identification and proof of your eligibility to drive.
2. Car Maintenance and Emergency Items:
   • Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench: These are essential for changing a tire in case of a flat.
   • Jumper cables: These can help you restart your car if the battery dies.
   • Tool kit: A basic tool kit could be useful for minor repairs.
   • Windshield scraper and brush: Essential for removing snow and ice in the winter.
   • Tire pressure gauge: Regularly checking your tire pressure can help prevent flats and blowouts.
3. Safety and Survival Items:
   • First Aid Kit: This can be critical in the event of an accident or other medical emergencies.
   • Flashlight: This can be very useful if your car breaks down at night.
   • Blankets, warm clothing: If your car breaks down in the cold, these can help keep you warm while you wait for assistance.
   • Non-perishable food and water: In case of a breakdown where you might be waiting for assistance for an extended period.
4. Other Items:
   • Road maps or atlas: While many people use GPS on their phones, having a physical map can be helpful if you lose service.
   • Mobile phone charger: Being able to keep your phone charged can be crucial, especially in emergencies.

Remember to regularly check these items for expiration, wear and tear, and to replace or refresh as necessary. Also, make sure to secure items properly to prevent them from becoming projectiles in case of a sudden stop or an accident.

Each province may also have its own requirements or recommendations for what you should keep in your car, especially during winter months, so it’s a good idea to check with local authorities or automobile associations for guidance.