FAQs: IBC’s Theft Deterrent Program
How much will the price of my insurance go down if I buy a car with an immobilizer?
While this may seem like an easy question to answer, it’s not. Insurers rate all makes and models of vehicles based on insurance claims data that tells them how likely each of those makes and models is to be involved in a claim. The name of this rating system is the Canadian Loss Experience Rating (CLEAR).
One of the factors that affects how a vehicle is rated is theft frequency. With 8 years of tracking theft claims, insurers know that cars that have immobilizers that meet ULC-S338 are less likely to be stolen. These cars, as a result, have more favourable ratings in the CLEAR system. Your buying a car with an immobilizer won’t necessarily bring down the price of your insurance from its current level (this depends on how your current vehicle compares in many different ways to the vehicle you plan to purchase). However, you will certainly pay less to insure a car equipped with an immobilizer than you would to insure the same make/model of car without an immobilizer installed.
(Click on the arrows to expand or contract each section.)
Why is my car not on the list of vehicles with approved systems? 
The manufacturer of your vehicle has not advised IBC that the theft deterrent system in your vehicle meets all of the requirements of the National Standard of Canada ULC-S338-98.
I have a manufacturer-installed, IBC-approved theft deterrent system. Why is my car not listed?
IBC lists only those vehicles that have approved systems installed by the vehicle manufacturer as standard equipment for the entire model year’s production of a particular model. While it may have been possible to order some models with an approved system as optional equipment, IBC does not list these models as there is no way to confirm whether or not the system was installed in your specific vehicle. Some insurers may still provide premium discounts if you provide them with evidence of the IBC-approved system, such as a letter from the vehicle manufacturer indicating the name of the theft deterrent system and the vehicle identification number (VIN) of your vehicle.
Who sells IBC-approved theft deterrent systems to consumers?
I already have an alarm in my car. Can I have an IBC-approved immobilizer installed as well?
Yes. IBC-approved immobilizers can be installed in vehicles with pre-existing alarm systems. In fact, an additional content theft protection system such as an audible alarm, or a tracking system, when installed in vehicles with IBC-approved immobilizers, provides an additional layer of theft protection.
Would there be problems installing both a remote starter and an IBC-approved theft deterrent system into the same vehicle?
There are many different kinds of remote starters, and some may be incompatible with IBC-approved theft deterrent systems if they were not installed at the factory. Conflicts may exist if the two devices are installed in the same vehicle. Therefore, it is IBC's position that a separate remote starter system installed after-market in a vehicle with an IBC-approved theft deterrent system will likely compromise the effectiveness of an IBC-approved theft deterrent system. IBC strongly urges vehicle manufacturers and distributors and installers of after-market systems to make their customers aware of this fact.
Should a customer wish to have an IBC-approved theft deterrent system installed in his or her vehicle along with a (new or pre-existing) remote starter, installers should make every effort to integrate the two systems with as little compromise to the immobilizer as possible. Installers must ensure that the presence of a remote starter in no way jeopardizes the functionality of the IBC-approved immobilization system.
Will the warranty on my new vehicle be affected if I have an IBC-approved theft deterrent system installed?
Generally, vehicle manufacturers reserve the right to deny warranty in instances where it can be proven that the vehicle fault is directly attributable to the installation of any type of after-market equipment, not only IBC-approved theft deterrent systems.
Can an IBC-approved immobilizer prevent auto theft?
While no system can guarantee to prevent auto theft (i.e., keys can be used to steal a vehicle, or the vehicle can be towed away), an IBC-approved immobilizer is your best defense against the drive-away theft of your vehicle.
Does IBC recognize theft deterrent systems for other kinds of vehicles?
No. ULC-S338 was developed to address the problem of theft of passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada. Due to the differences in technology and theft techniques, other kinds of vehicles (such as RVs, snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, boats and construction equipment) are outside the scope of ULC-S338. IBC presently has no plans to broaden the scope, or to develop a new standard for recreational vehicles.
Why are immobilizers the only devices covered by ULC-S338?
After extensive research, IBC determined that electronic engine immobilizers are the most effective means of automobile theft deterrence. Other car security devices such as steering wheel locks, alarms, tracking systems and parts marking, combined with an immobilizer provide additional layers of protection, but an engine immobilizer should always be considered the minimum level of security at the core of any vehicle theft deterrent system.
Does ULC-S338 apply to manufacturer-installed systems or after-market systems?
ULC-S338 applies to both manufacturer-installed systems, installed in new cars, and after-market systems intended for installation in older vehicles or new vehicles that don’t have an approved manufacturer-installed system as standard equipment.
Manufacturers may self-certify that their system meets ULC-S338 and that they will comply with the performance testing, subject to audit by IBC.
| 
