Ontario's Auto Insurers Urge Governments to Close Re-VINning Loopholes

December 12, 2024, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Ontario's auto insurance industry is calling on provincial and federal governments to take urgent action in closing loopholes that enable "re-VINning" - a sophisticated form of auto theft that's costing insurers and consumers millions each year.

Re-VINning involves stealing a vehicle, then replacing its original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with one from a similar, legitimately-owned vehicle. This makes it extremely difficult for law enforcement to identify stolen cars, allowing thieves to resell them or use them in other crimes.

The practice has become increasingly prevalent in Ontario, contributing to the province's alarming auto theft statistics. With a vehicle stolen every 14 minutes and a 78% increase in violent carjackings in Toronto since 2021, the urgency to address this issue is clear.

Key concerns raised by auto insurers include:

• Inadequate penalties for re-VINning offenses
• Lack of resources for specialized auto theft investigation units
• Insufficient cooperation between different levels of government and law enforcement agencies
• Outdated vehicle registration systems vulnerable to fraud

To combat re-VINning and related auto theft schemes, insurers are advocating for several measures:

• Harsher penalties for convicted re-VINners, including longer prison sentences and lifetime driving bans
• Increased funding for dedicated auto theft units within police forces
• Enhanced data sharing between insurers, law enforcement, and government agencies
• Modernization of vehicle registration systems to make fraudulent registrations more difficult
• Public awareness campaigns to educate vehicle owners about theft prevention

The insurance industry argues that closing re-VINning loopholes would not only reduce financial losses but also improve public safety. Many stolen vehicles are used in other crimes or sold to unsuspecting buyers, perpetuating a cycle of criminal activity.

For consumers, the prevalence of re-VINning schemes has several implications:

• Higher insurance premiums to offset industry losses
• Increased risk of unknowingly purchasing a stolen vehicle
• Potential legal complications if found in possession of a re-VINned car

Personal injury lawyers should be aware of re-VINning issues when handling cases involving motor vehicle accidents. If a re-VINned vehicle is involved in a collision, it could complicate insurance claims and liability determinations. Details like this highlight the importance of hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case.

As Ontario considers new legislation to combat auto theft, including strict licence suspensions for convicted thieves, addressing re-VINning loopholes should be a priority. The proposed penalties - including 10-year suspensions for first offenses and lifetime bans for third offenses - could serve as a strong deterrent if applied to re-VINning crimes as well.

Vehicle owners can take steps to protect themselves from re-VINning schemes:

• Regularly check your vehicle's VIN against registration documents
• Be cautious when purchasing used vehicles, especially from private sellers
• Report any suspicions of tampered VINs to law enforcement
• Consider additional anti-theft devices beyond standard manufacturer security features

As the battle against auto theft and re-VINning continues, collaboration between insurers, government agencies, law enforcement, and the public will be crucial. By closing legal loopholes, enhancing penalties, and improving detection methods, Ontario can work towards reducing the impact of these sophisticated theft schemes.

For those affected by auto theft or involved in accidents with potentially re-VINned vehicles, consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential to navigate the complex legal and insurance landscape. As laws and regulations evolve to address these issues, staying informed and protected remains paramount for all Ontario drivers.

If you or a loved one become seriously injured in any collision involving a stolen vehicle contact one of our experienced personal injury lawyers immediately for your free intial consultation! Don't face your situation alone.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.