Canada bans 'Flipper Zero' devices amid rising car thefts
You've probably heard the news: Canada has banned the sale and use of Flipper Zero devices, which can hack into any car's keyless entry system and unlock it in seconds. These devices have been linked to a surge in car thefts across the country, especially in urban areas.
But what does this mean for you as a car owner? Are you safe now that the government has taken action? Or do you still need to worry about your car being stolen by tech-savvy criminals?
The truth is, you can't rely on the ban alone to protect your car. Flipper Zero devices are still widely available online, and there's no guarantee that the authorities will be able to track down and confiscate all of them. Plus, there are other ways that thieves can break into your car, such as using a relay attack, a jammer, or a cloned key.
That's why you need to take proactive steps to secure your car and prevent it from being an easy target. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will also save you money on your insurance premiums, as most insurers offer discounts for anti-theft devices and features.
In this post, we'll show you how to protect your car from Flipper Zero thieves and other types of car hackers, using simple and affordable solutions from Stress Free Electrical. We'll also share some tips on how to choose the best insurance policy for your car, and how to file a claim if your car is ever stolen.
What is Flipper Zero and How Does It Work?
Flipper Zero is a small gadget that looks like a toy dolphin, but it's a powerful hacking tool. It can emulate any radio frequency signal, such as the one used by your car's key fob, and send it to your car's receiver. This tricks your car into thinking you're nearby and unlocks the doors.
Flipper Zero can also scan and clone any RFID tag, such as the one in your credit card, passport, or hotel room key. This means that it can steal your personal and financial information, and access places that require security clearance.
Flipper Zero was created as a hobby project by a Russian developer, who launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in 2020. The campaign was a huge success, raising over $4 million from more than 37,000 backers. However, it also attracted the attention of criminals, who saw the potential of using Flipper Zero to steal cars and other valuables.
Since then, Flipper Zero devices have been sold on various websites and platforms, such as eBay, Amazon, and AliExpress, for prices ranging from $100 to $300. Some sellers even offer tutorials and guides on how to use Flipper Zero to hack into cars and other devices.
How to Protect Your Car from Flipper Zero Thieves
The good news is, that you don't have to spend a fortune to protect your car from Flipper Zero thieves. There are several simple and effective ways to prevent your car from being hacked, such as:
- Using a Faraday pouch or box for your key fob. A Faraday pouch or box is a metal-lined container that blocks any radio frequency signals from reaching your key fob. This prevents Flipper Zero from picking up and copying your key fob's signal, and unlocking your car. You can buy a Faraday pouch or box for as low as $10, and keep it in your pocket, purse, or home.
- Installing a steering wheel lock or a brake pedal lock. A steering wheel lock or a brake pedal lock is a mechanical device that attaches to your steering wheel or brake pedal and prevents your car from being driven away. Even if Flipper Zero manages to unlock your car, it won't be able to start the engine or move the car. You can buy a steering wheel lock or a brake pedal lock for as low as $20, and install it in minutes.
- Installing a GPS tracker or a dash cam. A GPS tracker or a dash cam is an electronic device that records the location and movement of your car and sends it to your smartphone or computer. This helps you track and recover your car if it's ever stolen, and provides evidence for the police and your insurance company. You can buy a GPS tracker or a dash cam on Amazon for as low as $50, and install it in minutes.
By using these simple and affordable solutions, you can protect your car from Flipper Zero thieves and other types of car hackers, and enjoy a stress-free driving experience.
How to Save Money on Your Insurance with Anti-Theft Devices and Features
Another benefit of protecting your car from Flipper Zero thieves and other types of car hackers is that you can save money on your insurance premiums. Most insurers offer discounts for anti-theft devices and features, such as:
- Faraday pouches or boxes. Some insurers offer up to 10% off your comprehensive coverage if you use a Faraday pouch or box for your key fob.
- Steering wheel locks or brake pedal locks. Some insurers offer up to 15% off your comprehensive coverage if you use a steering wheel lock or a brake pedal lock for your car.
- GPS trackers or dash cams. Some insurers offer up to 20% off your comprehensive coverage if you use a GPS tracker or a dash cam for your car.
To get these discounts, you need to provide proof of purchase and installation of the anti-theft devices and features to your insurer.Â
You can also compare different insurance policies and rates from various providers, and choose the one that offers the best coverage and value for your car. You can use online tools and platforms, such as [InsuranceHotline.com](https://www.insurancehotline.com/), [Ratehub.ca](https://www.ratehub.ca/), or [LowestRates.ca](https://www.lowestrates.ca/), to find and compare the best insurance deals for your car.
How to File a Claim if Your Car is Ever Stolen
In the unlikely event that your car is ever stolen, despite using the anti-theft devices and features you need to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Report the theft to the police. Call 911 or your local police station, and provide them with the details of your car, such as the make, model, colour, license plate number, and VIN. You also need to provide them with the details of the theft, such as the incident's time, place, and circumstances. The police will give you a file number or a case number, which you need to keep for your insurance claim.
- Report the theft to your insurer. Call your insurance company or your broker, and provide them with the same details of your car and the theft, as well as the police file number or case number. You also need to provide them with the details of your insurance policy, such as the policy number, coverage, and the deductible. Your insurer will assign you a claims adjuster, who will handle your claim and guide you through the process.
- Submit the required documents and evidence. Your insurer will ask you to submit some documents and evidence to support your claim, such as:
    - A copy of your driver's license and registration
    - A copy of your insurance policy and proof of payment
    - A copy of the receipt and certificate for the anti-theft devices and features you used
    - A copy of the GPS tracker or dash cam data, if available
    - A list of the items that were in your car at the time of the theft, such as personal belongings, valuables, or tools
    - Any other documents or evidence that your insurer may request
You need to submit these documents and evidence as soon as possible and keep copies for your records.
- Wait for the outcome of your claim. Your insurer will investigate your claim and determine the outcome, based on the documents and evidence you submitted, and the terms and conditions of your policy. Your insurer will either:
    - Pay you the actual cash value of your car, minus the deductible, if your car is not recovered within a certain period (usually 30 days)
    - Pay you the cost of repairing your car, minus the deductible, if your car is recovered but damaged
    - Pay you nothing, if your car is recovered and undamaged, or if your claim is denied for any reason
    Your insurer will notify you of the outcome of your claim, and explain the reasons and calculations behind it.
Conclusion
Flipper Zero devices are a serious threat to your car's security, and you can't rely on the government's ban to protect your car. You need to take proactive steps to secure your car and prevent it from being an easy target for thieves.
By using the simple and easy solutions from Stress Free Electrical, such as Faraday pouches or boxes, steering wheel locks or brake pedal locks, and GPS trackers or dash cams, you can protect your car from Flipper Zero thieves and other types of car hackers, and enjoy a stress-free driving experience.
You can also save money on your insurance premiums, as most do.