Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ULC-S338 certified immobilizer?
An approved after-market immobilizer in Canada is one that meets the ULC-S338 standard defined by the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). IBC developed ULC-S338 with a coalition of interested parties including consumers, insurers, law enforcement representatives, vehicle manufacturers and after-market security system suppliers, and the Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada. The coalition researched theft deterrent standards in other parts of the world, including the U.K., Australia and Europe.
The coalition's work culminated in the publication of the National Standard of Canada for Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems: Electronic Immobilization ULC-S338, in May 1998. This standard is recognized by the Standards Council of Canada. The standard applies to vehicle manufacturers as well as after-market system manufacturers. To learn more about the ULC-S338 standard, please visit the IBC web site.
What is the Vehicle Security Installation Bureau?
The Vehicle Security Installation Bureau (VSIB) is the national regulatory and certification body for electronic immobilizer installers and their installations according the the ULC-S338 standard. The VSIB is self-financing and non-profit organization and operates entirely independent of its supporting organizations. The role of the VSIB is to assist in the fight against vehicle theft by implementing the Canadian Standard for Installation of Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems (CAN/ULC ORD S.275.1), which sets out professional standards for the installation of electronic immobilizers that meet the Canadian Standard for Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems: Electronic Immobilization; (CAN/ULC-S.338).
Who can install an approved-aftermarket immobilizer?
Only installation facilities registered with the Vehicle Security Installation Bureau (VSIB) with installers who are trained and registered by the VSIB are legally qualified to install ULC-S338 approved immobilizers. By registering with the VSIB, certified Installation Facilities have agreed to abide by the the Canadian Standard for Installation of Automobile Theft Deterrent Equipment and Systems (CAN/ULC ORD S.275.1).
Will I get a reduction from my insurance company if I have an approved immobilizer installed in my vehicle?
In most cases yes, however each automobile insurance company has it's own policies regarding rate reductions based on the installation of approved immobilizers in vehicles. Many insurance companies support the Insurance Bureau of Canada ULC-S338 standard and we recommend that you inquire with your insurer directly to learn of any possible discounts. If you discover your insurer does provide a discount for having an approved immobilizer installed, please contact us so we can help others.
Does my vehicle need an immobilizer?
As of September 1, 2007, the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations require that all new cars, vans, light trucks and SUVs sold in Canada or imported into Canada be equipped with electronic anti-theft immobilizers meeting a defined Canadian standard. If you are importing a vehicle from the U.S. you will need to check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles to learn how to import your vehicle, how much time you have to make any safety modifications and other important information. You will also need to review U.S. Vehicle Admissibility to assess if the vehicle model you are importing will need a qualified after-market immobilizer installed. If you are a resident of Manitoba, you should contact Manitoba Public Insurance to learn what requirements you have to install an approved immobilizer in your vehicle.