Elliott Silverstein

Director, Government Relations, Insurance CAA Club Group

  • Thornhill ON

Elliott manages and executes key elements of CAA’s provincial advocacy role, and overseeing municipal advocacy efforts.

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Spotlight

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Insurance Company Addresses Escalating Auto Theft Crisis Across Canada

CAA Insurance Company is deeply concerned with the auto theft crisis unfolding across Canada. According to industry experts, in 2022, auto theft exceeded $1.2 billion in claims, a number that is only expected to rise if things do not change quickly. “Consumers are at a tipping point, and they will soon feel the tangible effects of the auto theft crisis,” says Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations CAA Insurance. “If the rate of vehicle theft does not decrease, it will lead to an increase in auto-related costs that could become unbearable for drivers in Ontario, many of whom are already struggling with affordability.” Current Impact on Consumers The ongoing shortage of microchips and vehicle availability is intensifying the situation, making vehicle rentals and replacements both time-consuming and costly for consumers, with wait times for new vehicles sometimes exceeding a year. With interest rates remaining high, the cost of purchasing or leasing a new vehicle will further burden consumers. However, what is most troubling is that as consumers take necessary precautions, thieves are exploring other more aggressive ways to steal cars, which include home invasions. "Getting your car stolen will not only disrupt your daily life but there is also considerable emotional distress it takes on your life as well. We believe the surge in auto theft cases demands a united front," adds Silverstein. Call to Action CAA Insurance believes everyone has a role to play in combatting auto theft and is urging stakeholders – including government, insurers, and vehicle manufacturers – to collaborate and develop a plan to combat this issue. “The impacts of auto theft are significant. For the insurance industry, it is the equivalent of addressing a year-round catastrophic incident (like a flood or tornado) with no visible end in sight,” adds Silverstein. Technology advancements have far surpassed vehicle standards, which haven’t been updated since 2007 in Canada, making it more difficult to reinforce technology-based solutions like immobilizers and mandate their inclusion in new vehicles. Preventive Measures and Tips for Consumers However, our data shows that consumers can make simple adjustments to safeguard their vehicles. To help mitigate the risk of vehicle theft, CAA Insurance recommends the following preventive measures for consumers: Secure your parked vehicle with a steering-wheel lock, brake pedal lock, or wheel lock, such as “The Club” to secure your parked vehicle. Secure your car key fob by storing it in a Faraday box or pouch to prevent signal hacking. Consider a professionally installed after-market immobilizer. Lock your doors (both car and home) and park your vehicle inside if you have a garage. If you own more than one vehicle, it's recommended to park the less valuable one nearer to the street. Install motion sensors and a camera on your driveway to capture any activity. Cover the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) so it's not visible on the dashboard. Store a GPS tracker (ex, Air Tag) to track your vehicle should it be stolen. Ensure items are out of sight, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Always avoid leaving your vehicle unattended while it is running. CAA Insurance urges individuals to report any suspicious activity to police and avoid confrontations with thieves.

Elliott Silverstein

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Insurance Company Survey Reveals Ontarians Increasingly Concerned with the Rise in Auto Theft

A recent survey conducted on behalf of CAA Insurance Company has found that a growing number of Ontarians have significant concerns about vehicle theft. The findings indicate that almost half of respondents (47 per cent) are very concerned about auto theft. That number increases to 57 per cent for those living in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In contrast, those who live in either Northern (14 per cent) or Southwestern Ontario (10 per cent) were less worried about auto theft. "As an organization, we are deeply concerned about the rising trend of auto theft in Ontario and across the country. The survey results highlight the urgency of taking comprehensive action to protect our communities," says Elliott Silverstein, director of government relations CAA Insurance Company. Many Ontarians have a false sense of security. While many of those surveyed are concerned about the increase in vehicle theft, far fewer (30 per cent) are worried that their vehicle is at risk of getting stolen. This discrepancy suggests that many Ontarians may have a false sense of security when trusting that their cars are not at risk of being stolen. In most cases, basic auto theft prevention does not go far enough. According to the Solicitor General of Ontario, a car is stolen every 48 minutes. From 2014 to 2021, there was a 72 per cent increase in auto theft across the province, with a 14 per cent increase in the last year alone. While many people are diligent about locking their doors, basic auto theft prevention does not go far enough. Eighty-two per cent of drivers are ensuring their vehicle is always locked. Seventy-seven per cent of drivers ensure valuables are out of sight. Nearly 50 per cent of drivers park their cars in locked garages. Six per cent of drivers use a steering wheel lock, and only 8 per cent use a Faraday box to block the transmission of RFID signals. "Auto theft can happen to anyone, and drivers need to do more than just lock their doors to make their vehicle difficult to steal. We are urging Ontarians to take additional preventive measures to safeguard their vehicles, making them less appealing targets for thieves," adds Silverstein. Tips that can help deter vehicle theft As car-related thefts in Ontario have risen dramatically. Here are tips that can help deter vehicle theft: Secure your parked vehicle with an anti-theft deterrent such as a steering wheel lock, brake pedal lock or wheel & tire lock device like "The Club" Store your key fob in a Faraday box/pouch to block its signal from being hacked Lock your doors, and if you have a garage, park your vehicle inside If you have multiple vehicles, park the less expensive one closest to the street Install motion sensors on your driveway and a camera to capture any activity Cover the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) so that it’s not visible on the dashboard Store an Air Tag in your vehicle to track your vehicle should it be stolen Ensure items are out of sight, and do not leave valuables in your vehicle at all Never leave your vehicle running Share any suspicious activity with law enforcement CAA Insurance believes that to combat auto theft properly; it will require collaboration with the government, insurers, vehicle manufacturers, and others, including Canada Border Services Agency.  About This Survey The survey conducted for CAA Insurance Company is a representative sample of 2,000 Ontarians balanced and weighted on age, gender, and region. Comparative margin of error = +/-3.1%

Elliott Silverstein

2 min

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Insurance Launches the CAA Head Start Discount™, Helping Young Drivers Save on Insurance Costs

CAA Insurance Company is excited to announce the launch of the CAA Head Start Discount™, a program designed to help young drivers save on their insurance costs. The discount is available to the children or dependents of CAA Insurance auto policyholders in good standing. Effective April 15 for new business and June 15 for renewals, the CAA Head Start Discount offers 25 per cent savings to youth in Ontario under the age of 25 with a clean driving record. This discount is part of CAA Insurance's commitment to innovation and offering the best possible options to its customers. "We are proud to be the first company to bring 25 per cent savings to market for young drivers in good standing," says Matthew Turack, group president CAA Insurance. "This new discount is another way that we can help Ontario families save money." CAA Insurance has always made decisions with the best interests of its customers in mind. When designing programs, products, or initiatives, CAA Insurance makes data-driven decisions by polling both policyholders and the public and by asking ourselves the question, "What would a customer like and benefit from?" This question helps the company stay modern and relevant. "We are confident that continuing to innovate and offer savings and programs that cater to the lifestyles of our customers is a strong business decision," says Turack. "The CAA Head Start Discount gives CAA Insurance the ability to be responsive to the needs of our customers and to ensure that we are there for them in every stage of life." Parents or legal guardians of safe drivers who are CAA Insurance policyholders in Ontario can talk to an agent or broker to see if their children or dependents are eligible for the discount.

Elliott Silverstein
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Biography

Elliott Silverstein is Manager of Government Relations at CAA South Central Ontario. He is responsible for managing and executing key elements of CAA’s provincial advocacy efforts, along with overseeing municipal advocacy efforts. Elliott is actively representing Ontario’s 2.3 million CAA Members to municipal and provincial governments on issues concerning personal mobility, road safety, consumer protection, and motorist-related legislation.

Elliott brings a mix of communications, advocacy and strategy to CAA's advocacy initiatives. He has managed several provincial advocacy campaigns in Ontario with many resulting in legislative and regulatory changes that benefit Ontarians every day. These efforts include advocating for dedicated funding for infrastructure, regulation of the towing industry, changes to Ontario's distracted driving laws, amendments to the Highway Traffic Act, and the inclusion of the towing industry in Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over legislation to help protect roadside assistance workers.

Industry Expertise

Government Relations
Public Relations and Communications
Insurance
Automotive
Travel and Tourism

Areas of Expertise

Government Relations & Public Affairs
Issues Management
Legislation
Policy Analysis
Strategic Advocacy
Stakeholder & Public Engagement
Ontario Politics
Insurance
Travel Industry

Education

York University/Ryerson University

M.A.

Communications and Culture

2002

Joint Graduate Programme in Communication and Culture
Specialization in Politics and Policy

York University

B.A.

Politics and Communications

2000

Media Appearances

Canadian cars lack anti-theft features found on the same models in the U.K.

Cottage Life  online

2024-11-06

CAA has advocated for years to update standards, as Canada’s anti-theft legislation hasn’t been reviewed since 2007.

“The biggest concern is time. Whenever there’s a manufacturing change, the question becomes, ‘What do we do now?’” says Elliott Silverstein, Director, Government Relations for CAA Insurance.

Elliott notes that it’s urgent because legislation takes time and because of manufacturing new cars or adding retroactive technology.

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Car dealership employees allegedly sold stolen cars

Global News  tv

2024-11-06

Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations for CAA Insurance, was interviewed about the latest auto theft scheme: fraudulently selling stolen motor vehicles at car dealerships.

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CAA Insurance announces deep concern over auto theft crisis

Canadian Auto Dealer  online

2024-01-31

CAA Insurance Company released a new statement on Jan. 30 announcing that they are deeply concerned with the auto theft crisis spreading across Canada.

“If the rate of vehicle theft does not decrease, it will lead to an increase in auto-related costs that could become unbearable for drivers in Ontario, many of whom are already struggling with affordability,” said Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations for CAA Insurance, in the statement.

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