For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. The CAA Club Group is Canada’s largest automotive association comprised of two clubs, CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba, providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance service and member savings for over 2.3 million members. It also includes the CAA Insurance Company (a national property and casualty insurance company), the Orion Travel Insurance company and Echelon Insurance Company (a specialty insurer).


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Co-presented a breakfast session on regulation of the towing industry in Ontario, including next steps and a call to action for municipalities across Ontario.

The conversation is based on regulations impacting the Highway Traffic Act and Consumer Protection Act that were introduced followed the passing of Bill 15 (Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act) in 2014.

Presentation to the Association of Municipalities Ontario conference (2016)

Presented at the annual CARSP conference in Halifax, focusing on CAA's achievements in adding tow trucks to Ontario's Slow Down, Move Over legislation.  The presentation focused on CAA's position that everyone deserves a safe place to work, including tow truck operators, and highlighting CAA's Heads Up! campaign.

Presentation to Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals Conference (2016)

Participated as an expert panelist in the Regional Municipality of York's public session looking at "Congestion in York Region".

The session included a discussion addressing questions such as: What is congestion? What are the impacts? What has York Region been doing to address it?

Traffic Beyond the 6ix - Expert Panelist

Presented at the 2014 conference entitled ""Transportationfest – A Celebration of Innovation" focusing on CAA's efforts around distracted driving, CAA's campaigns and legislative changes.

Presentation to CITE/Ontario Traffic Council Conference (2014)

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

Public Affairs Association of Canada

Toronto Region Board of Trade - Infrastructure Committee

Vaughan Chamber of Commerce - Government Relations Committee

‘Rolling’ Out the Details on Proposed Marijuana Legalization

3 Ways Bill 31 Changes the Rules of the Road in Ontario

Can Drivers Turn Down the First Tow Truck on Scene?

As Director of Government Relations (Insurance), Elliott Silverstein is responsible for managing and executing advocacy efforts for CAA Insurance across Canada.  Since 2011, Elliott has been actively representing CAA to government and industry stakeholders on issues concerning road safety, consumer protection, insurance reforms, and motorist-related legislation.

Elliott brings a mix of communications, government relations and strategy to CAA's advocacy initiatives. During his career, he has managed several advocacy campaigns resulting in legislative and regulatory changes that benefit Ontarians.  He also serves as a media spokesperson, appearing on television and radio programs across Canada.  

Most recently, Elliott has been CAA’s lead advocate and spokesperson on vehicle theft as well Ontario’s auto reforms.  Through his advocacy and public speaking, Elliott has urged for vehicle security standards to be updated, while providing practical tips for drivers to help reduce the risk of theft.

Government Relations & Public Affairs

Issues Management

Legislation

Policy Analysis

Strategic Advocacy

Stakeholder & Public Engagement

Ontario Politics

Insurance

Travel Industry

English

Elliott Silverstein of CAA Insurance joins Classical Mornings to answer FAQs about Auto Insurance

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

Car dealership employees allegedly sold stolen cars

CAA Insurance announces deep concern over auto theft crisis

New CAA study finds auto theft concerns highest in Toronto and the GTA

How to find the best deal amid rising auto insurance rates

Tips to help travellers avoid air and road trip woes

When Ontario got rid of licence plate stickers, it left a lot of questions. Here are some answers

How to speak to your clients about travel advisories

Travel experts say snowbirds should be cautious with U.S. land border reopening

Talk to your clients about auto insurance myths so they don’t see red

Many Canadians still reluctant to travel: survey

Insurance apps that track your driving could now yield premium increases

Car theft is on the rise in Toronto - here are the neighbourhoods where your car is most at risk and the models most likely to be stolen

CAA Insurance reports significant take-up in pay-as-you-go auto insurance program

CAA on whether COVID-19 auto insurance rebates really paid off

Should Canadian snowbirds head south this winter or stay put? Why one Ontario couple decided to skip the trip to Florida

Planning a Canadian vacation? Some provinces may be off limits. Here's what you need to know

CU Total Loss Series: Bending Time

Prevent potentially deadly wheel separations when driving

Where are the bottlenecks?

Analysis: Are tougher texting-and-driving penalties changing driver habits?

Insurer reveals distracted driving punishment statistics

Are drivers in denial? Only 43 per cent of Ontarians admit to being distracted drivers

Will Ontario’s updated distracted driving laws prompt drivers to finally put down their devices?

How this insurer detects distracted drivers

Making road safety education a priority in Durham Region

How often do people drive while high?

Nearly half of cannabis users say they have driven while impaired

Half of Ontario cannabis users have driven after using the drug, according to new poll

Nearly 2M drivers have driven high on pot in Ont.: CAA

Almost 2 million Ontario drivers have driven under the influence of cannabis: CAA

Pay-as-you-go auto insurance coming to Ontario this summer

Winter tires cut auto insurance claims frequency: CAA

How much should an airline pay for bumping a passenger? Now you can have your say

CAA unveils 'pay as you go' insurance

CAA unveils pay-as-you-go car insurance

CAA Recommends Extra Vigilance When Changing Winter Tires

Time to change your winter tires – but make sure it’s done properly: CAA

Towing Industry and Consumer Rights

York Region Eyes Unprecedented Road Tax Over Five Years

New red light cameras curbing fatal collisions, city says

Toronto man out $800 after he says tow truck driver promised CAA would cover cost

Hamilton's Burlington Street East is 'Ontario's worst road': CAA

The Worst Roads in Ontario

Consumer protection when using a tow truck

Towing issues in the City of Ottawa

Know your rights before your vehicle is towed

Tow truck drivers must now disclose rates in advance, get permission to tow

What to do when you see an accident

Quebec’s Couillard calls on Ottawa to criminalize distracted driving

Distracted driving fatalities doubling impaired driving deaths, OPP says

Progressive conservative leader doug ford has won the ontario election and will lead a majority government as the province’s next premier. 

Doug ford's progressive conservatives win majority in ontario

It’s finally over – and after a long four weeks of campaigning and speculating – voters in Ontario ushered in Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservative government with an overwhelming majority.

So what will this mean for Ontario’s drivers?

There’s a lot to expect and a lot to sort out as the Progressive Conservatives take over after 15 years of Liberal control.  And that’s where the experts from CAA South Central Ontario can help. They can help you with what the priority issues are facing Ontario drivers and just what was promised over the last month of stumping.

Elliott Silverstein is the manager of government relations and the spokesperson for CAA South Central Ontario. He is available to speak to media regarding this topic. Simply click on his icon to make contact.

What will a Doug Ford government mean for drivers in Ontario?

Caa south central ontario is a trusted member-driven organization that delivers quality automotive, insurance, travel, and advocacy services providing peace of mind,	safety and value. canadian auto...

  	school zone safety | advocacy - caa south central ontario  

According to an Ipsos survey conducted for CAA SCO in 2017 with 1000 Ontario parents of school-aged children (kindergarten - grade 8), about two in five (41%) parents have witnessed or experienced an incident in a school zone, and almost one-third of parents (31%) consider  road safety conditions in their child’s school zone to be unsafe.

“School zone safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we are encouraging anyone travelling through school zones this year to prioritize patience and to show extra care,” said Elliott Silverstein, manager, government relations, CAA SCO. “High traffic periods before and after school can lead to dangerous driving behaviour and avoidable tragedies.” 

Tips for walking your kids to school:

•	Gadgets can be distracting, put them in backpacks or leave them at home
•	Decide on a route to school together
•	Point out crosswalks, stop signs and the homes of family friends along the way
•	Stay alert when walking and crossing the street
•	Buddy up with a sibling or friend for a safer and more fun way to walk to school

Tips for driving your kids to school:

•	Look out for the community safety zone signs and obey speed limits
•	Drivers must wait until pedestrians and crossing guards are safely on the sidewalk before driving through
•	Don’t drop off or pick up your kids on the opposite side of the street
•	Keep an eye out for children darting out from between parked cars

How to share the road with school buses:

•	Drivers in all directions must stop when they see red lights flashing on a school bus. The only exception are  roads separated with a median
•	Drivers must stop at least 20 metres behind the bus
•	Not stopping for a school bus will result in a fine of up to $2000 and six demerit points

Safety in high traffic school zones starts with reducing dangerous driving behaviour 

A CAA commissioned Ipsos study shows that there are valid concerns about road safety and cannabis-impaired driving.

new research shows that 1.9 million ontario motorists have driven under the influence of cannabis

With the legalization of cannabis less than two weeks away, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is releasing new research showing that 1.9 million Ontario motorists have driven under the influence of cannabis, and over 735,000 have done so in the last three months. 

The statistically representative study, commissioned by CAA and conducted by Ipsos in July 2018, surveyed 1000 Ontarians over the age of 19 who own, lease or drive a vehicle and have a valid driver’s license.

One of the big issues uncovered is the prevalence of ‘poly-users’, people who consume cannabis and alcohol or other mixed substances during the same time period. CAA’s research shows that 205,800 Ontario drivers admit to drinking alcohol and using cannabis before getting behind the wheel in the last 3 months.

Those who have driven a car under the influence of cannabis and alcohol, tended to do so in social settings such as gatherings with family and friends and at bars/clubs/pubs.
“Road safety needs to be prioritized as a leading issue as cannabis becomes legal in the coming weeks, but it’s clear that the focus can’t solely be on cannabis-impaired driving,” said Elliott Silverstein, manager, government relations, CAA SCO. “We need to take an integrated view of the dangerous behaviours that impact road safety in Ontario and focus public education and enforcement efforts accordingly.”

New research shows that 1.9 million Ontario motorists have driven under the influence of cannabis

Elliott Silverstein - Bio Photo

Elliott Silverstein, CAA Insurance Company (left) Ian Jack, CAA National ( right) at the National Auto Theft Summit 

media-release-caa-insurance-company-addresses-escalating-auto-theft-crisis-across-canada

Director, Government Relations, Insurance

  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. 


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

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%

 

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

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.

 

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

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