Car theft technology finally got a real answer when Ford introduced Start Inhibit, a built-in immobilizer that stops a stolen key from starting your vehicle. Lorraine Sommerfeld from http://Driving.ca lays out why this matters if you've ever wondered whether your car is an easy target.

The stolen car lists everyone panics over aren't telling the full story, and the model at the top isn't always the one most likely to get taken. Insurance companies are slow to reward safer tech, and some are pushing aftermarket retrieval systems onto owners instead of pressuring manufacturers to fix the problem at the source.

The bigger tension underneath all of it: heated seats, GPS, and even basic modules are increasingly locked behind subscriptions and dealer fees, so owning a car doesn't always mean controlling it. Lorraine makes the case for asking harder questions before signing anything.

Topics: car theft, Ford immobilizer, Start Inhibit, insurance rates, vehicle subscriptions

GUEST: Lorraine Sommerfeld | https://driving.ca/column/lorraine/has-ford-finally-solved-car-theft

Originally aired on 2026-07-20

Car theft technology finally got a real answer when Ford introduced Start Inhibit, a built-in immobilizer that stops a stolen key from starting your vehicle. Lorraine Sommerfeld from<a href="http://driving.ca"> http://Driving.ca</a> lays out why this matters if you've ever wondered whether your car is an easy target.
The stolen car lists everyone panics over aren't telling the full story, and the model at the top isn't always the one most likely to get taken. Insurance companies are slow to reward safer tech, and some are pushing aftermarket retrieval systems onto owners instead of pressuring manufacturers to fix the problem at the source.
The bigger tension underneath all of it: heated seats, GPS, and even basic modules are increasingly locked behind subscriptions and dealer fees, so owning a car doesn't always mean controlling it. Lorraine makes the case for asking harder questions before signing anything.
Topics: car theft, Ford immobilizer, Start Inhibit, insurance rates, vehicle subscriptions
GUEST: Lorraine Sommerfeld |<a href="https://driving.ca/column/lorraine/has-ford-finally-solved-car-theft"> https://driving.ca/column/lorraine/has-ford-finally-solved-car-theft</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-20

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.