How to keep your car safe from theft?
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While security systems are getting smarter, unfortunately so are the criminals targeting them. With a few simple car theft prevention tips, you can help stop thieves from making off in your vehicle, saving you and your wallet a lot of unwanted trouble.
- Always park your car in a private garage, driveway or well-lit street.
- Keep your keys out of sight and away from your car.
- Never leave valuables like your mobile phone, handbag or laptop in your vehicle.
With 129,159 motor vehicle thefts recorded in England and Wales in 2023/24, it’s crucial you take the time to keep your car protected from car thieves. So, here are our top tips on how to keep your car safe.
Some cars are more desirable to thieves than others
Cars come in all shapes and sizes, some are built for style, others for speed, and some just to get you from A to B. Unfortunately, this means some vehicles are easier, or more appealing, to break into. If you’re looking to buy, it’s worth considering the model and make before choosing, as some vehicles are more desirable to thieves than others:
- Poor security systems make for easy access.
- Luxury cars have high value on the black market.
- Keyless vehicles are at risk of being stolen using a method called relay theft.
A keyless vehicle uses a special smart device to automatically unlock the car and start the engine at the press of a button. This might be a convenient process but keyless car thieves use specialised equipment to replicate your key fob’s signal to help them get into your car with ease. If you’re worried about the safety of your car, or you’re in the market for a new one, here are a few steps you could take to keep your car safe:
- Check the security system is up-to-date.
- Google which vehicles are most at risk of theft.
- Keep the car locked at all times, no matter the model or make.
Park responsibly to keep car thieves away
The first line of defence is parking your vehicle out of harm's way. If it’s outside a burglar's sight, it’s likely out of their mind too. Park your car in a garage or in the drive if you can and, if possible, lock the door or gate. The harder it is for a thief to reach your car, the less likely it is to get stolen.
While we don’t all have the luxury of a private parking space or a gated driveway, you should try your best to park under or near a street light where there are plenty of other cars and houses around. Most thieves don't like to be watched or potentially interrupted, so the busier the better.
Keep your car keys safe – protect your car from theft
Keeping your keys in a safe place will help make sure your car isn’t nabbed from right under your nose. Securing your keys by placing them in a location that's not visible or easily accessible will make it more difficult for potential thieves to get their hands on. Avoid leaving your keys in easy-to-reach places, such as:
- Hanging by the front or back door.
- Resting on the kitchen counter.
- Near windows or other entry points.
While these spots are handy, a thief can easily grab your keys if they’re in plain sight. Cars with keyless entry have an added layer of risk, as some thieves now have the tech to unlock a car. That’s why it’s crucial you keep keys away from your home’s entry points. To be extra safe, put them in a signal-blocking Faraday pouch or keep your keys in kitchen drawers.
Don’t tempt car thieves – keep valuables out of sight
- If you lose your car keys.
- If your personal belongings are damaged or stolen.
Check our car insurance page for more information and find out which policy might be right for you.
Use all available security devices to deter car theft
Many vehicles come with security devices and measures to keep the car owner protected from theft. If you don’t use them, you may as well not have them at all! Depending on what your car comes with, it’s worth looking into extra thief protection, such as:
- A set of locking wheel nuts to protect your tyre.
- A steering wheel lock so the wheel can’t be turned without a key.
- A car immobiliser that requires a smart key to start the engine.
Hybrid vehicles are hot property due to their built-in catalytic converters which contain precious metal. They’re not only expensive to replace but are an essential part of the vehicle. If stolen, your car could be completely written off. Consider purchasing a catalytic converter lock to prevent thieves from getting their hands on it.
Fit a tracker to help you find your car if it’s stolen
Even if we put all the barriers possible in place, some thieves will still find a way to get into your car. If you want to be able to recover your pride and joy after it’s stolen, a tracker will help you find out where it is.
GPS trackers can locate a car that’s still on the streets, but VHF tracking technology can even help you find a car that’s hidden in an underground car park or ready to be shipped in a container. What’s more, they can’t be jammed by tech-savvy car thieves, the way traditional GPS trackers can. All insurers will let you know if it’s a requirement of the policy to fit a tracker.
If you want to stay fully protected, comprehensive car insurance is a must but following these car theft tips will help keep you and your car as safe from thieves as possible.
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All content is approved by our in-house advisory board of experts.