Published 3 August 2024
How can I keep my car from being stolen?
2024 saw the theft of more than 60,000 vehicles in the UK. Here are a number of ways to keep your car secure and help protect it against theft…
Lock your car and keep your keys out of reach
It’s easy to forget to lock your car at times, in fact it can happen to anyone. It may sound obvious, but double-checking it’s locked might just stop it from being stolen!
If you use a keyless fob, try not to leave it anywhere near your car. Technology used by thieves makes it possible to unlock a keyless car from just outside your home.
You can get special pouches or boxes for your fob that block the signal and it may even help to keep it tucked away in a drawer.
Any type of key kept near the main doors of your home is a risk, so keep them somewhere safe and don’t make it easy for would-be thieves.
Park in a safe space
If you can park in a garage or a drive, you should. If parking on the road is your only option, try to park in a well-lit area, with other cars and houses around. Check out our handy article for more parking tips.
Security is key
GPS trackers are a great help when it comes to finding stolen cars still on the road. A VHF tracker can even locate cars in underground car parks and can’t be blocked by savvy thieves using technology. For this reason, trackers can also be a great deterrent. You could also look into locking wheel nuts, car immobilisers or steering wheel locks.
Thieves often target specific cars, such as hybrid or electric vehicles. Simple measures like installing a catalytic converter lock or marking it with Smartwater technology could be enough to put thieves off.
And finally, remove your valuables
We’re sure you’ve heard it all before, but you really shouldn’t tempt fate. Keep your valuables, and your vehicle safe by keeping things like wallets, phones and other devices out of the car. If an item has value to you, there’s a good chance it also has value to a thief.
With our Allianz Online Gold cover level, you're covered for up to £300 for personal belongings if they're stolen from your car. Our Allianz Online Silver cover level covers up to £200, with exceptions on certain items. Check your policy for more information.
"It’s vital you keep your car secure at all times. Don’t be tempted to leave it running while it defrosts in winter or you wait for the air-con to kick in on a hot day. Even if you’re only away for a minute or two, that’s all an opportunist thief needs. Worse still, if the car’s left unattended with the keys in the ignition or the engine running, your insurance won’t be valid and your claim will be rejected."
Murad Rangoon – Motor Underwriter
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