Protection begins with preparation. While this doesn’t guarantee your car or its parts won’t get stolen, it might help your claim and lower the chances of it happening in the first place.
Car theft prevention tips
Here’s our tips on how to keep your car safe.
Check your car isn’t stolen
If you’re buying a second-hand car from a stranger or unauthorised seller, you need to make sure it’s not stolen.
Check if the V5 (V5C) logbook has a ‘DVL’ watermark and that the serial number is not between:
- BG8229501 to BG9999030
- BI2305501 to BI2800000
They may have offered you a stolen car if either of the above is true! You can verify this with a HPI check.
You can also check if the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the V5C is the same as on the vehicle.
Use modern security devices
Car alarms, immobilisers, tracking and security devices all help to keep your car safe.
Not only can they help deter thieves, but they can also help to recover your car.
Remember to make it clear your car is secure. Locks for the steering wheel, pedals or gearstick should be visible from outside, as thieves are less likely to try their luck if your security features are obvious.
Also, if your insurer knows you’re taking security seriously, you’ll naturally have less risk and could potentially reduce your premium.
Park in bright, busy areas
Thieves are stealing more cars in daylight, for instance when the owner is away at work or shopping.
Cars that are out of the way are easier to hide behind and break into. When you’re out, park in well-lit, public parking spaces near other cars.
Thieves will avoid your car as they’re more likely to run into someone.
Also, be picky with your car parks. Look for good security, CCTV and some foot traffic.
Protect against keyless car theft
Thieves use keyless car theft (relay theft) to steal keyless cars. Usually, two thieves work together.
One stands near your home, where your keys are, while the other stands near your car.
The thief near the door can pick up your car key’s signal, which is then ‘relayed’ to the thief near the vehicle, who can unlock the doors.
The easiest way to avoid this is to keep your keys away from your front door. Read our in-depth guide on how to protect your car against relay theft.
Keep your keys in a safe spot
If you can’t keep your keys near the front door, where should you store them?
The kitchen is a good alternative if it’s away from your front door and car.
Don’t keep them in your bedroom, as this can put you and your family in danger if a determined thief comes looking for them.
Don’t leave your car running in winter
Lots of drivers switch their engines on in the winter to warm their cars while they get ready for work.
While it might seem like a quick fix, driving your car warms up your engine faster than idling. Plus, you don’t risk letting thieves in either.
If someone steals your car while it was unattended with the keys in, insurers could refuse your claim.
Don’t keep documentation in the car
Your car documents, especially your V5C, need to be safe. If a thief has them, it's easier for them to sell your car or commit identity fraud in the future.
Keep all official documents in a safe place at home.
Double-check your locks
Double-checking your motor’s locks should be second nature, but many people just rely on key fobs.
Thieves can jam the signal from an electric key, meaning it’ll make the sound that it’s locked, but one or more doors will be left open.
Instead, check your doors and boot are locked before you leave your car.
Keep valuables out of sight
A thief is more likely to steal your car or smash a window if they can see valuables in plain sight.
If you have to leave possessions in the car, hide things in the boot or glovebox.
If you drive a van, try not to store your tools and equipment in it, especially overnight.
A thief might try their luck if they know you keep expensive equipment in there.
How do thieves mark cars to steal?
Sometimes, thieves will mark cars before stealing them.
Thieves will usually mark your car in two ways:
- using a marker pen
- pushing in wing mirrors
If you notice your car is marked, look around before opening it. If you feel unsafe or someone is acting suspicious, call the police.
For wing mirrors, thieves will wait for you to unlock and get in the car first. If you notice the wing mirror and open your door or window, they’ll try to force entry.
Before you get in your car, check your car for marks and if your wing mirrors are in, re-adjust them.
Call the police if you ever feel unsafe.
Does car insurance cover car theft?
It depends on your type of insurance and the circumstances of the theft. Your insurance covers you if your car’s stolen, broken into or damaged during an attempted theft.
But you must prove you’ve taken reasonable action. Your insurer may decline your claim if you haven't taken reasonable care – for instance, leaving your key in the car with it unlocked.
Your cover level matters too. For example, car thefts aren’t covered under third-party only insurance. Check your policy book to see what’s covered, along with any limits or exclusions.
Be honest with your provider. If you say that your car is parked in a garage, but it’s actually in your driveway, this can impact your claim.
Where and when cars are most likely to be stolen
Cars are mostly stolen from the driveway, shortly followed by the street. Garages are typically the safest places to park your car.
We also analysed 2024 theft data to see when most thefts happened:
- Tuesday and Wednesday are the busiest days of the week for thefts – with lots less reported on the weekends, probably as more people are likely to be at home and keeping an eye on their cars.
- October was when we saw the most thefts – compared with December where we saw the least.
- And unsurprisingly, most of the thefts happened in the middle of the night – between 10pm and 3am, when most people are asleep.
No matter the day or time, it’s important to practice safety wherever and whenever you drive.
Read our guide on what to do if your car’s stolen.
