Layered security protects your luxury car

Key takeaways:

• Luxury cars require more than factory security.

• Layered security combines multiple defences.

• Insurance demands proof of protection.

• Thieves are getting smarter, so should you.

Owning a luxury car, whether it’s a sleek Range Rover, a powerful BMW M or an exotic Ferrari, is a statement of success and passion. However, these high-end vehicles are prime targets for sophisticated thieves, requiring owners to go beyond factory security to protect their investments.

A layered security approach, combining advanced immobilisers, tracking systems and physical deterrents, is essential to safeguard your pride and joy.

Luxury cars = big targets

High-end vehicles are magnets for organised criminal gangs due to their high resale value and demand for parts, often for quick export abroad.

Models like Range Rovers, Mercedes AMGs and other performance cars are particularly vulnerable.

While the humble Ford Fiesta is the UK’s most stolen vehicle, when viewed proportionately, some luxury models have theft rates several times higher than average vehicles.

This has led some insurers to deem models like the Range Rover nearly uninsurable without stringent security measures, with owners facing sky-high premiums or strict conditions like mandatory trackers.

The message from vehicle insurers is clear: standard security isn’t enough for these high-value targets.

Advanced theft techniques threaten high-end cars

Professional thieves use cutting-edge methods to bypass factory security.

Relay attacks, for example, exploit keyless entry systems by amplifying the signal from your key fob so they can unlock and start your car without triggering alarms.

Other tactics include key cloning by hacking the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port or even lifting vehicles onto flatbed lorries to evade immobilisers.

Some thieves jam GPS signals to disable trackers.

While luxury cars often come with robust factory systems, these are increasingly outsmarted, necessitating additional layers to counter specific threats.

Layer 1: Immobiliser (Ghost Immobiliser)

A cornerstone of layered security is an advanced aftermarket immobiliser like the Ghost II Immobiliser.

The Autowatch Ghost II requires a secret PIN entered via the car’s buttons, usually those on the steering wheel or dashboard, before the engine can start.

With no radio frequency signature, it’s invisible to relay attacks or key cloning attempts.

Even if thieves unlock your car, they can’t drive it away.

This device is gaining traction among luxury car owners as a proven defence against hackers targeting factory systems, offering peace of mind for high-end vehicles.

Layer 2: Tracking system (S5 tracker)

A Thatcham-approved S5 tracker is another critical layer for luxury car owners to consider.

These GPS trackers feature Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR), where a small ID fob must be present; if the car moves without it, the 24/7 monitoring centre is alerted instantly.

Many S5 trackers also offer remote immobilisation, which requires police approval to be activated, allowing authorities to stop the car safely if stolen.

Insurers often mandate S5 trackers for vehicles valued over £50,000, as they significantly increase recovery chances in cases of burglary or carjacking.

This layer ensures that even if thieves bypass other protections, your car can still be located swiftly.

Layer 3: Upgraded alarm & physical deterrents

Factory-fitted alarms on luxury cars are of good quality, but they can be enhanced.

Adding a tilt sensor, for instance, detects if the car is lifted or towed, triggering a siren.

Upgraded motion sensors can also improve detection of tampering.

Physical deterrents like steering wheel locks or wheel clamps remain surprisingly effective, even on a Ferrari, as they create a visible obstacle that may deter opportunistic thieves.

Don’t overlook securing spare keys since thieves often target homes of luxury car owners.

Storing keys in a home safe adds another layer, complementing high-tech solutions like those offered by Ghost Installations’ alarm upgrades.

Insurance implications for luxury cars

Insurers are becoming increasingly strict with high-end vehicles, often requiring proof of a Thatcham-approved tracker or immobiliser before granting insurance cover.

Without these, you risk no payout if your car is stolen.

Installing a Ghost II Immobiliser and an S5 tracker can also lower premiums or your excess, as they reduce the insurer’s risk.

Heritage Insurance found that some Range Rover owners faced premiums of more than £14,000 annually but adding required security devices made coverage more affordable and accessible, demonstrating the financial benefits of layered security.

Real-world example of layered security

Picture this: a thief targets your high-end car at night.

They use a relay attack to unlock it silently.

However, the Ghost II Immobiliser prevents the engine from starting without the PIN.

Frustrated, they attempt to tow the car, but a tilt sensor triggers a blaring alarm, and the S5 tracker alerts the monitoring centre that the car is moving without the ADR fob.

Within minutes, police are notified, and the thief, spooked by the noise and aware of the tracker, abandons the attempt.

This scenario shows how layered security creates a formidable barrier no single device could achieve alone.

Extra tips for luxury vehicles

Beyond immobilisers, trackers and alarms, luxury car owners searching for security advice should consider these steps:

• Locked garage: Store your car in a secure garage with a home alarm and CCTV
• Faraday pouch: Use a Faraday pouch for keys to block relay attacks – they are cheap to buy from stores like Halfords
• Multiple trackers: Some owners install a second, deeply hidden tracker as a backup against GPS jammers
• Specialist recovery services: Subscribe to services that boost recovery efforts.
  These measures reinforce the ‘you can’t be too careful’ mindset for a six-figure vehicle, ensuring maximum protection.

Security for luxury cars

High-end vehicles demand high-end security.

Standard measures that suffice for average cars fall short for luxury models targeted by professional thieves.

Fortunately, a layered approach, such as combining a Ghost II Immobiliser, a Thatcham-approved S5 tracker and enhanced alarms or physical deterrents, will help tilt the odds heavily in your favour.

The cost of these measures pales in comparison to the financial and emotional toll of losing your prized vehicle.

Contact Ghost Installations to design a tailored layered security package, ensuring your luxury car remains safe and secure.