The hidden costs of vehicle theft: More than just a missing car

Key Takeaways:

• The value of a stolen car is only part of the cost of vehicle theft
• Future insurance premiums will be higher
• Stolen cars cause inconvenience and disruption
• The emotional and psychological impact of theft can linger far longer than the practical concerns

 

In the UK, vehicle theft is a pervasive issue that affects tens of thousands of car owners every year.

While the immediate loss of a vehicle is distressing enough, the real impact of vehicle theft extends far beyond the absence of your car.

According to the latest 2024 Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), which interviews a small number of victims face-to-face, several key trends in vehicle theft emerge:

• Weekday vulnerability: Most car thefts (74) occurred during weekdays, with a considerably lower number (26) taking place on weekends.
• Evening/night risk: The highest number of thefts (76) occurred in the evenings or at night. A smaller number were stolen in the afternoons (15), and the fewest (6) in the mornings.
• Location patterns: Driveways and other semi-private areas around homes were the most common locations for theft (43 vehicles). Streets were the second most common location (19 vehicles), while private locked garages saw the fewest thefts (7 vehicles).

Here, we take a closer look into the hidden costs associated with vehicle theft, exploring both the financial and emotional toll it takes on victims.

We also offer practical advice on how to prevent you from being a victim, including the effective protection offered by a Ghost Immobiliser.

 

The financial burden of vehicle theft

The most obvious consequence of vehicle theft is the financial loss but there’s also the inconvenience and hassle involved, such as:

• Replacement costs: For most victims of car theft, the immediate concern is replacing their stolen vehicle. This can be a big financial burden and even with car insurance, the payout may not cover the full replacement cost.
• Insurance premiums: Sadly, after you make a theft claim, many insurance companies will increase your premiums, so you’ll be paying higher costs.
• Extra expenses: Vehicle theft often results in other costs such as paying for alternative transport such as taxis or a hire car.

 

The emotional and psychological impact

Another major issue to consider is the emotional and psychological effects of having your pride and joy stolen which can be profound. These include:

• Stress and anxiety: The loss of a car can be a highly stressful experience. It can disrupt daily routines and create a sense of insecurity.
• Sense of violation: Vehicle theft is a personal violation that can leave victims feeling vulnerable.
• Inconvenience and disruption: The practical consequences of vehicle theft include the disruptions such as commuting to work, shopping and picking up children.

For many people, the impact of theft lingers long after the initial event, as they might struggle with a prolonged sense of anxiety and fear.

 

How to prevent vehicle theft

While no method is foolproof, there are several steps vehicle owners can take to reduce the risk of theft, including:

• Use a steering wheel lock: A physical deterrent like a steering wheel lock can make your vehicle less attractive to thieves
• Install a car alarm: Modern cars will have an alarm fitted by the manufacturer but if your car doesn’t have one then consider fitting a loud alarm to alert you and others to a theft attempt, potentially scaring off the thieves
• Consider a GPS tracker: A vehicle tracker can help police locate your car if it’s stolen. Many modern trackers can be hidden discreetly within the vehicle, making them difficult for thieves to find and disable
• Secure your car keys: Keep your car keys in a safe place, ideally away from doors and windows. For keyless entry systems, consider using a Faraday pouch to block the signal and prevent relay attacks.
• Park in well-lit areas: This makes it easier for thieves to be seen.
• Always remove valuables from your vehicle: Belongings left on show are an easy target.

Updating your car’s software for security updates is also recommended.

 

Why a Ghost Immobiliser is worth considering

Given the sophisticated techniques thieves use today, investing in advanced vehicle security systems is crucial.

A Ghost Immobiliser is a state-of-the-art solution designed to offer enhanced protection against modern theft methods, including key cloning and relay attacks. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Invisible protection: The Ghost Immobiliser is discreetly installed and does not emit any radio frequency signals, making it undetectable to thieves.
• Unique PIN code: It requires the entry of a unique PIN code – which is set by the car’s owner – using existing buttons in the vehicle, such as those on the steering wheel or dashboard, to start the car. This ensures that even if a thief gains access to the car, they cannot drive it away without knowing the code.
• No key cloning: Since a Ghost Immobiliser does not rely on traditional keys or fobs, it effectively eliminates the risk of key cloning.

For many luxury and vintage car owners, knowing that your vehicle is protected by one of the most advanced security systems on the market provides peace of mind.

 

The hidden impact of car theft

The hidden costs of vehicle theft go far beyond the immediate loss of the car itself. The financial burden, higher insurance premiums and emotional distress can have long-lasting effects on victims.

Ultimately, car theft prevention means investing in reliable security measures like a Ghost Immobiliser and being vigilant about your vehicle’s safety can go a long way in ensuring that you don’t become a car crime statistic.