Vehicle crime is a major issue that affects thousands of people each year. According to the DVLA, just over 61,000 vehicles were reported stolen in 2024. This is the 3rd highest figure in the past decade and more than twice the number of vehicles stolen in 2015.
The good news is that there are some simple measures you can take if you’re wondering how to protect your car from theft:
- Steering wheel locks are just a simple extra hassle that will cause delay and so risk being caught.
- Keep your key in a secure place away from the front door and in a metal box or Faraday Pouch if your vehicle has keyless entry. This blocks the signal if the thieves are using the relay method.
- Pick well-lit areas when parking with security cameras if possible. Don’t leave any valuables on display as theft from vehicles is just as prolific as theft of the entire vehicle.
Over the past 15 years, car manufacturers have developed keyless car entry for the majority of their new vehicles, intending to make everyone’s lives easier. But this convenience has come at a price.
Thieves now use relay attacks to bypass the security of keyless systems, to gain entry and drive away. However, there are steps you can take to prevent thieves from succeeding, some of which can affect premiums.
In recent years, Range Rovers have become prime targets for thieves. Some insurers already refuse to cover them or provide eyewatering quotes to make it worth their while. (See our previous article on this, here). Some annual premiums have tripled if not quadrupled in recent years.
But it’s not just Range Rover premiums that have been affected. The increasingly high theft rate means insurers are paying out more than they anticipated based on the premiums they issued. Hence, premiums are affected across the board.
But here comes the good news, if you’re wondering how to protect your car from theft, there are a number of additional security features that can be retrofitted to discourage theft or assist in retrieval. Further good news is that many insurers also take into account anti-theft measures when calculating premiums:
- Aftermarket Immobiliser: GHOST and NoGo are the most popular. A sequence of actions must be correctly input before the vehicle can be driven away.
- Thatcham S7 Tracking Device: This device uses GPS and GSM to monitor the current position of your vehicle and will alert you if the battery has been disconnected or your vehicle moves.
- Thatched S5 Tracking Device: This device has all the features of the S7 along with Automatic Driver Recognition System. A Driver Detection card, size of a credit card, protects you against key theft, cloning and unauthorised keyless entry (such as relay attack). If the tracker does not detect the card within the vehicle when it is started, the 24/7 monitoring station will call the customer to ensure the vehicle isn’t in an attempted theft.
- Thatcham S5+ Deadlock: This tracking system is the highest category tracker in the market now. With all the features of the S7 and S5 along with a built engine immobiliser. The vehicle will not start without the tag present. With the use of a phone app, the vehicle can be blocked from starting if the keys are stolen along with the tag.
With high-value supercars, insurers will almost certainly require an immobiliser and an S5 ADR (automatic driver recognition) tracking device to be fitted. This could incur costly subscription and fitting fees, although the Meta Trak Deadlock Pro addresses both requirements.
The MetaTrak Deadlock Pro is an advanced vehicle security system that offers many benefits:
Enhanced Security with Immobilization
Advanced Deadlock Mechanism: The system includes a deadlock feature, meaning the vehicle cannot be started or moved without correct authorization, even if thieves have the keys or attempt to use hacking tools.
Engine Immobilization: Cuts off key systems in the vehicle, such as the fuel supply or starter motor.
Tracking Capabilities
GPS Tracking: It allows real-time GPS tracking of your vehicle through a smartphone app. This feature provides constant updates on the location of your car and can be crucial in recovering it.
Geofencing: Specific geographical boundaries can be set up, and the owner notifiedif the vehicle leaves those areas.
Driver Recognition and Control
Driver Identification: The system often comes with driver recognition tags. If the vehicle is started without recognizing the correct driver, alerts are sent or the car is immobilised.
Remote Access: Through the MetaTrak app, users can remotely lock or unlock the vehicle, check its status, and control certain security features from a distance.
Alerts and Notifications
Instant Alerts: Users receive immediate notifications if suspicious activities occur, such as tampering with the vehicle, attempting to start it without authorization, or the vehicle being towed.
Battery Tamper Detection: The system detects if someone tries to disable it by tampering with the car’s battery and can alert the owner in real time.
Insurance Benefits
Potential Discounts: Installing a high-level security system may qualify you for insurance discounts since it significantly reduces the risk of theft.
Ease of Use
User-Friendly App: The smartphone app is designed to be intuitive, offering quick access to features like GPS tracking, remote immobilization, and geofencing.
Minimal Driver Input: Once installed, the system works mostly in the background, providing seamless protection without the need for constant interaction.
Professional Installation
Expert Fitment: The system is usually installed by professionals, ensuring it is set up correctly and integrated into the vehicle’s electronics, minimizing the chance of malfunction.
Cost-Effective Protection
No Subscription Fees: Many MetaTrak systems, including Deadlock Pro, do not require ongoing subscription fees, making it a cost-effective long-term security solution compared to other tracking services.
Compatibility with A Range of Vehicles
Widely Supported: It is compatible with a range of vehicles, from high-end luxury cars to standard models, making it versatile for different types of users.
Discreet and Hard to Detect
Low Visibility: The MetaTrak Deadlock Pro system is designed to be discreet, meaning it’s hard for thieves to locate or disable.
Overall, the MetaTrak Deadlock Pro combines high-end tracking, immobilization, and alert features to create a comprehensive vehicle security system. It’s particularly beneficial for those looking to protect valuable or high-risk vehicles from theft and unauthorized use.
If you want to learn more about how to protect your car from theft and the impact it may have on your premiums, or just for a no-obligation review of your current cover contact one of our friendly Private Clients team on info@cc-privateclients.com We would also recommend that you contact our specialist Concierge partner in this field, Car Audio Design, who will be able to talk you through options and pricing.
