Keyless Car Theft Risk

As an FCA-authorised expert motor insurance broker in the UK, WeCovr has helped over 800,000 clients secure the right protection. This article unpacks the alarming rise of keyless car theft, a threat that is silently costing British drivers and insurers billions, and explains how to protect your vehicle and your policy.

UK 2024 Shock New Data Reveals Keyless Car Theft Accounts for Over 70% of Vehicle Thefts, Fueling a Staggering £1.2 Billion+ Annual Insurance Payout – Is Your Car Vulnerable to This Silent Criminal Threat

The convenience of keyless entry has become a standard feature on most new cars. You walk up, the doors unlock, you press a button, and the engine starts. It feels like magic. But this same technology is being ruthlessly exploited by organised criminal gangs, turning your modern convenience into a critical vulnerability.

Recent data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) for 2024 paints a grim picture. Sophisticated "relay attacks" are now the method of choice for thieves, accounting for a staggering 70% of all stolen vehicles in the UK. This crime wave is not just an inconvenience; it's a major financial crisis. Insurers are now paying out over £1.2 billion annually for vehicle theft claims alone, a figure that ultimately drives up the cost of motor insurance for every single driver in the country.

Your car, whether parked on your driveway overnight or in a supermarket car park, could be gone in less than 60 seconds without a single window being smashed or alarm being triggered. This guide will explain exactly how this crime happens, which vehicles are most at risk, and provide actionable steps to protect your asset and your insurance premiums.

Understanding Keyless Car Theft: How a Relay Attack Works

Keyless car theft, often called a "relay attack," is a deceptively simple and silent method that exploits the constant signal emitted by your key fob. It requires two criminals working together with two pieces of inexpensive electronic equipment: a relay amplifier and a transmitter.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how they do it:

1. The Scout: The first criminal (the "scout") stands near your house or your person, holding the relay amplifier. This device is designed to detect and boost the weak radio signal from your car key, even if it's inside your pocket, handbag, or on a hallway table.
2. Signal Amplification: The amplifier captures the key's unique signal—the one that tells your car "I'm here, it's safe to unlock"—and relays it to the second device.
3. The Accomplice: The second criminal stands next to your car holding the transmitter. This device receives the boosted signal from the first box and essentially "tricks" your car into thinking the key is right next to it.
4. Entry and Ignition: The car's locking system detects the "valid" key signal from the transmitter. The doors unlock. The criminal gets in, presses the start button (as the car still believes the key is inside), and quietly drives away.

The entire process is silent, leaves no physical damage, and can be completed in under a minute. The thieves don't need your key; they just need to steal its signal.

The Alarming Statistics: A Deep Dive into the UK's Car Crime Epidemic

The figures surrounding vehicle crime in the UK are stark. What was once a crime of opportunity involving smashed windows and hot-wiring has evolved into a highly organised, tech-driven enterprise.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the ABI, the trend is deeply concerning:

• Soaring Payouts: In 2024, UK insurers paid out an estimated £1.24 billion for all motor vehicle theft claims. This represents a significant increase over the past five years, largely driven by the rising value of stolen vehicles and the cost of repairs.
• Frequency of Theft: The ABI reports that a car is stolen every 5-6 minutes in the UK. This high frequency puts immense pressure on police resources and the insurance industry.
• Keyless Dominance: As highlighted, over 70% of these thefts are now attributed to keyless "relay" methods. This shows a clear shift in criminal tactics towards higher-value, newer vehicles equipped with this technology.

UK Vehicle Theft Trends (2020-2025, Estimated)

Source: Analysis based on ONS, DVLA, and ABI data trends.

This surge in claims directly impacts the price every driver pays for their motor insurance UK policy. Insurers calculate premiums based on risk, and when the risk of theft for certain models rises, so does the cost of covering them.

Which Cars Are Most at Risk? The UK's Most Stolen Vehicles in 2024

While any car with keyless entry is theoretically vulnerable, criminal gangs tend to target specific models based on a combination of factors:

• High Demand: Popular models are stolen to be stripped for parts or sold on with new identities ("cloned").
• Security Flaws: Some older keyless systems are easier to bypass than others.
• Export Value: High-end SUVs and luxury saloons are often stolen to order and immediately shipped abroad.

Based on data from the DVLA and specialist vehicle recovery firms, here are some of the most frequently targeted vehicles in the UK.

Top 10 Most Stolen Car Models in the UK (2024)

If your car is on this list, or if it has keyless entry, taking proactive security measures is not just recommended—it's essential.

How to Protect Your Keyless Car: Practical Steps to Beat the Thieves

You are not powerless against this threat. A combination of simple, low-cost habits and more robust physical deterrents can dramatically reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Low-Cost & Free Solutions

1. Use a Faraday Pouch or Box: This is the single most effective and cheapest defence. These signal-blocking containers, made with a metallic lining, create a "cage" that stops the radio signal from your key fob from escaping.
   • How to use it: When at home, store all your keys (including the spare) inside a Faraday box or pouch.
   • Test it: Place your key in the pouch, walk up to your car, and try to open the door. If it doesn't open, the pouch is working.
2. Turn Off Your Key's Wireless Signal: Many modern car keys can be "put to sleep." Check your vehicle's handbook. For example, some Ford keys can be deactivated by pressing the lock button twice.
3. Strategic Key Storage: If you don't have a Faraday pouch, store your keys as far away from your home's front door and windows as possible. The further the key is from the exterior of your house, the harder it is for a thief's amplifier to pick up the signal. Never leave keys in the hallway or on a kitchen counter near a window.
4. Check for Software Updates: Car manufacturers are constantly improving their security software. Contact your main dealer to see if there are any available updates for your vehicle's security or keyless entry system.

Physical & Professional Security Deterrents

5. Steering Wheel Locks: A highly visible and effective physical deterrent. Old-school devices like a Disklok or StopLock are making a huge comeback. A thief looking for a quick, quiet getaway will likely move on to an easier target rather than spend noisy, risky minutes trying to cut through hardened steel.
6. Driveway Security:
   • Bollards: A retractable security post or bollard at the end of your driveway makes it physically impossible to drive a car off your property.
   • CCTV & Lighting: Motion-activated security lights and visible CCTV cameras can deter thieves, who prefer to operate in the dark and unobserved.
7. Thatcham-Approved Trackers: For high-value vehicles, a professionally installed tracking device is a wise investment. These systems are monitored 24/7 by a secure operating centre that works directly with the police to recover your vehicle if it's stolen. Many insurers offer premium discounts for vehicles fitted with a S5 Thatcham-approved tracker.
8. Ghost Immobilisers: A 'Ghost' is a covert device that prevents your engine from starting without a unique PIN code that you enter using existing buttons on your steering wheel or dashboard. It's invisible to thieves and can't be bypassed by relay attack methods.

Combining a signal-blocking pouch with a visible steering wheel lock offers a powerful, layered defence that is both affordable and effective.

The Insurance Implications: How Keyless Theft Impacts Your Motor Policy

Understanding your car insurance is crucial, especially when it comes to theft. In the UK, the law requires all drivers to have at least a basic level of motor insurance. However, not all policies will cover you for theft.

Your Legal Motor Insurance Obligations in the UK

It is a criminal offence to own or drive a vehicle on public roads without a valid motor policy. The minimum legal requirement is Third-Party Only cover.

Here’s a breakdown of the three main levels of cover:

• Third-Party Only (TPO): This is the most basic cover. It pays for injury or damage you cause to other people, their vehicles, or their property. It does not cover theft of or damage to your own car.
• Third-Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT): This includes everything in TPO, but also covers your vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire. This is the minimum level of cover you need to be protected against keyless theft.
• Comprehensive: This is the highest level of cover. It includes everything in TPFT, and also covers accidental damage to your own vehicle, even if the accident was your fault.

Insurance Cover Levels Compared

As an FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr can help you compare quotes for all levels of cover, ensuring you get the right protection for your needs and budget without paying for features you don't require.

How a Theft Claim Affects Your Insurance

If you are the unfortunate victim of keyless car theft, here’s what you need to know about the claims process and its impact on your policy:

• No-Claims Bonus (NCB): Making a theft claim will almost certainly result in the loss of some or all of your No-Claims Bonus, unless you have purchased "NCB Protection." This will lead to higher premiums at renewal.
• Policy Excess: When you make a claim, you will have to pay a pre-agreed amount towards it, known as the excess. This is made up of a compulsory excess (set by the insurer) and a voluntary excess (chosen by you to lower your premium).
• Market Value Payout: Your insurer will pay out the "market value" of your car at the time of the theft—not what you paid for it. This amount is what it would cost to buy a like-for-like replacement of the same age and condition.
• Optional Extras: Standard policies may not include a courtesy car for theft claims (they are often only provided for repairs). Check your policy wording. You may need to have purchased an "enhanced courtesy car" or "hire car" add-on.

Specialist Cover for Businesses: Protecting Your Fleet from Organised Crime

The threat of keyless theft isn't limited to private car owners. Businesses that operate vehicle fleets—from a few vans for a local trade to a large fleet of company cars—are prime targets. The loss of a single van can mean lost work, missed deadlines, and significant replacement costs for both the vehicle and its contents (tools, stock).

For businesses, fleet insurance is the most efficient way to manage vehicle cover. However, a theft claim can have a significant impact on the fleet's overall risk profile, leading to substantial premium increases at renewal.

Fleet Management Security Strategies

• Telematics as a Deterrent: Modern fleet telematics systems do more than track location. They can monitor driver behaviour, detect unauthorised vehicle use, and provide instant theft alerts. This data is invaluable for vehicle recovery and can lead to lower insurance premiums.
• Secure Overnight Parking: Mandate that all vehicles are parked in secure, well-lit compounds or garages overnight. Avoid leaving vehicles parked on the street where they are easy targets.
• Tool & Equipment Security: Ensure all valuable tools and stock are removed from vans overnight. "No tools left in this vehicle overnight" stickers can be a useful deterrent.
• Driver Training: Educate drivers on the risks of keyless theft. Implement strict policies regarding key storage (e.g., use of Faraday pouches) and physical security measures like steering wheel locks.

WeCovr provides specialist advice for businesses, helping them find the best car insurance provider for their fleet needs. We understand the unique risks faced by commercial operators and can source policies with the right features to protect your assets and your bottom line. Furthermore, clients who purchase motor or life insurance through WeCovr often qualify for valuable discounts on other essential business or personal insurance products.

The Future of Car Security: What Are Manufacturers and the Government Doing?

The industry is fighting back. Car manufacturers are now introducing more secure technology to combat relay attacks.

• Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Keys: This is the next generation of keyless technology. UWB fobs can accurately measure the distance between the key and the car. They will not unlock the vehicle unless the key is genuinely within a few metres, rendering a relay attack useless as the system can detect the signal is travelling too far.
• Motion Sensor Keys: Many new keys now contain a motion sensor. If the key is left stationary for a few minutes (e.g., on a table), it stops transmitting its signal, preventing it from being captured by thieves.
• Government Action: The UK Government is under increasing pressure to act. The Vehicle Crime Act includes provisions to tackle the sale of an "electronic device, software or other apparatus" that can be used for vehicle theft, making it harder for criminals to acquire the necessary equipment.

Thatcham Research continues to assess and rate new vehicle security. Before buying a new car, it's worth checking its "New Vehicle Security Assessment" (NVSA) rating to understand how well it stood up to their rigorous anti-theft tests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does my standard car insurance cover keyless theft?

It depends on your level of cover. If you have Third-Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT) or a Comprehensive policy, you are covered for the theft of your vehicle, regardless of the method used. If you only have basic Third-Party Only insurance, you are not covered for theft.

Will a keyless car theft claim affect my no-claims bonus?

Yes. A theft claim is treated as an "at-fault" claim from an insurance perspective (as there is no third party to claim from), so you will lose some or all of your no-claims bonus unless you have specifically paid to protect it as an optional extra on your policy. This will likely increase your premium at your next renewal.

Is a steering wheel lock really worth it in 2024?

Absolutely. A high-quality, Thatcham-approved steering wheel lock is one of the most effective visual deterrents available. Organised gangs look for quick and silent targets. Faced with a car that requires noisy and time-consuming effort to break into, they will very often move on to an unprotected vehicle next to it. It's a simple, low-cost investment that provides a powerful layer of physical security.

How can WeCovr help me find the right motor insurance UK?

As an FCA-authorised expert broker, WeCovr provides impartial advice and access to a wide panel of UK insurers. We help you compare not just prices, but the crucial details of each policy, such as excess levels, cover for theft claims, and optional extras. Our high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to helping drivers, families, and businesses find the best car insurance provider for their specific circumstances, all at no cost to you.

Ready to secure the right protection for your vehicle against today's threats?

Get your free, no-obligation motor insurance quote from WeCovr today and drive with true peace of mind.