Car theft is unfortunately still an issue in the UK. But what is the most stolen car in the UK? And are there any effective ways to prevent a car to be stolen?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘What is the most stolen car in the UK?’
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise and continue rising with advancements in technology.
That’s why we at Car Specialist Customs are here to provide you with all the information you require to get the best car customisation possible, whilst being as informed as possible.
Can you insure your vehicle against theft?
In the UK, most comprehensive car insurance policies include theft cover as a standard feature. This means that if your car is stolen, your insurer will pay out a certain amount to compensate for your loss.
However, the exact amount of compensation you receive will depend on factors including:
- The value of your car: The older and more worn-out your car is, the less you will receive in compensation.
- Your excess: This is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest.
- Any optional extras: If you have added optional extras to your insurance policy, such as cover for accessories or personal belongings, you may receive additional compensation.
In addition to the financial compensation, your insurance company may also be able to help you arrange temporary transportation while your car is being replaced.
It’s important to note that if your car is stolen due to negligence on your part, such as leaving the keys in the ignition, your insurance company may not cover the full cost of the loss.
Does aftermarket security affect insurance?
Yes, aftermarket security systems can affect your car insurance premium. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have installed approved aftermarket security systems.
The specific discount you receive will depend on the type of security system, the insurance company, and your driving record. Some insurance companies may require a professional installation of the security system to qualify for the discount.
It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer discounts for aftermarket security systems. This can be a cost-effective way to improve your car’s security and potentially lower your insurance premiums.
What is the most stolen car in the UK?
According to the Daily Mail, who have sourced information from the DVLA, it seems the most stolen car brand in the UK (in 2023) is Lexus, followed by:
- Land Rover
- Jaguar
- BMW
- Mercedes
- Mitsubishi
- Audi
- Ford
- Toyota
- Porsche
As you can see, the list is a mix of everyday vehicle brands and luxury/high performance branded vehicles. Car thieves will generally try their luck with any vehicle they feel like stealing. But what exactly do they do with them?
Stolen vehicles can be used for a variety of illegal activities, including property crime. Thieves can use stolen vehicles to transport stolen goods, such as electronics, jewelry, or cash.
Secondly, stolen vehicles can be used to transport drugs, both domestically and internationally. Thirdly, thieves can use stolen vehicles to commit identity theft by stealing personal information from the car’s occupants.
In addition, stolen vehicles can be used as getaway cars for robberies, assaults, or other violent crimes. Whereas In some cases, stolen vehicles are simply taken for a joyride and later abandoned.
In almost all cases, if the vehicle has not been retrieved by authorities, those with criminal connections will deposit the vehicle at a ‘chop shop’ garage in exchange for money. Chop shops dismantle the vehicle entirely, selling parts for their own profit.
What can prevent my vehicle from being stolen?
Regardless of the make of your vehicle, there is one extremely secure method of protecting your car from theft. That is the Ghost Immobiliser.
The Ghost Immobiliser is a high-tech aftermarket vehicle security system that works by preventing a stolen vehicle from being driven, even if the thief has the car keys.
Unlike traditional immobilisers that can be bypassed with a little technical know-how, the Ghost Immobiliser uses a complex algorithm that’s almost impossible for thieves to crack. In order to drive the vehicle, a special code must be inputted, which is only known to the vehicle’s owner.
To install the Ghost Immobiliser, a professional technician will need to access the vehicle’s wiring and connect it to various components, such as the engine control unit (ECU).
Once installed, the system requires a unique PIN code to be entered before the vehicle can be started. This PIN code is set by the owner and can be changed at any time. The Ghost Immobilisers’ installation is also always hidden if installed by a professional, making it even more difficult for thieves to detect and disable.
Can a Ghost Immobiliser be rest?
Yes, a Ghost Immobiliser can be reset. However, this process typically requires a specific PIN code or a professional technician to access and reconfigure the system.
The exact method for resetting a Ghost Immobiliser may vary depending on the specific model and installation. It’s important to consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to reset your particular device.
If you’ve lost the PIN code for your Ghost Immobiliser, you may need to have it reset by a professional technician. This can be done by accessing the system’s internal settings and reprogramming the PIN code.
It’s important to note that resetting a Ghost Immobiliser should only be done by someone who is authorised to do so. Unauthorised attempts to reset the system may damage the device or void your warranty.
Secure your car from theft
Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Tints:
Wrapping and PPF:
- Paint Protection Film — PPF
- Exo Shield Window Tint
- Black Packs
- Dechroming
- Custom Decals
- Commercial Wrapping
- Vehicle Wrapping
Interior customisation/ technology:
- Starlights
- Apple Play/ Android Autos
- Android Screen Upgrades
- Parking Sensors
- Reverse Cameras
- Rear Seat Entertainment
Wheel refurbishment:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We will always go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope the details we shared have helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
In this blog, we aimed to have provided insight by answering the question ‘What is the most stolen car in the UK?’ Whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
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Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
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07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
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