Car Security Features and Car Crime
Don't be a victim of car crime
From alarms to immobilisers, security devices are vital in the battle against car crime. With some insurers giving discounts against certain devices, can you afford to ignore them?
Statistics Car crime has fallen dramatically since its peak in the early 1990s but there are still more than 2 million vehicle related thefts every year.
New Cars
Since the early 1990s, insurance companies have played a leading role in upping the standards for new car security.
New cars are now so secure they're unlikely to be stolen unless someone manages to get your keys by deception or theft. This is a growing problem.
Treat your keys like a wallet or an expensive watch – don't leave them lying around in pubs or restaurants. At home too, keep them safe. Don't leave keys on a hall table where they could be 'fished' through the letter box.
Security ratings Want to know how secure a car is, compared to the industry standard? The AA and the insurance industry have established the New Car Security Rating (NCSR) Scheme.
New cars get one to five stars according to how well they resist break-in and theft. Check car security ratings for cars you're considering.
Important Security Features in New Cars
- Electronic engine immobiliser (fitted to all new cars since September 1998)
- Alarm system. Look for sensors that react to someone lifting the car or breaking windows. Also sensors that cover the doors, ignition and inside of the car.
- Central locking stops you leaving one door unlocked.
- Deadlocks stop the door being opened even if someone's broken a window.
- Secure, Enhanced Protection Glazing (EPG). Prevents 'smash and grab' crime and reduces the risk of theft from your car.
- Locking wheel nuts stop wheels getting stolen (particularly important for attractive alloys)
- A lockable fuel cap prevents fuel theft.
- Secure spare wheel. Make sure it's stored inside the car or in a strong carrier that's difficult to open from outside.
- Secure luggage area. Ideally, it should be difficult to get into from inside the car.
Used Cars
Some used cars are targeted for their parts. As cars get older, the demand for parts increases, and owners are less likely to want to pay expensive dealer prices.
Used cars that don't have immobilisers are easy targets for opportunists and professionals. Electronic engine immobilisers only became standard on all new cars in 1998.
Consider fitting a security system or upgrading the existing one. In fact, your insurer may insist on it, or offer you a discount if you do. You should also get an alarm fitted if the car hasn't got one.
Make sure you use an approved installer to fit alarms and immobilisers. Look for the Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB) logo.