Protecting High-Value Vehicles: Security Measures and Luxury Car Insurance Explained

In 2022 Autocar reported that Range Rovers were the second most stolen vehicle in the UK with many insurers unnerved by a spate of claims and losses.

The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) has recently warned about the growing difficulty of finding insurers willing to offer stand-alone policies, not just for Range Rovers, but for a wide range of luxury vehicles owned by Londoners. Specialist policies for these vehicles are often expensive and sometimes limited in availability due to the high risks involved. For owners of high-value cars, obtaining comprehensive luxury car insurance has become as important as investing in the vehicle itself.

Specialist car insurers such as ERS have confirmed that there has been a significant rise in high-value car thefts, particularly in the capital. In response, Chubb has announced a partnership with Global Telemetrics to offer their clients the latest in secure tracking device technology. These advanced tracking systems are increasingly considered essential for protecting luxury vehicles, helping owners and insurers monitor vehicles in real time and respond quickly if theft occurs. Such technologies are now strongly recommended to anyone looking for reliable luxury car insurance, as insurers are more willing to cover vehicles with robust security measures.

Castleacre Director, Hugo Johnsen, comments:

“The increase in thefts and the resulting difficulties in finding insurance for high-value vehicles has been a worrying trend, but security companies are responding to the challenge. Ghost immobilisers, which require a pin number, are very difficult to bypass or hack and may present a serious solution for luxury vehicles. In our experience, insurers are more willing to offer comprehensive luxury car insurance if clients also maintain a household policy with them, as it presents a more acceptable overall risk profile.”

If you own a high-value car you can take precautions to reduce your vulnerability to theft:

• Ensure that you have an operational tracker on your car and that subscriptions are always up to date
• If you have a keyless vehicle keep your fob away from your vehicle when you are at home or in the office and ideally in a faraday pouch to help prevent the key signal from being cloned.
• Invest in an immobiliser which will prevent the engine from being started even if the key signal has been copied
• Store your vehicle in a secure location which is garaged and gated whenever possible
• Use a steering wheel lock

The growing sophistication of thieves targeting luxury vehicles has prompted an evolution in how these cars are insured and protected.

Owners of luxury vehicles can take several practical steps to reduce their vulnerability to theft. Ensuring that a vehicle has a fully operational tracker, with subscriptions kept up to date, is one of the most effective measures. For keyless vehicles, it is recommended to keep the fob away from the car when at home or in the office, ideally in a Faraday pouch, which helps prevent the signal from being cloned. Investing in a high-quality immobiliser that prevents the engine from starting even if the key signal is copied adds another layer of security. All of these measures can positively influence the availability and terms of luxury car insurance.

Where possible, luxury vehicles should be stored in secure, gated, and preferably garaged locations. Physical security measures, such as steering wheel locks, remain effective deterrents against opportunistic theft and complement electronic security systems. For owners of multiple high-value vehicles, layered protection that combines electronic tracking, immobilisation, and physical barriers significantly reduces risk and makes it easier to obtain competitive luxury car insurance coverage.

In addition, luxury vehicle owners are increasingly advised to maintain detailed records of their cars, including photographs, service history, and any modifications. This documentation not only supports insurance claims but also demonstrates responsible ownership. Insurance companies are more likely to offer favourable premiums and terms for luxury car insurance when they see that owners have taken proactive steps to mitigate risk.

Protecting Your Luxury Vehicle: Security and Insurance Essentials

• High-end security systems, careful storage, and comprehensive insurance strategies are now essential, especially in urban areas like London.

• Following expert recommendations and investing in proper protections reduces the risk of theft and complications with luxury car insurance.

• Combining preventive security measures with professional advice and specialist luxury car insurance safeguards both your vehicle and your peace of mind.

• With theft risks rising and insurers scrutinising applications more closely, taking these steps is now a crucial part of responsible luxury car ownership.