How to Protect Your Car from Theft

We may not want to admit it, but car theft is a common problem, and visibly a booming industry in and of itself. It’s also something we’d like to completely avoid encountering in life, so it’s hugely important to protect your vehicle and study up on theft prevention. 

In Ireland alone, the statistics make for troubling reading. As detailed at the end of December 2023, car theft and related offences are up by almost 60% since before the Covid-19 pandemic, with car-specific incidents of theft increasing much faster than other forms of theft. 

Meanwhile, in February of 2024, the Irish Independent reported that a car is stolen in Dublin every three hours. Serious cause for alarm, but don’t despair - we’re going to outline the best ways to keep your car safe, and let you know exactly what to do if your car is stolen. 

Understanding Car Theft Risks

It was true when Sun Tzu wrote it down in the 5th century BC and it’s just as relevant today when it comes to how to protect a car from theft - know your enemy. 

Unfortunately, there are many different types of car theft, and many methods in which a criminal can steal your vehicle. Let’s look at the former, first of all: 

Joyriding

Popular with - though not exclusively limited to - teenage gangs, this involves the theft of a vehicle purely for the purposes of a short-term adrenaline hit. The car is usually driven around recklessly for a while before being abandoned at a random location. 

Joyriding can also apply to instances of transportation theft, where the thief is using your car to get from one particular place to another. Carjacking may also come into play, in which the thief acquires the vehicle through violent means.

Resale / Stripping

Car thieves often target high-value vehicles in order to sell them on the black market or strip them of their individual parts at a chop shop. Such illegal outlets have been operating in Ireland for decades. 

Bump and Rob / Distraction

A somewhat elaborate method in which the thief either deliberately crashes into your car from behind, usually favouring a low impact to avoid serious injury or damage. Once you step out of the vehicle to inspect the incident, a second thief takes your place inside the car and drives off. 

Other methods of distraction are also possible, so always be on your guard should you find yourself in suspicious circumstances

Fraud

Sometimes, car theft doesn’t even require a second or third person. Fraudulent theft occurs when the owner of a vehicle stages a theft in order to claim insurance money. Don’t do this. Obviously. 

Now, let’s drill down into some of the most common and effective methods involved in car theft. 

Brute Force

Whether the aforementioned violent carjacking option or simply smashing a window or two, blunt force is a timeless classic when it comes to gaining illegal access to another person’s vehicle. It’s messy, it’s not subtle, it’ll likely attract attention, but it tends to do the job. 

Hotwiring

Also a touch chaotic and a little time-consuming, but a tried-and-tested way of starting up your engine without having the signature key to hand. 

Lockpicks

A much less attention-attracting way of doing things, and available in a variety of styles. 

Key Cloning

Alternatively, a thief could simply get hold of your car keys and make a copy for themselves. Keep the keys close and be careful who you trust with them. 

Keyless Bypass

In the modern world, not everyone has an old-school key for their car. The keyless method may be sleek, but it can still be exploited by those who know how to hack their way in. 

Simple Car Security Habits

Now that we know the risks, let’s highlight the best ways to prevent car theft. We’ll start with some basic ones that shouldn’t ask too much of you:

Always Lock Your Car

Yes, it’s so simple and straightforward we probably don’t need to mention it. Good! Keep it up. Windows, doors, boot - all areas locked down to deter theft.

Additional Security

For extra peace of mind, anti-theft devices such as a steering wheel lock and/or brake and wheel locks might be in order. 

Park in Well-Lit Areas

Don’t make it easy for a thief by gifting them a cloak of darkness to assist their murky activities.

Park your car in a well-lit area, preferably one that’s populated by a steady stream of people. If there are security cameras and/or parking attendants in the vicinity, all the better. 

Hide Valuables 

We’re back to the ‘don’t make it easy for them’ thing. If you happen to have any valuables left behind in the car - laptop, music player, phone, wallet, handbag, etc - ensure that they are out of sight of any potentially nefarious character that might be having a look through your windows.

Stay Alert

Finally, use your eyes and ears accordingly. If you’re quickly parking at a petrol station or an area that you may have concerns about, be sure to survey the area and keep an eye on your vehicle. And never, ever leave your keys inside the car or hanging temptingly from the door. 

High-Tech Ways to Prevent Theft

Alright, let’s upgrade things a little. Technology can help you out, such as: 

Car Alarm

You know the drill here - a person tries to break into your vehicle, a very loud noise goes off, alerting those nearby to the problem and hopefully providing enough of a deterrent for the thief to run away or avoid trying in the first place. A good alarm system should be a standard inclusion in any car purchase, so if you don’t have one, sort that out immediately. 

Immobilisers

It might sound like something out of a Mission: Impossible movie but the anti-theft technology here is actually standard for the majority of cars sold in Ireland. Essentially, the device stops your car from starting if anything other than your designated key or fob is used. It’s worth checking if you have this function in-built already, or need to add it for a little extra cost. 

GPS Tracking

If the worst does happen and your car is stolen, a GPS tracking device can remove some of the anxiety and allow you and the relevant authorities to directly and efficiently track it down. 

Smart Keys / Software Updates

Your smartphone can act as a connected security system to your vehicle, enabling you to introduce a smart key that only works if the phone is in close proximity to the car. You can also install bespoke security options that you can control and modify from the palm of your hand. Be sure to regularly update the software to fend off potential hackers. 

What to Do if Your Car Is Stolen

It’s possible to go through your life without being subjected to crime or theft, but not everybody is so lucky. Given the previously outlined statistics, the reality is that we are all at risk of having our vehicle targeted and subsequently stolen. 

A horrible, emotional situation, yet one that you can quickly take action against in a bid to lower the pain threshold. So, what should you do if you become a victim of vehicle theft? 

Confirm the Theft

First things first, clarity is extremely important in any instance of crime. Make sure that you are 100% accurate in what has happened and that there’s no mistake or accident involved. Once you are certain that your car has been stolen, it’s time to report the incident. 

Report the Theft

Call the police immediately. Here is a directory of Garda Stations across Ireland. 

You may be in a state of shock but if the incident has just occurred, you have a strong chance of being able to communicate precise details that you may forget later. Any and all information you can recall is helpful for the investigation that will follow. 

If you can, try and provide the following:

• The make and model of the car
• The colour of the car
• Licence plate registration number
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Any distinguishing or unique features - damage, modifications, etc

Contact Your Insurance Company

Next on your list, make contact with your insurance company. As with the police, provide as detailed a report as you can, and include documentation from the police if available. 

Follow the steps asked of you - an insurance agent will be well-trained on how to handle this situation - and supply whatever information is asked of you. And much like the previous, don’t waste any time - the sooner, the better. 

AIG customers can report car theft by calling 0818 244 244.

Involved in a Car Accident? This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of the steps you should take.

Recover Your Vehicle

This may not be possible for you to accomplish directly, and for your own safety it’s best to follow the advice given to you by the authorities. However, you may be able to assist in the search for and hopefully subsequent retrieval of your vehicle. 

As outlined above, if you have a GPS tracking system installed and still functioning after the theft has occurred, you may be able to discover its current location. 

Beyond this, it’s worth putting up a social media post and/or informing nearby businesses about the incident, especially if they happen to have security cameras in operation. It’s worth checking in on online marketplaces that may have your car up for sale. 

Stay Calm

You’re in a highly difficult situation and you can’t change what has happened. Try your best to turn the volume down on your understandable stress levels and approach things rationally. 

Car Insurance: Your Safety Net Against Theft

Is car theft insurance worth the investment? It can go a long way to alleviating the various expenses that arise in the event of a theft. It wasn’t your fault, and yet it can still cost you a great deal - mentally, physically, and, of course, financially. 

A secure and solid insurance package affords you a healthy amount of protection, and welcome aftercare in the event of an emergency, putting heavy expenses in the rear-view mirror. 

You may have a few questions about how it all works. ‘Does car insurance cover theft of the vehicle?’ ‘Does comprehensive car insurance cover theft?’ ‘How do car insurance third party fire and theft compare?’ ‘What exactly is the car theft insurance claim process?’ 

Let’s try and break it down cleanly and clearly: 

Comprehensive Car Insurance

As the name suggests, comprehensive car insurance offers a wealth of benefits, including: 

• Theft
• Breakdown Assistance
• Fire
• Legal Liability
• Accidental Damage
• Temporary Replacement Car
• New-for-Old Replacement Car
• €300 Standard Policy Excess

Third Party Fire and Theft

In contrast, third party fire and theft insurance offers the following: 

• Theft
• Fire
• Breakdown Assistance
• Legal Liability
• Damage to Third Party Property
• €300 Standard Policy Excess

Not sure which car insurance coverage is right for you? Our article, Comprehensive vs. Third Party Fire and Theft Insurance, provides a full overview of the differences, features, and advantages of each option.

At AIG, we offer a range of car insurance plans to suit every driver, regardless of age or experience. Get a personalised quote online in minutes and choose the coverage level that fits your needs and budget. Compare car insurance costs, benefits and more at AIG and make sure that you, your car and your passengers are fully protected.