The most stolen sports & supercars – and how to prevent car theft
Driving
According to the DVLA, there were 64,087 reported vehicle thefts in 2023, reflecting a 5% rise compared to the previous year.
Whilst everyday cars like the Ford Fiesta – which recently took the crown as the most stolen car in the UK – maintain their attractiveness to thieves, there’s been a real shift of late towards more luxury vehicles, with even supercars being targeted.
Analysing data from the DVLA on the most stolen vehicles between 2022 and 2023, we have put together a list of the top ten most frequently stolen sports & supercar models.
Read on for some invaluable expert advice on how to help prevent the theft of specialist vehicles, or if you’re ready to speak to us today about personalised cover for your vehicle, visit our dedicated performance car insurance page.
The UK’s most stolen supercars
Supercars are the epitome of luxury, speed, and exclusivity, but this also makes them prime targets for theft. Topping the list of the most stolen models is the Ferrari 488 Spider S-A, with seven reported thefts between 2022 and 2023, and with black being the most stolen colour.
Following closely are the Ferrari 812 Superfast S-A and the Audi R8 Spyder Quattro V10 S-A, both with five thefts each. Interestingly, four out of the top ten most stolen sports & supercars were Aston Martins. Suggesting that models from the iconic, luxury British car manufacturer are a particular target amongst thieves.
Aside from these brands, the data also shows that 71 Maserati were also reported stolen last year. Some of these models fall into their SUV category, hence the exclusion in the table above. The Italian luxury performance car brand sells fewer than 1,000 cars in the UK each year, which makes this data even more remarkable.
A Ferrari 488 Spider, the most stolen sports & supercar – according to recent DVLA data.
12/07/2024
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Five tips for protecting your sports or supercar against theft
Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director at Norton Insurance Brokers, gives his five essential tips for protecting a supercar from theft.
1. Invest in a GPS tracker
In addition to specialist vehicle insurance, you can prevent your sports or supercar from being stolen by installing a GPS tracking device. Having a GPS tracker allows you to know your supercar’s location at all times and be alerted instantly if it’s on the move unauthorised.
By investing in a top-of-the-range Global Telemetrics GPS tracker such as Thatcham-approved S5 with a remote immobilising feature, you would also be able to immobilise the vehicle from being driven once next driven.
While a tracker won’t prevent theft, it would greatly increase the chances of recovering your vehicle swiftly and safely – if stolen. Plus, preparing for the worst-case scenario can increase the likelihood of your high-value car being returned without having to claim on your insurance.
2. Immobilisation devices
These devices prevent the car from being driven without the correct key. Nowadays, more often than not, modern supercars incorporate immobilisers as part of their security systems to prevent them from starting without the proper electronic key.
The increasingly popular ghost immobilisers are also brilliant which requires the driver to enter a PIN or code sequence before starting the vehicle to drive away.
Where and how you park your sports or supercar can significantly impact its safety. For home parking, a locked garage is best, and driveways with added protection should be enough. For optimal security, when parking on a driveway you may want to install bollards at the end of your drive and using a car cover, as well as other physical deterrents like a sturdy steering wheel lock.
Enhance this with a smart security system that includes motion sensors, cameras, and remote monitoring. Systems like these can alert you to any suspicious activity in real time.
A signal blocking case for your keys is a classic method which still do help to combat relay theft attempts too.
When out and about, always opt for secure, well-lit parking facilities equipped with CCTV surveillance. Look for car parks that have a good reputation and possibly even dedicated spaces for high-value vehicles.
4. Keep up with security updates and regular maintenance
Maintaining your sports or supercar isn’t just about keeping it in peak performance – it also ensures that all security features are functioning correctly. Make sure that the car’s software, including any anti-theft and tracking systems, is always up to date as manufacturers often release updates to patch security vulnerabilities.
Also, make sure to regularly inspect and service the locking mechanisms, alarm systems, and any other security-related hardware. Just like with the latest performance upgrades, staying current with security updates is crucial for supercars to stay protected against potential thefts.
5. Insurance for your supercar
Last but certainly not least: insurance for your sports or supercar.
These high-value cars are targeted knowing that they can be sold on or stripped for parts. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to have the right level of insurance coverage when owning a high value car. Supercars are known to fluctuate in value, with the valuations of new models often initially depreciating.
Every year when your insurance policy renews, you should look to get your car revalued so you know the true value and inform your insurer of the new value which can affect your premium.
Depending on your vehicles and your vehicle’s age, you may be able to get agreed value in place with us which will give you peace of mind should you ever need to make a claim down the line. If your vehicle gets stolen and can’t be retrieved, you know the payout you’ll receive – even if the market value of your supercar decreases.
Protecting your vehicle is ever-important with thefts on the rise, so a multi-faceted approach is best for added protection. Comprehensive insurance is crucial – it will give you peace of mind knowing that the full value of your sports or supercar is protected against potential theft and other risks.
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Own a performance car, sports car or supercar? Fill in your details to get an insurance quote with us today.
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