In a new survey of 500 drivers with keyless entry cars, one in seven (14%) report that they have been the victim of a relay car theft or attempted relay car theft. That’s the word according to car insurance experts MoneySuperMarket, who commissioned the survey and analysed DVLA car theft data obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
Most insurance brands in the Motor segment know the high risks on Range Rover models, Discoverys, high spec Merc, BMW and Audi of course, but this provides a few extra nuggets of risk;
The DVLA data reveals that the UK’s most stolen car models with widely available keyless entry, between 2023 and 2025, include:
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BMW 3 Series (4,223 thefts)
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Land Rover Discovery (2,557 thefts)
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Mercedes E-Class (2,345 thefts)
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Lexus RX 450h (2,267 thefts)
MoneySuperMarket’s survey also found that over a quarter of BMW drivers (28%) say they have experienced a relay theft break–in or attempted vehicle break–in.
Despite Faraday pouches and signal–blocking boxes being widely available, just over one in five keyless car drivers (22%) use one to protect against relay theft.
The most common ways for drivers of keyless entry cars to protect their vehicles are:
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Parking the car on a drive (45%)
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Parking the car in a well-lit area (35%)
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Using CCTV where the car is parked (33%)
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GPS tracker or immobiliser device (25%)
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Faraday pouch or wallet (22%)
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “With one in seven keyless car drivers telling us they have been targeted, it’s clear that relay theft isn’t a rare problem. Keeping your fob away from doors and windows in combination with using a signal-blocking pouch or box can help boost your car security and give you peace of mind.”
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