If you’re looking at buying a Land Rover or Range Rover, or currently already own one, you’ll be well aware of the insurance issues since the latest models saw a combination of high demand and security vulnerabilities see premiums soar – to the point where in some areas it was simply impossible to get insured at all.
Is it difficult to get insured on a Land Rover today?
As a used car dealership, we reduced our Land Rover stock as demand fell, but things have started to change. Land Rover announced they are working with UK insurers to provide anti-theft measures and real-time data which could be enabled on their vehicles registered since 2018.
The result? Insurers have responded by re-opening the ability for Land Rover owners to get insured, but JLR also started their own insurance for both Jaguar and Land Rovers in 2023.
Are these issues restricted to Land Rover?
Certainly not. Higher premiums for Land Rovers and Range Rovers specifically is exacerbated by car insurance becoming more expensive in general. Inflation and higher repair prices have had a knock-on effect on premiums. To give you an idea, in 2023 the average price of insurance was up 25% compared to 2022. In 2024, the difference has increased further.
What security is fitted to Land Rovers and Range Rovers?
Most recent Land Rover and Range Rovers already have an immobiliser, alarm and tracker (known as InControl Secure). For further security, there’s the Secure Tracker Pro which is Thatcham Category S5 compliant. So how are they getting stolen?
The real issue is “relay attacks” where cars like Land Rovers fitted with keyless entry have their signals intercepted, allowing thieves to unlock the door and drive away.
Changes from Land Rover have reduced thefts significantly. At peak, they were the 2nd most stolen cars in the UK, but they’re now 5th.
What other security measures can you take?
Bear in mind, if you’re buying a used Land Rover or Range Rover, the in-built trackers require an ongoing subscription. For more information, visit:
https://www.landrover.co.uk/ownership/incontrol/touch/subscriptions/index.html
With a lot of thefts using technology, there is a return to more traditional methods to secure cars, such as steering wheel locks.
There are more sophisticated aftermarket immobilisers on the market that many now fit. You may have heard of Ghost or Panda, because particularly for Land Rovers some insurers insist on them.
Otherwise, you can focus on improvement away from the car, namely:
Signal blocking pouches for car keys
Disabling keyless functionality (if possible)
Investing in driveway gates or bollards
Installing cameras
Keyless thefts have become so popular as they were quick and painless for thieves. By making it difficult to get near your car, and making the task long-winded, will put the majority off. Improvements like the above may also help with your insurance premium.
With many still unaware how much better security is on Land Rovers and Range Rovers, now’s a great time to buy a used example, as prices have been supressed. See our used stock, and reserve for just £99.