Around one in eight drivers in the UK have experienced car-related crime within the past three years, with each incident resulting in an average loss of £2,300, according to a study commissioned by The Green Insurer.
The research, based on a nationally representative survey of 1,057 adults conducted in February 2025, found that the most frequent incident involved a vehicle being hit and no contact details being left, reported by 30% of those affected. Break-ins and deliberate damage, including vandalism, accounted for 21% of reported cases, while 14% said their vehicle had been stolen directly from their home.
Despite the financial consequences, 36% of respondents said they received no reimbursement from their insurance provider. Concerns around potential premium increases may deter some drivers from filing claims, even in cases involving criminal damage.
Public perception of car crime trends appears to vary. Fifteen per cent (15%) of those surveyed believe such incidents have increased significantly in their area over the past three years.
In London, that sentiment is more pronounced, with one in three respondents saying they believe car crime has sharply increased. Nationally, 26% observed a slight rise, while 50% reported no noticeable change. Only 10% said car crime had declined in their communities.
In a longer-term view, 3% of motorists say they have had a car stolen in the past decade. Nearly half of those affected opted to replace the stolen vehicle with the same make and model. Others shifted to either less expensive cars (37%) or more expensive models with enhanced security features (11%).
The Green Insurer chief executive Paul Baxter said the financial impact of vehicle crime often extends beyond the immediate loss, especially when full recovery through insurance is not achieved.
“We are… urging drivers to assess their risks and, where appropriate, take proactive security measures including parking in well-lit areas and using steering wheel locks,” said Baxter.
Do you think current insurance policies meet the needs of drivers facing car crime? Share your view in the comments.
