Budget Direct has recently released our Car Theft survey & statistics for 2021. We asked 1,000 Australians about how they secure their car while at home.
We found some surprising statistics, including:
- At least 1 in 3 Aussies (34.7%) still believe hotwiring is the most popular method for vehicle theft.
- At least 1 in 5 Aussies (21.8%) leave their car keys on a table/flat surface near the door, making it easy for thieves to perform “sneak theft”
- Another 1 in 10 Aussies (12.7%) do not lock their car when they are at home
Sneak theft
A ‘sneak theft’ is when a criminal will steal a car while the owner is home. They will typically use the same method of stealing keys – accessing them through an open window or unguarded door.
Budget Direct’s Jonathan Kerr said, “Budget Direct wants to remind the public that car theft has become more sophisticated and will even target people while they are at home. If you’re in lockdown or working from home we want to strongly encourage you to not become complacent and ensure you lock your car, even while parked in a garage.”
Kerr says “In line with Carsafe, we want you to remember to POP, STOP and LOCK. Pop your keys out of sight, lock your doors and windows, and stop sneak theft.”
More information on how to keep your car safe can be found on Carsafe’s website. You can also find tips and a breakdown of the survey results on our Car Theft survey & statistics page here https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/car-theft-statistics.html.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature only and does not constitute personal advice. The survey was conducted by PureProfile on behalf of Budget Direct in May 2021. All figures are from this research unless stated otherwise. The survey was conducted online with a total sample size of 1,000 weighted and representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+). While Budget Direct has endeavoured to ensure the information we’ve relied on is accurate and current, we do not guarantee it and accept no liability for this information.
About Budget Direct
Budget Direct was established as an insurance provider in Australia in 2000. It is part of the international BHL group of companies headquartered in the British Isles. The group provides more than 8 million policies to insurance customers and administers $AUD 3 billion in premiums annually. Budget Direct offers Motor, Home & Contents, Motorcycle, Pet, Life and Travel Insurance as well as Roadside Assistance.
Budget Direct is a multi-award-winning insurer having won Money magazines Insurer of the Year 2021 for the fifth year in a row and Canstar’s Outstanding Value Car Insurance 2021 for 15 years in a row amongst many other awards. Our policies are underwritten by Auto & General Insurance Company Limited, an Australian insurance company regulated by APRA and a member of the Insurance Council of Australia.
About Auto & General
Auto & General has specialised in the sale, management and underwriting of insurance products in Australia since 2000. Our insurance products include car, home and contents and travel. We provide insurance for a number of brands including Budget Direct, 1st for Women, Ozicare, Virgin Money, and ING. We have contact centres based in Queensland and claims assessing centres in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, in total employing in excess of 1500 people. Our commitment to providing exceptional service has seen the company win multiple industry awards.
Media Contact
For any questions or additional details on the survey and its data, please contact [email protected].
