Range Rovers 'uninsurable' in London after theft spree

[super jumbe]

Insurance companies in London are refusing to cover new Range Rovers, unless owners have secure parking facilities, after the vehicles were targeted by thieves who have managed to override the car's keyless ignition system with an electronic device found on eBay.

"If you are an owner of a 'street parked' Range Rover [in London], even with the most sophisticated tracker, nine out of ten insurers will now say no," James Wasdell, co-founder of Quantum Underwriting told The Times.

In the first seven months of this year 294 Range Rovers were stolen in London, compared to just 63 BMW X5s, the car's closest competitor.

Keith Rowley, who bought a new Range Rover after his was stolen from south-west London, says he was refused cover by AIG because he did not have underground parking. "How many people living in London have that type of parking?" he asked.

Rowley said Range Rover had told him that it was his problem to resolve. "I had to tell them, 'No, this is your problem, I have just bought a ?100,000 car from you, if I can't get insurance, I can't drive it, and if I can't drive it, I don't want it'", he said.

The company says it is taking steps to resolve the situation. "Our line-up continues to meet the insurance industry requirements as tested and agreed with relevant insurance bodies," a spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover said. "Nevertheless we are taking this issue very seriously."

Insurers are expected to meet the car company to discuss the matter soon. ?

http://www.theweek.co.uk/uk-news/61035/range-rovers-uninsurable-in-london-after-theft-spree

[Meat-Head]

Serves them right . You got eBay link??

[busaman]

i just love it the manufacturers spend millions on stopping independent business from fixing their cars, yet some scrote and buy a tool off eBay for a few quid and nick it.

[super jumbe]

I would say lets get back to the good old methods, electronics easy to brake in, if thieves can empty cash machine cars peanuts!!!!

[busaman]

ive never figured out why key-less entry was ever deemed a good idea whats wrong with the 4 layer barrier, door lock, steering lock, key to turn, and trans to recognize.

[Meat-Head]

Any ideas how this is happening?

[ifred]

Good for them what **** wants a Chelsea tractor in London after all!!
Hardly need 4 wheel drive to get out the garden. Us country folk been using keyless ignition for nearly 40-50 years so the dog can drive it back from the Bull and Crown

[jaws2]

We have add a spate of elephants stolen over last few weeks in the village, no point going down the electronic route with them after reading this...



meat.jpg

[ifred]

Can't understand this modern electronic keyless system what's wrong with the keyless house brick system it never fails!
Sure Meats got a better advance systems like the forklift canopener, the carlift mid slicer and not forgetting the drive it in the c****!!

[big-ted]

You never see them even attempting to bypass electronics in french cars, way to much hassle.

[Meat-Head]

Well ACUTALLY the frebch cars are better fir removing steering locks

[big-ted]

But the security system is much better, even with the correct key the basters still won't start.

[ifred]

Stealing French cars isn't the problem its trying to return them!
Car thieves don't want them either, they cost too much to keep them going

[darrenhyland]

just been watching watchdog............................how the hell did he do the audi?

[Meat-Head]

Dunno dont do tv, annoying you can't do some stuff, or other times it HAS to go to a dealer, even if its 2 seconds on their diagnostic