Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has committed over £1 million to support police operations and intelligence gathering in a decisive move to tackle vehicle theft in the UK.
This announcement comes in the wake of JLR’s CEO, Adrian Mardell, refuting allegations that Range Rovers are particularly susceptible to theft. Despite these assurances, Range Rover owners have reported substantial increases in insurance premiums or even outright refusal of coverage. Meryl Cabellos, a 41-year-old French national living in the UK, experienced his insurance premium for a 2017 Range Rover Sport surge from £2,000 to £4,000. When unable to renew his insurance, the only alternative quote he received was £10,000, leading him to sell his car. ‘We’ve been Range Rover customers for many years, and it really feels as though we’re being priced out now,’ he stated. ‘We loved the car, but because of the insurance, the experience of owning it went downhill so quickly.’
Insurance premiums for high-end vehicles like Range Rovers are notably high due to their desirability among thieves and high resale values abroad, with premiums influenced by the driver’s history, vehicle storage location, and security features. Starting at £104,000, with the Range Rover Sport beginning at £75,000, these luxury vehicles have been perceived as theft-prone. Earlier this year, Mardell publicly criticised reports that labelled the Range Rover as Britain’s ‘most stolen vehicle’ and underlined the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance vehicle security.
Furthermore, Mardell criticised the insurance industry’s approach to setting premiums, arguing that security improvements on JLR vehicles were not sufficiently factored in. The £1 million investment aims to bolster police resources and reduce insurance costs for consumers. Additionally, JLR had previously introduced its own insurance products to assist customers facing difficulties obtaining coverage, though challenges remain for some Range Rover owners.
The new funding will support several police forces with necessary resources to combat vehicle thefts across the nation. It will also establish a new national policing unit focused on collecting intelligence on vehicle thefts and heightening police activities at ports known for exporting stolen cars. JLR is collaborating with police by sharing information to aid in vehicle recovery and has conducted training for 650 officers. According to the company, their efforts are yielding results, as data from the Police National Computer indicates that only 0.2% of new Range Rovers and Range Rover Sports have been stolen since January 2022.
This strategic investment is part of JLR’s broader initiative to mitigate vehicle thefts and restore consumer confidence. The objective is to allow Range Rover owners to enjoy their premium vehicles without the additional burden of escalating insurance costs.
JLR’s significant £1 million investment signifies a robust strategy to support police efforts in curbing vehicle theft, enhancing vehicle security, and reassuring affected consumers.
