Gen Z drivers more likely to have their car stolen than boomers

Gen Z drivers are most at risk of falling victim to car theft, new research reveals.

With almost one in 12 (7%) of UK drivers having their car stolen in the last five years, it is revealed that Gen Z are the generation most at risk – with 17–24-year olds’ cars being stolen 36 times more than over 55s’ cars (18% versus 0.5%).

Gen Z drivers are typically less cautious than older generations when it comes to protecting their cars from theft, taking the fewest security measures of any generation, often due to cost and lack of education around car theft.

Only 42% of Gen Z drivers always lock their cars and never leave valuables in the car, and only just over a quarter (27%) have a car alarm or an immobiliser installed.

Almost one in 10 (9%) admit to taking no specific security measures whatsoever.

By contrast, over 55s, who have fewer car thefts than any other generation, are far more precautious: 74% always lock their doors and take valuables with them, 44% have a car alarm or immobiliser installed, and 50% rely on their car’s in-built security features.

The study, commissioned by the Post Office, reveals that also revealed that ‘keyless cars are prime targets for theft, with 62% of the cars stolen or broken into in the last five years being keyless.

It comes as the average car theft cost drivers nearly £6,000, a third of the average price drivers pay for their cars (£19,000), highlighting the catastrophic effect car theft can have on UK drivers. Even just having your car broken into can have a substantial effect, with drivers losing on average £472 when valuables are stolen.

For some, simply owning one of the most stolen vehicle brands adds an extra layer of concern, with certain models being targeted more frequently than others.

Top stolen cars in the last five years:

1. BMW (25 percent)
2. Audi (15 percent)
3. Ford (12 percent)
4. Toyota (10 percent)
5. Kia (9 percent)
6. Citroen (8 percent)
7. Mercedes Benz (4 percent)
8. Nissan (3 percent)
9. Lexus (2 percent)
10. Peugeot (2 percent)

Car theft in the UK is now so common – with over 60,000 reported car thefts in 2024* – that almost two thirds (64 percent) consider the possibility of having their car stolen when they buy one, and 38 percent confessed that they even bought a less desirable car out of fears that ‘high theft cars’ would be more likely to be stolen or broken into.

Car insurance costs are high on drivers’ agendas: 77 percent opt for a fully comprehensive policy, and 62 percent say they prefer to explore new options when they renew their car insurance, rather than letting their policy auto-renew. Only 5 percent say they hadn’t thought about car insurance at all.

Car insurance may be even more of a priority for drivers in London, as London ranks as the city in the UK with the most stolen cars (11 percent), followed by Sheffield (9 percent), Brighton (9 percent), Cardiff (8 percent) and Glasgow (8 percent). Londoners have a higher level of concern related to car theft with 20 percent saying they think their car is likely to be stolen – seven percent more than the national average (13 percent).

For car owners considering their car safety, Post Office offers car insurance with a claims line open 24/7, as well as a three-year guarantee on work completed by approved repairers.

Post Office’s Paul Paddock said: “Our research shows that car theft is a source of worry for many drivers across the UK, and that young drivers are particularly at risk.

“Our comprehensive car insurance policies, including our under 50s cover, comes with a courtesy car to keep you on the road while an approved repairer fixes your car. Replacement car cover is an add-on we offer customers if their vehicle is stolen or can’t be driven.”

For tips on how to protect your car from theft , visit: https://www.postoffice.co.uk/car-insurance/guides/car-theft