QuestGates has uncovered a modern twist on an old car theft technique, raising fresh concerns for insurers and vehicle owners.
From the 1930s until the early 2000s, the so-called “third key” method, where criminals secretly cut a spare key, was a common tactic for stealing vehicles. Advances in transponder key technology shifted criminal focus to keyless entry and relay attacks. However, a recent claim handled by QuestGates suggests that copy-key theft has been reinvented for the digital age.
The case involved the theft of a used luxury SUV valued at over £100,000, stolen from a policyholder’s driveway just days after purchase. CCTV showed the thief calmly approaching the vehicle, unlocking it without resistance, and driving away in seconds. The absence of typical keyless theft indicators prompted investigators to examine the keys.
Analysis revealed that while two keys were supplied to the buyer, only one was original. The other was a newly cut copy. Police concluded that the theft was carried out using a missing original key, with the counterfeit key passed off to the unsuspecting new owner.
The method, QuestGates said, was highly organised and deliberately concealed within the vehicle's sale.
Philip Swift, technical director of motor at QuestGates, said insurers must remain alert to the persistence of traditional threats. He noted that while the industry has focused heavily on keyless attacks, the relative ease with which spare keys can still be obtained, often without regulation or record-keeping, creates significant vulnerabilities, particularly for certain makes.
For insurers, the case underscores the need for heightened scrutiny of claims involving recently purchased used vehicles, especially high-value models. It also raises broader questions for risk management, as policyholders may underestimate the exposure posed by unverified spare keys.
From a market perspective, the revival of this theft method has potential implications for motor claims trends and loss ratios. Motor theft claims have already placed pressure on insurers in recent years, particularly with the rise of keyless entry thefts. The emergence of a parallel threat, one that is harder for owners to detect, may further complicate underwriting, anti-fraud strategies and premium pricing. Claims validation processes may also need to adapt, especially in high-value cases where theft appears suspiciously seamless.
Swift suggested that used car buyers consider reprogramming their vehicle’s keys, effectively changing the locks, as part of the purchase process. While this adds upfront cost, it can reduce the risk of claims and fraudulent losses for both insurers and policyholders.
