Car insurer Swiftcover, have launched their new Vehicle Vandalism Index, that tracks which cars are most likely to be vandalised in the UK. The figures have been calculated by reviewing and analysing 2,000 claims, and weighting the figures to be representative of the number of cars on the road in this country.
Topping the table is the Lexus IS, which has been exposed as the most vandalised vehicle in the UK. This is followed closely by the BMW Z4 and the Mini One.
Contrary to what you might have expected, the majority of the cars in the top ten appear to be high end, executive vehicles, suggesting perhaps, that many acts of vandalism are a result of sheer jealously.
In fourth position in the table is the Mercedes CLK, with the Audi TT and Mazda MX5 hot on its heels.
Claims Director at Swiftcover, Robin Reames, shares his thoughts on the results: “Our analysis shows that luxury cars are more likely to be targeted by vandals, however, it’s interesting to see the Mini ONE in the top three. The majority of vehicles in the top ten are what we call ‘executive cars’, likely to be driven by high earners who see their car as a status symbol, with just one 4×4 making up the top ten”.
Interestingly, the more popular, and less prestigious vehicles such as the Ford Focus appear at the bottom of the table and are, apparently, much less likely to fall victim to vandals. Although the Skoda Octavia bucks this trend which does appear in the top ten.
Reames goes on to advise motorists on taking preventative measures against vandalism, “The most obvious one is not to leave your car on the street; if you’re lucky enough to have a garage, use it to keep your car out of harm’s way. Installing extra security features such as motion-activated lights or security cameras will reduce your risk, as will a physical car cover to hide your car from view”.
Swiftcover, who are responsible for the Vehicle Vandalism Index suggest that the figures could be useful to motorists who are considering a new car purchase.
Think Insurance, the specialist motor trader insurance provider, find this research interesting, but doubt it will have any influence over the future buying decisions of motorists. Garrath Hussey, Chief Executive at Think comments, “If someone is in the market for an executive, luxury car, it is highly unlikely they will decide to opt for a Ford Focus instead to safeguard against vandalism! These surveys and studies are useful to some extent, but I don’t expect to see a shift in buying behaviours any time soon”.