A cheap hack can make a vehicle far less likely to be stolen, according to a motoring expert. Window etching costs just £20, but puts would-be thieves off stealing the vehicle as it makes it far harder to clone and sell on. Not only that, but if a vehicle is stolen, window etching makes it 10% more likely to be recovered.
New research from Halfords reveals a third of motorists have never even heard of window etching. When told it could reduce the likelihood of theft and cost just £20, 84% were surprised more motorists were not aware of it.
Amid soaring insurance costs and vehicle thefts - which are up by 50% according to the latest figures, the quick five-minute process could be the perfect solution to make motorists' vehicles less likely to be stolen. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
Halfords is calling on those within the insurance industry to offer discounts for sensible motorists who do what they can to make their vehicle less likely to be snatched, given increased thefts are often highlighted as a reason for higher insurance premiums.
Halfords motoring expert Aaron Edwards, said: “There is simply no way to make your car more secure for less money than window etching. By marking your vin number on key, and visible points in the car, it makes it far harder to clone, and simply less appealing to thieves. It always surprises me that more people do not take advantage of this brilliant, cheap hack.”
Halfords' security window etching service consists of visibly etching all the windows of a vehicle with the logo of the International Security Register (the ISR) and a code unique to the vehicle. The unique code is linked to a fully certified and secure database used by all police forces in the UK. Not only does it deter theft, but it also aids recovery.
Halfords CEO Graham Stapleton added: “We’re calling on the insurance industry to reward responsible motorists who do their part to make their car more secure. Thefts have skyrocketed and partly as a result of this, insurance premiums for most motorists are soaring. Those who invest their own money in making their car more secure should see this reflected in their premiums. As well as window etching, many motorists also invest in further measures such as diamond standard wheel locks and dashcams - yet these are still not part of the standard insurance forms for insurers.” Those interested in window etching their vehicle can find out more by clicking here.
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