YOUR CAR
CAN BE STOLEN
in under 60 seconds with no alarm triggered
Do you actually need a CAN bus immobiliser? Six honest questions to find out
Not every car and every driver carries the same level of risk. Answer these six questions honestly and you will have a clear, personal read on whether a CAN bus immobiliser (CAN-IMMO) belongs on your car.
Questions 1 to 3: your car and where it lives
1. Does your car have keyless entry?
If you can unlock or start the car with the key still in your pocket or bag, the answer is yes, and the core weakness this article series covers applies to you.
2. Do you park on a driveway or street?
Relay attacks specifically target vehicles parked close to a home, where the key fob signal can be picked up from inside.
3. Do you regularly use public car parks?
Signal jamming and opportunistic access are more common in car parks, petrol stations, and other locations away from home.
Questions 4 to 6: your habits and your insurance policy
4. Do you consistently use a Faraday pouch, every single night, for every key? Be honest. Most owners who mean to do this eventually forget, and it only takes one missed night for a relay attack to work.
5. Does your insurer require a specific security device for cover? Check your policy documents. Some insurers attach conditions for higher risk vehicles, and not meeting them can put a future claim at risk.
6. Would losing your car for a few weeks genuinely disrupt your life or business? Commuting, school runs, and work vehicles all carry a cost beyond the car’s value if they suddenly disappear.
Reading your answers
If you answered yes to question 1, your car has the underlying weakness that makes this whole topic relevant, regardless of anything else. Yes answers to questions 2 or 3 describe common circumstances that specific theft methods are built around. A no to question 4 is worth being honest with yourself about, since it is the most common way owners end up unprotected despite meaning well. A yes to question 5 turns this from a preference into a policy requirement. A yes to question 6 is really the question that matters most: what would it actually cost you if this happened.
You do not need to tick every box for a CAN bus immobiliser to make sense. A single honest yes, particularly to questions 1, 4, or 6, is usually reason enough on its own.
LockCar recommended for this page
- The right starting point if you already have a tracker
- From £150 fitted, full insurance certificate
- The right choice if you answered yes to questions 2 or 3
- Movement alerts and live camera stream
- No mandatory monthly subscription
Frequently asked questions
I answered no to most of these, should I still consider it?
Fewer risk factors mean lower relative exposure, but keyless entry alone remains the core vulnerability. Many owners choose to fit protection regardless, simply for the peace of mind of removing the question entirely.
Can I get a proper opinion on my specific car and situation?
Yes, send your make, model, and location over WhatsApp and we will talk you through what makes sense for your circumstances.
Is this checklist a substitute for reading my insurance policy?
No. This is general guidance to help you think through your own risk. Always check your specific policy documents for any security requirements your insurer has attached to your cover.
Talk to us about your specific car and situation
Send your make, model, and city over WhatsApp for a straight answer, no obligation.
