Found in 36 minutes – Aviva and Tracker join forces to recover 4X4

An Aviva motor insurance customer experienced a quick U-turn in their fortunes, when their 4x4 vehicle was discovered by the police just 36 minutes after being reported stolen.

Tracker was notified that an Aviva-insured car had been stolen at 9.36 am and started working with the police to recover it immediately. As a result, the police found the vehicle undamaged at 10.12 am.

The customer was overjoyed to have her 4x4 back so quickly. It was a particularly pleasing outcome as she had purchased the car as a used vehicle and wasn’t aware that a Tracker had been installed by the previous owner. Tracker devices can be placed almost anywhere on a vehicle, making it difficult for thieves to know whether one is present.

Aviva has worked with Tracker for a number of years, locating hundreds of stolen customer vehicles through the relationship. The two organisations have recently reviewed their processes to make it possible to find vehicles even more quickly. This particular car was located just one day after the new procedures were introduced.

Waseem Malik, Chief Claims Officer, Aviva UK, says: “A stolen car can be extremely distressing for the owner, not to mention inconvenient, so this is a brilliant outcome for the customer. We were delighted with the way Tracker and the police acted so promptly to bring about this great result.

“Unfortunately, thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so we’d urge drivers to remain vigilant and take steps to secure their vehicles. But where the worst happens, we are there to assist our customers. We’ve seen a number of claims where a stolen car has been found on the same day - but to find one in just 36 minutes is really something else!”

Mark Rose, Managing Director, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd, commented: “Prestige 4x4s have dominated our annual Top Ten Most Stolen and Recovered table every year for the past decade and have taken the top spot for the past five consecutive years. Unfortunately, premium models have always been the go-to for criminals who exploit the demand for these desirable cars overseas. We are continuously intercepting shipping containers packed with stolen vehicles at ports around the country. 

“Despite ever advancing anti-theft technologies, professional thieves continue to be quick to adapt, which is why we are working closely with Aviva to keep one step ahead and close the net on criminals.  Whilst a stolen vehicle recovery solution won’t necessarily stop your vehicle being stolen, 95% fitted with a Tracker device are successfully recovered, thanks to our exclusive nationwide partnership with the UK’s police. What’s more, 80% of those stolen vehicles recovered by Tracker are done so within 24 hours, as Aviva’s customer experienced.”

Authored by Aviva