Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced plans to invest over £1 million to assist UK police in tackling vehicle crime. The funds will bolster police operations in high-theft
areas and support intelligence gathering efforts.
This move comes after JLR's CEO vehemently denied claims that Range Rovers are particularly susceptible to theft. Despite this, many Range Rover owners have reported significant increases in their insurance premiums, with some even facing coverage refusals.
One such owner, Meryl Cabellos, a 41-year-old tech industry professional from France living in the UK, saw his insurance costs for his 2017 Range Rover Sport double from £2,000 to £4,000 last year. This year, his insurer declined to renew his policy altogether, forcing him to find a new provider. The best quote he received was £10,000, prompting him to sell his vehicle as its value plummeted.
"We've been loyal Range Rover customers for many years, but it feels like we're being priced out now," Cabellos lamented. "We loved the car, but the insurance costs made owning it unbearable."
Insurance premiums for luxury cars like Range Rovers can vary widely based on factors such as the driver's record, experience, vehicle location, and security features. Expensive cars are prime targets for thieves, who can sell them abroad for substantial profits, driving up insurance costs.
For JLR, this issue is significant as they produce a range of premium models, with the Range Rover being particularly popular among celebrities, politicians, and royalty. Photo by Dani_7C3, Wikimedia commons.