Motor theft insurance claim payouts hit their highest level in seven years at the start of the year, according to the insurance industry trade body.
The Association of British Insurers said claims for January to March were higher than for any quarter since 2012.
It said a rise in keyless car crime was partly to blame, but did not have figures on what proportion of claims were for keyless vehicles.
Researchers have previously said some new car models are vulnerable.
Keyless car entry systems let drivers open and start their cars without taking their key out of their pocket.
Recent testing by Thatcham Research – which reviews cars’ security systems – said six of the 11 vehicles launched this year had a poor security rating, including the Ford Mondeo, Hyundai Nexo, Kia ProCeed, Lexus UX, Porsche Macan and the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
Home Office figures show that car theft has risen by 50% over the past five years.
