Protecting your car on holiday is a topic that is becoming increasingly important for drivers planning a trip. Unfamiliar places, new car parks and crowds of tourists can create risks such as theft or damage to your car. In 2025, the number of car thefts in tourist car parks is on the rise, so it’s worth knowing the effective ways to protect your car while you’re away.
In this article we present proven ways to protect your car when travelling abroad. You’ll learn how to choose a safe parking spot, which mechanical security devices are worth using, what to look out for in your insurance, and why a GPS tracker is currently the best form of protection.
1. Choose a safe parking spot
The foundation of protecting your car is choosing the right car park. Parking in a well-secured spot can significantly reduce the risk of theft or damage.
It’s best to use guarded car parks with physical security and CCTV monitoring, as well as hotel car parks offering 24-hour security. If no such option is available, choose well-lit, busy places. Thieves prefer to operate where it’s easier for them to go unnoticed.
It’s also good practice to avoid car parks next to busy streets or in less popular tourist spots, where a car can easily be damaged, whether accidentally or deliberately.
2. Mechanical security devices are a physical barrier
Mechanical security devices are an additional layer of protection that makes it harder for unauthorised people to start the car quickly and easily.
Popular solutions include steering wheel, pedal and gearbox locks. Although they don’t offer a 100% guarantee, they definitely deter thieves, who prefer to avoid vehicles with such devices because of the extra time needed.
It’s worth remembering that locks of this type are easy to fit yourself and don’t require any interference with the car’s electronics, and their cost is relatively low compared to the value of the car.
3. Alarm and anti-burglary systems
A good car alarm is a standard feature that should work flawlessly. Modern alarm systems have many useful functions, such as detecting movement, vibration or unauthorised opening of the doors.
Increasingly, alarms are also linked to notifications on your phone, so the car’s owner learns about a break-in attempt immediately, wherever they happen to be.
A well-functioning anti-burglary system increases the chance of a quick reaction and reduces the risk of theft or damage to the vehicle.
4. Car insurance for the duration of your trip
Even the best security devices don’t guarantee full protection, so it’s worth making sure you have the right insurance.
Before you leave, check the scope of cover of your policy and consider buying additional insurance for the duration of your stay abroad. Travel policies or short-term motor insurance can cover any damage that occurs while you’re away.
That way, if your car is stolen or damaged, you won’t be left to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle on your own.
5. A GPS tracker is modern, effective car protection
The most advanced and effective solution is to install a GPS tracker, which allows you to track your car continuously in real time.
Thanks to this, if the car is stolen or moves in an unwanted way, you can react immediately and notify the relevant services.
Why is a GPS tracker the best choice?
- Live monitoring: the mobile app lets you track your car’s position almost in real time, whichever country you’re in.
- Notifications of suspicious events: the device informs you of movement, vibration or tampering attempts.
- Discreet and easy to install: trackers are small and easy to hide, which makes it harder for a thief to find and remove them.
- No subscription: modern models such as notiOne GPS PLUS work with no additional monthly fees or contracts.
Investing in a GPS tracker means comfort and security, so you can enjoy your trip in peace, confident that if need be, you have full control over your car.
Summary
According to the police, properly securing your car is key to reducing the risk of theft, especially during holiday trips. Experts stress that not only traditional methods, such as an alarm or a steering wheel lock, but also modern technologies, such as GPS trackers, significantly increase the chances of protecting the vehicle. The police recommend that drivers use the available solutions that make it possible to locate the car quickly and react immediately in the event of a threat.
However, to have full control and be sure that your car is always under your protection, it’s worth relying on modern technology — above all, a GPS tracker. A device such as notiOne GPS PLUS will give you peace of mind and the ability to react quickly, wherever you are.
