Keyless car theft might sound impossible, but it’s a real risk for those with modern cars.

Also known as Relay Theft or Relay Crime, this theft happens when thieves use signal amplifiers or relay devices to trick the car into thinking the key fob is nearby, allowing them to unlock and start the vehicle without the actual key.

Learn how thieves exploit these systems and how to enhance your security with the tips below. 

Keyless car theft only takes 20 to 30 seconds. A scary thought for all drivers.

Keyless or relay car theft happens when thieves use a device to capture the signal from your key fob, even if it’s inside your house. 

The signal is then relayed to someone near your car, fooling it into thinking the key is nearby, unlocking and starting the vehicle. Thieves often use signal boosters, relay boxes, or code grabbers to open cars. 

This method is quick, quiet, and doesn't require physically breaking in, which is why it's become so popular.

keyless car security and keeping your keys safe. 

Here are some of the best ways to protect your vehicle:

When you're not using your key fob, store it in a Faraday pouch or box, also known as signal-blocking pouches. 

These pouches block the signal so thieves can't boost keys and trick your car into unlocking or starting. They’re lined with metallic materials, making this possible. 

Pouches tend to cost from £5 to £10. Very simple, but really effective.

Installing a steering wheel lock and car alarm adds visible security, making your car a harder target for thieves, reducing the risk of damage and saving you from costly repairs.

In the unfortunate case of damage, you can use 

 to split the costs and strain on your wallet. 

Some keyless fobs let you manually turn off the wireless signal. Check your car’s manual to see if that’s an option.

If it’s not mentioned, it’s worth contacting the manufacturer to find out, as this is an effective preventative measure.

Want to make sure your vehicle is visibly yours? 

Etching the last seven digits of your VIN or registration onto windows, headlights, and mirrors makes it much harder for thieves to change your car’s identity after a keyless theft.

Parking your car in a garage overnight is ideal to prevent keyless theft by increasing the distance from signal-boosting thieves.

But garages aren’t an option for everyone. 

If this is the case, park close to your home, use outdoor lighting or CCTV, and choose well-lit streets as these deter thieves.

Cleaning the car isn’t anyone’s favourite task. 

However, a clean, organised car with no valuables like phones or sat navs is less likely to be stolen. You may even want to leave your glove box open to show there’s nothing to hide.

Many drivers use a tracking device that can help locate the car if it’s stolen. 

It’s a worst-case scenario measure, but it gives you a better chance of getting it back if thieves do succeed.

If you have a keyless entry car, try to keep your keys far from doors and windows, as this can grant thieves a better signal. 

Don’t forget to do the same with any spare set!

As soon as you notice your car keys are missing, contact an auto locksmith. 

These are experts who deal with vehicle locks and can remove stolen keys from your vehicle’s database to prevent their use.

Cars with a poor keyless car theft security rating

Any car with keyless entry is at risk of keyless car theft. 

tested 237 keyless cars and found some are more at risk than others. 

Where should you keep your car keys at night?

safest place to keep car keys at home overnight is anywhere away from doors and windows. You may also want to use a signal-blocking pouch to keep your keys extra secure.

Storing your car key fob in a metallic tin may help prevent keyless car theft by blocking the signal. However, it's a good idea to test it first to ensure the signal is effectively blocked first.

Do car manufacturers do anything to prevent keyless car theft?

Many car manufacturers are now offering keyless entry protection, such as motion sensor fobs and Faraday bags, but not all of them cover this possibility yet.

For example, Kia offers a Faraday bag to block signals, while Ford Focus, Fiesta, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have motion sensor key fobs that go into sleep mode after 40 seconds of inactivity to block thieves from accessing the car’s signal.

Does car insurance cover keyless car theft?

Most insurance policies cover keyless theft, but they may require proof that you still have all available keys. It’s worth checking with your insurer to see whether your policy covers this.

Keyless car theft is an unfortunate possibility for modern drivers. However, with a few simple steps you can reduce the chances and keep your car safer than ever while it’s parked. 

Keyless car theft can leave you with huge costs—just like last-minute repairs!

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

Keyless Car Theft - How to Avoid Relay Theft

Mandatory speed limiters are systems built into cars to stop you from driving too fast. However, they’re not as restrictive as you’d think. 

Speed limiters are becoming a legal requirement across the UK as lawmakers aim to make roads safer and reduce road accidents. 

On this page, we’ll explain how they work, which cars are affected, and what British drivers need to know for 2025 and beyond.

Mandatory speed limiters are systems that use smart speed-limiting tech (also known as Intelligent Speed Assistant ISA) to monitor and restrict your driving speed.

ISA uses GPS and camera-based traffic sign recognition to understand the speed limit in any given area. 

If the driver goes over the speed limit, the mandatory speed limiter reduces the engine's power and slows the car. The driver will also receive a visual or audio warning if they exceed the speed limit. 

For example, if the car determines that the speed limit is 30mph and you try to do 40mph, your car will push back slightly on the pedal to warn you and reduce speed.

Sometimes, you need to break the speed limit if a situation puts you or others in danger. 

 be overridden so, if you need to accelerate quickly to avoid a dangerous situation, you still can, but the system will kick back in soon after.

The main reason mandatory speed limiters have hit UK and EU roads is safety. 

Speeding is one of the biggest contributors to unsafe roads. The European Commission has stated that speeding is a key factor in

The idea is that if everyone sticks to the limits with the help of speed limiters, roads become safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

These systems are part of a wider push towards smarter, safer driving tech. Just like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping systems.

What are the legal requirements for speed limiters?

Speed limiters have been a legal requirement for cars manufactured in Europe since 6 July 2022, and from 7 July 2024, all car manufacturers will be legally required to guarantee that all cars in their showrooms have speed limiters fitted. 

The limiters aren't just an EU scheme, though.

The July 2022 ruling was also put into UK law. So, it applies to all UK cars, even though they're not part of the EU. If you’re buying a new car from July 2024 onwards, it will come with a mandatory speed limiter. 

Cars affected by the UK speed limiter rules

All new cars sold from July 2024 must comply with mandatory speed limiter rules, including every major brand and model introduced since then.

Every new car sold, whether a fresh design or a long-standing favourite, must be equipped with a speed limiter. So even familiar models like the Ford Fiesta or VW Golf will include the technology.

Used cars that were registered before this rule came into effect won’t need to have the system retrofitted. So, if you’re driving a car that’s a few years old, you don’t need to worry (yet).

Yes. Some specialist vehicles, such as emergency services cars and vans, may be exempt.

Older cars registered before the rule changes also aren’t affected or required to have speed limiters retrofitted. This may change in the future, but for now, you won’t have to worry about this in your car repairs. 

However, if you need to manage the cost of any future repairs

options can help you spread the cost of essential services.

Upcoming mandatory speed limiter regulations

The July 2024 ruling was the last big mandatory speed limiter ruling. 

Since then, no further updates to the law have been put in place, and there aren’t any further changes to be aware of. 

Some want to expand ISA systems and make them stricter to enforce speed limits more thoroughly. But for now, the focus is putting these systems into all new cars.

If your car was made after July 2024, it very likely has a speed limiter. 

You can check the steering wheel or indicator stalk if you’re unsure. Look for a button with the letters “LIM.” You can also check for a cruise control symbol. This is signified by an arrow on the speedometer. 

Do speed limiters mean you won’t get speeding fines?

No. You can still get caught for speeding if you have a mandatory speed limiter, as you can override the system by accelerating harder. Ultimately, you’re still responsible for driving the speed limit.

Mandatory speed limits at first sound like a dramatic change, but really, they’re a soft push towards safer driving without taking away your control.

If you’re purchasing a new car, make sure you ask about the ISA system and how it works to ensure you understand how the limiter will affect your drive.

Speed limiters help you meet the speed limit, but won’t save you money on car repairs!

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

Mandatory Speed Limiters

Bumper has launched a new open banking integration with Pinewood.AI, enabling car retailers to process Pay by Bank and Pay by Card services directly from their dealer management systems (DMS).

The integration is already live across 200 UK dealerships with a pipeline of sites to follow. 

The integration works by retailers sending payment requests to customers by email or SMS, with a link for them to pay directly from their bank accounts. In addition to the ease of use, open banking provides enhanced security and protection against fraud for both retailers and customers.

It also facilitates Bumper’s Pay by Card service using credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. 

Dealers can benefit from lower transaction fees, faster payments and reduced administration time. 

The integration provides intelligent routing of payments to maximise savings and remove friction, only displaying payment methods relevant to the customer based on pre-set thresholds. 

The move sees Bumper becoming Pinewood.AI’s sole provider of open banking services in the UK. The two tech companies have a long-standing partnership with Bumper’s PayLater service offered through Pinewood.AI’s vehicle health check tool.

“This major integration expands our relationship with Pinewood.AI and is already delivering significantly lower costs per transaction for dealers, compared to traditional card payments,” said Daniel Christie, Bumper’s Head of Sales.

“By integrating with existing dealership ecosystems, it brings together all our payment options in a more efficient way for retailers using the Pinewood Automotive Intelligence Platform, enabling them to offer customers more choice when paying their bills,” he said.

Commenting on the rollout Kim Costello, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Pinewood.AI said: “We’re delighted with this latest integration with Bumper, following the completion of a successful pilot at the beginning of the year.

“Offering Bumper’s Pay by Bank directly on Pinewood.AI will help streamline retailer processes by avoiding the need for them to work across different systems.

“The integration is already delivering the convenience of an open banking option for car owners, while helping our retailer clients cut administration time and reduce transaction costs.”

Pinewood.AI has confirmed it is currently working on its next integration with Bumper: PayPad. This powerful solution will enable dealers partnered with Pinewood.AI a unified payment experience, enabling them to process every type of transaction through Bumper, including in-store PoS payments, remote card transactions, secure bank-to-bank transfers and flexible Buy Now, Pay Later options.

Bumper expands Pinewood.AI partnership with Pay by Bank and Pay by Card

The Ford Kuga. It’s practical, good-looking, and comes with all kinds of features. But like any car, it’s not without its problems. If you’re driving one (or thinking about it), knowing the Ford Kuga’s common quirks can save you a whole lot of stress and money down the line. So, let’s get straight into it: what should you keep an eye out for when it comes to the Ford Kuga?

Ford Kugas often suffer from engine issues, especially diesel models, ranging from rough idling to full-blown engine damage. There have also been reports of software bugs causing misfires or delays in response, especially after updates. 

And while the car's diagnostic check can help spot things early, these engine gremlins are often frustratingly vague until they become expensive. Worst case? You’re looking at an 

What is the clutch problem on the Ford Kuga?

Premature clutch wear is a known problem in manual Kugas, particularly older diesel models. You might notice a strong smell, difficulty changing gears, or a clutch that just doesn’t feel quite right. The issue often comes down to a failing clutch pressure plate or a worn clutch pedal. Some drivers even have to replace their clutch more than once. 

If you're staring down a big bill, Bumper's 

 lets you break it into easy monthly payments. It’s a smarter alternative to high-interest loans – and way less painful than paying it all upfront.

Blocked DPFs (diesel particulate filters) are a well-known issue in Fords, including diesel Kugas. And this is especially true if you mainly drive short distances. It’s especially common for city drivers, where the car doesn’t get hot enough to clear the filter properly. Symptoms? A strong smell, reduced power, or a warning light on your dashboard. If you ignore it for too long, it could cause serious problems under the bonnet. 

What is the battery problem with the Ford Kuga?

Battery drain, flashing warning lights, and dodgy wiring are common electrical problems in the Ford Kuga. Most of these problems stem from ageing battery components or dodgy wiring. If your Kuga won’t start or keeps dying after short trips, it’s worth checking the main and backup systems. Get it checked as soon as possible. Those

Brake pads on the Kuga tend to wear out faster than expected, typically if you're driving in stop-start traffic or carrying heavy loads. But it’s not just 

 you need to watch out for with the Kuga. Over time, discs can warp, callipers can stick, and fluid can leak. This affects performance and bigger repair bills if left unchecked. 

What is the coolant problem with the Ford Kuga?

Some diesel Kugas have suffered from fuel injector issues, leading to rough performance and unexpected fuel leaks. There’s also a risk of coolant leaks. If ignored, these can lead to overheating and a damaged engine. It’s not always easy to spot these early, so watch out for strange smells, puddles under the car, or sudden drops in fuel efficiency.

What is the gearbox problem with the Ford Kuga?

Sticky shifts, slipping clutches, and rough gear changes are some of the most common gearbox complaints on the Ford Kuga – whether you’re driving manual or automatic. Some drivers report hesitation or lag after software updates, while others struggle with gears grinding or refusing to engage smoothly. It’s not always a quick fix either. While some issues can be sorted with a software tweak, others may point to clutch wear or deeper gearbox trouble.

Ford Kuga problems: Should they put you off buying one?

The Ford Kuga’s problems shouldn’t put you off if you’re in the market. It’s one of the UK’s best-selling SUVs – and for good reason! But, like any vehicle, it has its problem areas. Knowing what they are means you can spot the signs early, stay safe, and avoid nasty repair costs. With Bumper’s easy 

 options, you can split your bill into interest-free instalments – either from your phone or right from your garage. It’s quick and transparent and gives you the breathing room you need to get back on the road without blowing your budget. 

Applying is simple and only takes a minute, so start now!

Ford Kuga problems: What to watch out for

Problemas del Ford Kuga: en qué fijarse

Ford-Kuga-Probleme: Worauf Sie achten sollten

A diesel scrappage scheme offers cash incentives to trade old, polluting cars for cleaner models. 

Scrappage schemes first launched in 2009 to cut emissions, boost air quality, and encourage the switch to greener vehicles. The goal? A cleaner environment and more sustainable transport for 

Right now, there’s no UK-wide scrappage scheme in place. But there are some great alternatives out there, we’ll explain these and how they work below. 

There isn’t currently a UK diesel scrappage scheme. But there are a few manufacturer-led projects that aim to take older 

 scrappage scheme in London aimed to cut air pollution by removing older, high-emission vehicles that didn’t meet Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards. 

It offered financial incentives for switching to cleaner cars, including up to £1,000 for motorcycles, £2,000 for cars, and £10,000 for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. 

The scheme closed on 8 September 2024 after receiving over 54,000 applications. You cannot apply now, but 

existing submissions will still be processed.

 vehicles must still pay the £12.50 charge when driving in the zone in 2025.

offering discounts of up to £6,000 when you trade in an older diesel vehicle. This incentive applies when buying a new, more environmentally friendly model from their range.

The scheme encourages drivers to replace high-emission cars with newer alternatives, helping reduce pollution and supporting the shift towards more sustainable driving, whether that’s a fuel-efficient petrol, hybrid, or electric Volkswagen Group vehicle.

 aims to remove high-polluting vehicles from the road and gives you three great options if you’re eligible. You can get:

You need a non-compliant vehicle and live or work in the CAZ to qualify. You must’ve owned the car since before the 1st of June 2021 and meet certain income or job criteria.

The good news is that there's no fixed end date—the scheme runs until the £4m Government funding runs out.

When searching for diesel scrapped schemes, you might notice one trend—lots of options and brand-led initiatives pop up, but none seem to be in action. 

To help you separate the past from the present, we’ve rounded up the inactive UK scrappage schemes below:

Other manufacturers that used to offer scrappage/trade-in deals include BMW, Fiat, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Skoda, and Vauxhall. 

Hopefully, we’ll see some new schemes appearing in the next few years.

What cars qualify for a scrappage scheme?

Your car must meet certain age and emissions standards to qualify for a UK scrappage scheme. 

, UK scrappage schemes typically accept cars registered after 2015 that do not meet current emissions standards. If petrol cars are accepted, they must be registered after 2005.

The vehicle must also be in the owner’s name for at least six months. Some schemes may have additional criteria, such as income or location restrictions. 

If a manufacturer runs the scheme, you’ll have to have one of their vehicles participate. They usually don’t allow competitor makes.

Always check specific scheme rules for complete eligibility details, as they are never exactly the same.

Scrappage schemes let you trade in your old car for cash or discounts on a new, eco-friendly vehicle. 

Simply, you trade in your old car, and in return, you get a financial incentive to upgrade to a cleaner model, reducing pollution and saving you money in the process.

You’ll also need your car registration details and certain documents to prove ownership. Gather these beforehand to save time.

However, you must meet strict eligibility criteria, as detailed above.

Do you get money for scrapping a car in the UK?

​Yes, you can receive money for scrapping your diesel car through various scrappage schemes. 

Government-backed programs may offer grants up to £4,000 (Birmingham CAZ), while manufacturer-led initiatives can provide discounts on new vehicles ranging from £1,000 to £5,000. 

Is the government car scrappage scheme still running?

No, the UK government does not currently offer a nationwide car scrappage scheme. The last national program ended in 2009, and there are no plans for a new one.

Since then, scrappage schemes have been localised or manufacturer-led, such as the options listed on this page. 

Do you need to tell the DVLA if you scrap your car?

You must tell the DVLA if you scrap your car so they can update their records. 

Once your car is scrapped or traded in, you should inform them using the V5C registration document. This lets them know the vehicle is off the road, and you’ll avoid fines for not keeping your details up to date!

A diesel scrappage scheme is key to making greener decisions, and hopefully, we’ll see more of these in 2025 and beyond. 

Keep learning about sustainable initiatives and the latest auto news today. 

Scrappage schemes can save you money, but they don’t help with pesky repairs. 

, you can split the cost of repair bills into interest-free monthly payments.

Diesel Scrappage Schemes in the UK (2025)

If you own an MG ZS, you’ll know it’s a decent all-rounder – affordable, practical, and easy on the eye. But like all cars, it’s not without its quirks. When something starts making a weird noise or a warning light pops up, it’s always better to know what’s going on. So, here’s a quick look at some of the common problems of the MG ZS. 

For the most part, yes, the MG ZS is a reliable car. But it depends on how well it’s been looked after. If you’ve been keeping up with your servicing, using the right oil, and dealing with issues as they come up, you’ll likely have a good run with it.

But if your MG ZS has been skipping services or spending a bit too much time doing short, stop-start journeys, you might start noticing a few of the niggles that other owners mention.

Engine problems MG ZS drivers often report

The engine’s generally solid, but a few faults do come up. Here’s what people talk about most:

If your MG ZS has started feeling a bit sluggish, it might just need new air filters, an oil top-up, or a clean-out of the fuel system. Nothing dramatic, but worth sorting before it gets worse and you need to 

Some owners say yes, especially in the non-turbo petrol models. Others reckon it’s got more than enough power for going around town and down the odd A-road. If you’ve noticed your ZS feeling more sluggish than it used to, it could be down to things like:

It’s probably not a major fault, but worth getting checked if the lack of power starts affecting everyday driving.

Worried about the cost of fixing a fault? With Bumper, you can spread the bill into easy, interest-free instalments. Like a 

This is where a lot of owners get frustrated. Common issues include:

Sometimes it’s just a sensor. Other times, it’s a deeper electrical fault. Either way, it’s worth having a garage plug it in and run diagnostics. The sooner you catch these things, the cheaper they usually are to fix.

Fuel economy’s alright for most ZS models, but it’s not amazing. If yours is burning through fuel faster than usual, it could be:

In some cases, poor MPG can also be a sign that your fuel injectors aren’t working properly. If they’re clogged or faulty, it can seriously affect performance, and the 

 isn’t always cheap if left too long. Keeping up with basic maintenance can make a real difference at the pump.

If you’ve been driving your MG ZS for a while, you might have noticed a few of these:

Most of these aren’t dealbreakers, but if they get worse, it’s worth having your garage take a look.

The MG ZS: Worth keeping an eye on, but still solid value

If you’re already driving an MG ZS, don’t worry. You’re not alone if it’s had the odd fault or weird noise. Most of the common issues are manageable, especially if you catch them early. The key is regular maintenance, listening to what the car’s telling you, and not ignoring those dashboard lights. 

And if something does go wrong, don’t panic, we’ve got an easy way to cover the cost.

, you can split the cost into interest-free monthly payments – either online or right at your local garage. We’ve partnered with over 5,000 garages across the country, so you’re probably not far from a Bumper garage. Apply today for easy, affordable car repairs.

MG ZS problems and what owners need to know

Problemas del MG ZS y qué debes saber sobre el tema

Was Sie als Besitzer eines MG ZS wissen sollten

The Mercedes GLB is a sleek, premium SUV that boasts great design, clever tech, and loads of space. With its classic 4x4 look and optional seven seats, it’s one of the most practical models in the Mercedes-Benz range – and a strong rival to cars like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

But while the GLB scores big on comfort and cargo space, it’s not completely problem-free. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common Mercedes GLB problems. So, whether you’re already behind the wheel or thinking about buying one, you know what to watch for. 

One of the most common complaints from GLB owners involves some unexpected dashboard warnings. The check engine light is a frequent example. This often comes on for minor sensor faults in the emissions system. While not always serious, these alerts can be frustrating, especially if they keep coming back after a reset.

There have also been reports of issues with the electronic stability control system, and in some cases, drivers have seen messages about disabled anti-lock brakes. While these systems often kick in unnecessarily due to faulty readings rather than real safety risks, they’re not something you want to ignore.

going on in terms of electronics, so things like these are bound to pop up now and then. From erratic infotainment responses to glitches in the instrument cluster, these bugs are usually more annoying than dangerous, but still worth flagging with your garage if they stick around for long.

Engine and gearbox problems in the Mercedes GLB

The GLB is a nice drive, according to its owners. But some have noticed concerns around engine and gearbox performance, especially in older diesel models or those with lots of miles. These include:

Despite its premium badge, the GLB doesn’t always deliver the quietest ride. 

Road noise is something several owners have mentioned, particularly at motorway speeds or on rougher surfaces. This may come down to your choice of tyre or a lack of insulation compared to more luxurious siblings like the Mercedes GLC.

Some drivers also notice a slightly disconnected feel through the steering wheel or brake pedal. While this doesn’t affect safety, it can take away from the confident, composed feel you’d expect in a Mercedes. These are more about user experience than mechanical problems, but they’re worth keeping in mind, especially if you’re about to test-drive a used GLB.

? With Bumper, you can split your repair bill into 3–6 interest-free monthly payments, right through your garage. There’s no impact on your credit score when you apply – and absolutely ZERO hidden fees. Get back on the road with Bumper!

The GLB’s boxy design helps maximise space, but it can create some challenges with rear visibility. The rear window is narrow, and thick C-pillars can make reversing more difficult without the help of sensors or a reversing camera. 

There’s also mixed feedback about the driving position. Some shorter drivers feel the seat doesn’t adjust low enough, while taller drivers mention limited thigh support. Again, this isn’t a major fault, but it can affect you on long-distance journeys. 

Strengths that help balance out the flaws

Even with a few faults to keep in mind, the GLB gets a lot right. Features like cruise control, wireless charging, and optional seven seats make it incredibly versatile. It feels premium where it counts, and details like the signature alloy wheels and MBUX infotainment system add a modern, high-end touch. 

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer