Going Away? A Car Security Checklist for Holidays and Airport Parking
A holiday is the longest your car will sit still all year, whether that's on your drive or in an airport car park. Nobody's checking on it and nobody will notice if something's wrong until you're back. A few minutes before you leave makes a real difference.
If the car stays at home
- Keys away from the door. Keep every key, including spares, well away from doors and windows, ideally in a signal-blocking pouch or tin.
- Block it in if you can. If you have two cars, park the one you're leaving behind the other.
- Lights and cameras. Check that security lights and doorbell or driveway cameras are working and that notifications reach your phone abroad.
- Tell a neighbour. Someone keeping an eye out is still one of the best deterrents there is.
If you're using airport parking
- Choose a reputable car park. Look for proper security features: barriers, patrols, CCTV and good lighting.
- Know who has your key. With meet-and-greet parking you hand your keys over. Use a well-reviewed, established operator and photograph your car and mileage at handover.
- Leave nothing on show. Empty the cabin and the boot of anything worth stealing, including chargers and sat-nav mounts.
- Note where you parked. A photo of the bay number saves a tired search when you land.
Before you lock it
- Close every window and the sunroof, and fold the mirrors.
- Fit a visible steering wheel lock as an extra deterrent.
- Check your battery is healthy. Some cars drain it when they sit for weeks, and you don't want a flat car on your return.
How IMMOSTOP helps while you're away
IMMOSTOP arms itself automatically when your phone leaves the car, so it's protected the moment you walk away, whether you remember or not. With the car immobilised at two separate points, it won't start for anyone without your phone or keyring tag. Leaving the car with a valet or meet-and-greet service? Switch on service mode from your phone, set to turn itself off after a few starts. Add the optional GPS tracker (available separately) and you can check where the car is from anywhere and get alerts if it's moved.
Protection that arms itself the moment you walk away. See IMMOSTOP, £349 all-in, fitted →
More on vehicle security
- How to protect your car from keyless theft
- Immobiliser vs tracker: which stops car theft?
- 6 signs your car is a target
- Compare IMMOSTOP vs trackers, steering locks & aftermarket immobilisers
- Order IMMOSTOP (£349 all-in, fitted)
- Car immobiliser fitting in your area
- Autosecureshop — vehicle security specialists