Insurance

UK Car Theft Crisis Pits Manufacturers Against High-Tech Gangs

stolen toyota in shipping container bloomberg

To the untrained eye, the purple delivery container at Felixstowe seemed no completely different to the hundreds of others stacked up at Britain’s busiest seaport.

Destined for Africa, its contents had been listed as “family items,” however to police officer Adam Gibson, one thing didn’t add up. So employees broke into the container.

Gibson was proper. Inside had been 4 sport utility autos—three Toyota RAV4s and a Lexus RX 450h. Two had been on the bottom and the others had been dangling from the roof, squeezed in like Tetris blocks.

london ambulance found shipping container bloomberg — A London ambulance is discovered crammed right into a delivery container. Picture credit score: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

After they had been lifted out on a forklift, Gibson ran checks. The automobiles had been all stolen and their license plates had been modified.

Automobile theft is a rising drawback within the UK. Nearly 130,000 autos had been stolen within the 12 months ending March 2024—close to a 15-year excessive—costing insurers £640 million ($867 million), in keeping with the latest information. And a minimum of a few of them are ending up abroad. As one of many few specialist officers on the Nationwide Car Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), an industry-funded police unit centered on car-related crime, Gibson’s job is to scour containers and maintain stolen automobiles from leaving the nation.

The thieves he’s up towards will not be simply opportunists or joyriders. Most automobile theft these days is orchestrated by organized gangs cashing in on abroad demand for SUVs. And with numbers climbing, police have struggled to cease it: for every stolen automotive Gibson and his colleagues intercept, he estimates that one other 9 slip by their fingers.

“It’s not amateurs which might be enjoying at this,” Gibson mentioned. “That is correct enterprise.”

As automobiles have develop into more and more high-tech, a technological arms race has additionally kicked off between producers and thieves. Knowledge from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics exhibits that 58% of car thefts in England and Wales within the 12 months ending April 2024 occurred with the assistance of “signal-jammers”—digital instruments able to disrupting distant locking gadgets. That was up from 40% the earlier 12 months. Toyota, which additionally owns Lexus, mentioned theft lately had reached “nearly epidemic proportion within the UK.”

workers at felixstowe port find stolen toyota bloomberg — Staff at Felixstowe port get well a stolen Toyota RAV4 from a container. Picture credit score: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

In response, carmakers have launched keyless expertise that “goes to sleep” when not in use, trackers to maintain tabs on a stolen automobile’s location and different safety measures. Toyota mentioned it’s invested thousands and thousands in combatting sign jammers, which may price as a lot as £30,000 apiece. Jaguar Land Rover, whose luxurious SUVs are so engaging to thieves that insurance coverage firms have been reluctant to cowl them, lately rolled out a software program improve for some fashions that makes it inconceivable to drive a automotive with out having its keys.

police officer adam gibson in felixstowe bloomberg — Police officer Adam Gibson. Picture credit score: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

“It’s like a recreation of tennis,” Gibson mentioned. “Criminals come out with a brand new little bit of package, producers will get spherical it, typically by shopping for it on the darkish net and reverse-engineering it. However 5 minutes later, as soon as they’ve stopped it, they’ve come out with a brand new little bit of package.”

By the point a stolen automotive arrives at a port, house owners have often already filed a declare with insurers, which are inclined to rapidly write off a automobile and pay up. These hoping to get well their automobiles, nonetheless, stand the most effective likelihood of doing so whereas they’re nonetheless within the UK. Even when trackers do find the automobile overseas, it may be tough to get a overseas nation’s authorities to collaborate, and repatriation prices will not be low-cost.

At Felixstowe, Gibson depends on instinct and purple flags to identify suspicious shipments. A container registered to an individual related to earlier felony exercise would possibly set off an alarm, as an example, as would a container that’s heavier or lighter than its listed contents counsel. But with round 60,000 containers transferring by UK ports every day, gangs exploit the truth that the overwhelming majority of them won’t ever be checked. “They know there’s a really slim likelihood of truly being caught,” mentioned Simon Hurr, a automobile safety professional at Ford. And amongst those that had been caught and charged with automobile theft between 2022 and 2023, the conviction fee was simply 2%.

car parts in felixstowe warehouse bloomberg — A Felixstowe warehouse full of automotive elements. Picture credit score: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

Alongside Gibson, NaVCIS employs simply two different patrol officers to cowl 4 ports within the south of England, and about 9 extra workplace employees. After the Residence Workplace lower help for the company, it has relied totally on non-public funding—primarily from the Finance & Leasing Affiliation, the commerce physique for motor finance—to cowl its prices.

As automotive theft has develop into extra organized, nonetheless, “policing hasn’t saved tempo,” mentioned Mark Kameen, challenge lead for the lately established Nationwide Car Crime Discount Partnership (NVCRP). The joint initiative, put collectively by police, the Residence Workplace and automakers like JLR and Toyota, helps coordinate the response to automobile thefts, together with by organizing raids on gangs.

Whereas house owners are compensated when their automobiles are taken, automobile theft isn’t a victimless crime. The extra automobiles are stolen, the extra insurance coverage premiums go up. Within the first three months of the 12 months, British automotive house owners had been quoted a median of virtually £800 a 12 months for insurance coverage—down from a peak 18 months in the past however nonetheless far increased than the historic common.

The federal government has taken steps to crack down on automotive theft. In addition to serving to arrange and fund the NVCRP, it proposed measures in February that might impose a most sentence of 5 years in jail on anybody in possession of a sign jammer.

stolen toyota at port of felixstowe bloomberg — A stolen Toyota Hilux on the Port of Felixstowe. Picture credit score: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

Carmakers are additionally beginning to see their very own efforts repay. JLR mentioned the theft fee of its autos has fallen by over 50% because it launched new safety measures in November 2022, and that fewer than 4 out of each 1,000 of its new automobiles are stolen. Toyota carried out its personal trial final 12 months, becoming some automobiles with monitoring techniques. Of those who went lacking, 96% had been recovered because of the trackers, the corporate mentioned. It now plans to roll them out in sure fashions as an non-compulsory characteristic.

These adjustments have additionally had ripple results on the black market, in keeping with Gibson. Whereas SUVs are nonetheless most in demand, he’s seen a transfer away from luxurious autos. “5 years in the past, it was Vary Rovers, BMW X5s, high-end Mercedes. Within the final two or three years, we’ve began to see Hyundais, Kias and Toyotas.”

Slicing open his last container after a busy day at Felixstowe, Gibson discovers a large number of priceless automotive elements alongside a extra curious merchandise: a London ambulance that he suspects is on its option to Ukraine. It’s hauled out with a forklift, revealing chopped-up automobiles stuffed in again of the container that may be offered on for elements. Extra priceless elements are crammed into the ambulance to utilize the house. Gibson’s work right here is completed. What occurs subsequent is as much as the insurer.

High {photograph}: A delivery container holding a stolen Toyota RAV 4, found by police on the Port of Felixstowe, UK, on Could 21, 2025. Picture credit score: Jose Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

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Covenir Continues Innovation Spree to Better Serve Insurer Needs Amidst Industry Headwinds

New IntelliClaims Benefit Answer Helps Insurers Shut Claims Sooner, Enhance Buyer Satisfaction and Scale back Prices by as much as 60%

BOSTON, MA, July 9, 2025 — CovenirBPO, the main supplier of onshore enterprise course of outsourcing providers for claims, name middle, FNOL, again workplace, print and distribution for insurers, right now broadcasts the launch of Covenir IntelliClaims Benefit, an built-in name middle claims answer that mixes First Discover of Loss (FNOL), claims help, desk adjusting and subrogation providers below one roof, together with Covenir’s unique Call Surge Guarantee.

Designed for insurers, MGAs, and insurtechs, Covenir IntelliClaims Benefit helps insurers handle rising demand for quicker claims decision, decreased operational prices and distinctive policyholder experiences, all with out sacrificing compliance or model integrity. Insurers utilizing the brand new answer can see prices decreased by as much as 60%.

“We’ve all the time been obsessive about serving to insurers navigate their most troublesome operational challenges,” mentioned David Squibb, President and CEO of Covenir. “With Covenir IntelliClaims Benefit, we’re taking that dedication even additional, providing a complete claims answer that helps our shoppers steadiness the sometimes-competing wants of enhancing operational effectivity with retaining policyholders loyal, and we’re doing it whereas delivering a major value financial savings.”

Constructed on Covenir’s confirmed basis of onshore, insurance-only experience, IntelliClaims Benefit permits claims and operations leaders to scale effectively with out the overhead of rising inner groups. Value-effective desk adjusting providers are dealt with by U.S-based licensed professionals and are perfect for resolving low-complexity claims in days as an alternative of weeks, and outsourced subrogation providers guarantee swift restoration of funds.

Insurers Below Mounting Strain

The launch of IntelliClaims Benefit comes at a time when insurers are below mounting strain. In accordance with the 2025 Insurance coverage Operations Leaders Traits Report carried out by Covenir, the highest two priorities for insurance coverage operations leaders are:

Enhancing policyholder satisfaction (48% chosen as a prime concern)

Decreasing complexity and chopping prices (48% chosen as a prime concern)

Further business knowledge highlights key ache factors:

Talent shortages resulting in 21,500 job vacancies every year over the following decade and difficulties recruiting licensed professionals

Extreme weather occasions impacting insurer’s capacity to deal with surprising name quantity surges and driving prices up

Covenir’s Complete Claims Answer Addresses Insurer Challenges

Constructed on Covenir’s confirmed basis of onshore, insurance-only experience, IntelliClaims Benefit addresses these challenges and provides claims leaders the flexibility to:

Resolve low-complexity claims in days, not weeks, and at decrease prices

Scale back inner staffing burdens and scale with out hiring

Ship constant, empathetic service – even throughout catastrophic quantity surges

Keep full visibility with clear reporting and compliance protocols

Scale back operational complexity to swiftly recuperate subrogation funds

“For insurers who’re balancing value effectiveness vs high quality policyholder experiences, the Covenir IntelliClaims Benefit answer with desk adjusting providers is a game-changer,” Brendan Voss, Chief Claims Officer at ShoreOne Insurance coverage.

A Dedication to Innovation

The launch of IntelliClaims Benefit comes on the heels of two different improvements introduced earlier this 12 months – the IntelliMail Advantage proof of mail answer that will increase transparency and reduces prices, and the Call Surge Guarantee, the one money-backed dedication of constant policyholder expertise throughout CAT occasions.

Covenir IntelliClaims Advantage is now out there to insurers, MGAs, and insurtechs nationwide. To study extra go to www.covenirbpo.com.

About Covenir

CovenirBPO helps strengthen the bond between insurers and policyholders by distinctive onshore BPO providers developed solely for the insurance coverage business. Covenir’s purpose-built Name Middle, FNOL, Backoffice, Print and Distribution and Premium Companies assist insurers speed up development, enhance buyer satisfaction, guarantee compliance and scale back prices. For extra data, go to www.covenirbpo.com.

Media Contact:

Shanda Boyett, Head of Advertising[email protected]917.388.7107

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House Swept Away as Flash Flooding Hits Mountain Village in New Mexico

A minimum of three individuals had been lacking in a mountain village in southern New Mexico that may be a well-liked summer season retreat after monsoon rains triggered flash flooding Tuesday that was so intense a whole home was swept downstream.

Emergency crews carried out a minimum of 85 swift water rescues within the Ruidoso space, together with of people that had been trapped of their properties and vehicles, stated Danielle Silva of the New Mexico Division of Homeland Safety and Emergency Administration.

No deaths had been instantly reported, however three individuals had been taken to the hospital and had been in secure situation, in accordance with Kerry Gladden, public info officer for Ruidoso.

The water had receded by Tuesday evening and search and rescue and swift water rescue groups had been scouring the city for the lacking individuals, whereas public works crews cleared particles from the roadways. Some vehicles had been left stranded within the mud.

Two Nationwide Guard rescue groups and a number of other native groups already had been within the space when the flooding started, Silva stated, and extra Guard groups had been anticipated.

The floods got here simply days after flash floods in Texas killed over 100 individuals and left greater than 160 individuals lacking.

In New Mexico, officers urged residents to hunt increased floor Tuesday afternoon because the waters of the Rio Ruidoso rose practically 19 toes (2.7 meters) in a matter of minutes amid heavy rainfall. The Nationwide Climate Service issued flood warnings within the space, which was stripped of vegetation by current wildfires.

A climate service flood gauge and companion video digicam confirmed churning waters of the Rio Ruidoso surge over the river’s banks into surrounding forest. Streets and bridges had been closed in response.

Kaitlyn Carpenter, an artist in Ruidoso, was driving her motorbike by means of city Tuesday afternoon when the storm began to select up, and he or she sought shelter on the riverside Downshift Brewing Firm with about 50 different individuals. She began to movie particles dashing down the Rio Ruidoso when she noticed a home float by with a well-known turquoise door. It belonged to the household of one in all her greatest buddies.

Her pal’s household was not in the home and is protected, she stated.

“I’ve been in that home and have reminiscences in that home, so seeing it come down the river was simply fairly heartbreaking,” Carpenter stated. “I simply couldn’t imagine it.”

Throughout a radio handle Tuesday evening, Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford inspired residents to name an emergency line if their family members or neighbors had been lacking. He additionally stated there have been experiences of useless horses close to the city’s horse racing observe

“We knew that we had been going to have floods … and this one hit us more durable than what we had been anticipating,” Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford stated.

The realm has been particularly weak to flooding for the reason that summer season of 2024, when the South Fork and Salt fires raced throughout tinder-dry forest and destroyed an estimated 1,400 properties and constructions. Residents had been compelled to flee a wall of flames, solely to grapple with intense flooding later that summer season.

“We all know that the water ranges gave the impression to be increased than they had been final summer season,” Silva stated. “It’s a important quantity of water flowing all through, a few of it in new areas that didn’t flood final yr.”

Matt DeMaria, a meteorologist with the Nationwide Climate Service in Albuquerque, stated storms fashioned within the early afternoon over terrain that was scorched final yr by wildfire. The burn scar was unable to soak up a variety of the rain, as water rapidly ran downhill into the river.

Preliminary measurements present the Rio Ruidoso crested at greater than 20 toes (6 meters) — a document excessive if confirmed — and was receding Tuesday night.

Three shelters opened within the Ruidoso space for individuals who couldn’t return residence.

Cory State, who works on the Downshift Brewing Firm, welcomed in dozens of residents because the river surged and hail pelted the home windows. The home floating by was “simply one of many many devastating issues about immediately,” he stated.

The sight introduced again painful reminiscences for Carpenter, whose artwork studio was swept away throughout a flood final yr. Outdoors, the air smelled of gasoline, and loud crashes could possibly be heard because the river knocked down bushes in its path.

“It’s fairly terrifying,” she stated.

Peipert reported from Denver. Related Press writers Matt Brown in Denver, Hallie Golden in Seattle, Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake Metropolis contributed to this report.

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Online Ticket Seller to Pay $85K for Violating Connecticut’s New Data Privacy Law

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Connecticut Lawyer Common William Tong introduced a settlement with TicketNetwork, Inc. because of an investigation into violations of the Connecticut Information Privateness Act.

Below the settlement, TicketNetwork has agreed to adjust to the necessities of the CTDPA, keep metrics for client rights requests obtained underneath the CTDPA, present a report of those metrics, and pay $85,000.

In accordance with the announcement, the legal professional basic first despatched a CTDPA “remedy discover” to TicketNetwork on November 9, 2023— 4 months after the regulation took impact. The discover flagged alleged deficiencies within the firm’s privateness discover and gave the corporate the possibility to return into compliance with out penalty. The corporate’s privateness discover was “largely unreadable, lacking key information rights, and contained rights mechanisms that have been misconfigured or inoperable,” in accordance with officers.

Below the regulation, TicketNetwork had 60 days— till January 8, 2024— to resolve every deficiency. TicketNetwork had not resolved these deficiencies effectively past the remedy interval, in accordance with the legal professional basic.

Up to now, the legal professional basic has issued 4 separate “privateness discover sweeps” of companies consisting of greater than two dozen remedy notices in whole, all aimed toward addressing privateness discover deficiencies. In accordance with Tong, TicketNetwork is the “solely entity that repeatedly represented that they’d resolved deficiencies after they had not achieved so, and didn’t well timed reply to follow-up correspondence.” Almost all different corporations took immediate steps to return into compliance, he mentioned.

“This regulation has now been in impact for 2 years. There isn’t any excuse for continued non-compliance, and we’re ready to make use of the complete weight of our enforcement authority to guard client privateness,” mentioned Tong.

Connecticut was one of many first states to cross a complete client information privateness regulation. The CTDPA was signed into regulation on Might 10, 2022 and took impact on July 1, 2023.

The regulation provides Connecticut residents rights over their private information and establishes privateness safety requirements for companies that course of private information. Connecticut residents have the best to: entry information that corporations are holding on them; have corporations appropriate information that’s inaccurate; request that corporations delete such information; and opt-out of the processing of their private information on the market, focused promoting, or profiling. Starting January 1, 2025, companies have been required to additionally acknowledge common opt-out desire indicators indicating a client’s intent to choose out of focused promoting and gross sales of private information.

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