We’ve all done it: dashed into the shops, arms full of groceries, only to realise later that we forgot to lock the car.
Maybe you were distracted, maybe you were in a hurry, or maybe you just thought, ‘She’ll be right, I’ll only be a minute.’
But did you know that leaving your car unlocked could land you in hot water—not just with your insurance company, but with the law as well?
It turns out that forgetting to lock your car isn’t just a minor oversight. According to legal and insurance experts, it could have serious consequences for Australian drivers, especially if something goes wrong.
The law: More than just common sense
While it might seem like common sense to lock your car, in some states and territories, it’s actually a legal requirement.
For example, in New South Wales, the Road Rules 2014 state that if you’re more than three metres away from your vehicle, you must remove the ignition key and lock the doors and windows if you’re not in the car. Similar rules apply in Queensland and Victoria.
Failing to do so can result in a fine, and, in the event of a theft, could complicate things with your insurer.
In other words, if you leave your car unlocked and it’s stolen, you might not just be out of pocket for the car, but you could also be facing a penalty from the police.
Insurance implications: Will they pay out?
Here’s where things get even trickier. Most comprehensive car insurance policies in Australia include a clause that requires you to take ‘reasonable precautions’ to secure your vehicle.
If you leave your car unlocked, your insurer could argue that you didn’t take those precautions and may refuse to pay out if your car is stolen or damaged as a result.
Insurance lawyer Michael Bates explains: ‘If you leave your car unlocked and it’s stolen, your insurer may deny your claim on the basis that you failed to secure your vehicle. It’s always best to check your policy wording, but in most cases, you’re expected to lock up.’
Real-life scenarios: It happens more than you think
It’s easy to think, ‘It won’t happen to me.’ But car theft is a real problem in Australia, with thousands of vehicles stolen every year.
According to the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council, a car is stolen every 11 minutes in Australia.
And in many cases, thieves are opportunistic; they’ll try door handles until they find one that’s open.
Even if your car isn’t stolen, leaving it unlocked can make you a target for theft of valuables, vandalism, or even joyriding.
And if you’re unlucky enough to have your car used in a crime, you could find yourself answering some uncomfortable questions from the police.
What about older cars?
Some readers might be thinking, ‘My car’s so old, who’d want to steal it?’ But older cars are often easier targets for thieves, precisely because they lack modern security features.
And even if your car isn’t worth much, the hassle and cost of dealing with a theft can be significant.
Tips to stay safe (and legal)
- Always lock your car, even if you’re just ducking into the servo for a minute.
- Don’t leave valuables in plain sight, take them with you or lock them in the boot.
- If your car has an alarm or immobiliser, use it.
- Park in well-lit, busy areas whenever possible.
- Double-check your doors and windows before walking away.
A habit worth building
Locking your car should be as automatic as putting on your seatbelt. It’s a small action that can save you a world of trouble—from insurance headaches to legal fines, and the stress of losing your vehicle.
Have your say
Have you ever forgotten to lock your car? Did it lead to any trouble, or have you been lucky so far? Do you think the laws go too far, or are they just common sense? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
Also read: Supermarket car insurance sounds smart, but is it really a good deal?
I always lock my car when leaving it, even in my locked garage overnight.
Years ago I was told another old proverb “If you don’t trust anyone, you probably can’t be trusted yourself”. Which of course fits into the old note that locks only keep honest people out.
If someone really wants your car, or something that is in it, they will make sure that they get what you have. Apparently the best method to prevent car theft is simply to have a manual transmission one. Not something learnt by all learners these days. Even light trucks are auto now.
In my relatively civilised town, last year a younger teen lad actually pulled a woman in her seventies out of her car in a local shopping centre so that he could take her car so that he could join his ‘lations in township about 150 km away. (For his trouble he got food and lodging at no cost to himself for about six months.)
The reality is that for many, the reason for the theft is that it’s the easiest way for some to get where that want to go and in turn wonder why everyone else doesn’t do it.
Methods to by pass even the most sophisticated car protections systems are learnt within a few days when in juvenile detention.
When the State Government insists on building “social housing” in previously safe and stable suburbs, the crimes will soon surface. Keep a wary eye out for them and don’t forget to support Neighbourhood Watch and report suspicious behaviour early.