Uber CarShare Acknowledges Spike in Theft

Theft of vehicles from Uber Carshare, previously known as Car Next Door, is on the rise in Australia. Car owners are making their vehicles available for rent through the service, which allows borrowers to access cars for a short period of time, generating revenue for car owners. However, increasing numbers of car owners are becoming victims of theft through the service.

Drivers can rent a car using the Uber Carshare app, which then directs the customer to a street or dedicated space where the owner has left the vehicle. Some car owners have reported that the thieves may have used the Uber Carshare app to gain access to the car and its keys.

For users on the Instant Keys plan, Uber Carshare provides a “lockbox” that is attached to the window of his car and is meant to be impossible to break without destroying the car itself. When a booking is made by a customer, a code to the lockbox is delivered via the Uber Carshare app that enables them to unlock it and retrieve the keys to the car.

In light of these incidents, car owners who use the service have called on Uber Carshare to improve security measures in order to protect their vehicles. This includes better ways to secure the cars, as well as a better response time for support in case of thefts. As the service continues to grow in popularity, it is important for Uber Carshare to address these security issues and ensure that car owners and borrowers can use the service with peace of mind.

Mobility Mutual, Uber Carshare’s provider for “damage and loss cover”, will be holding their Annual General Meeting in February, where theft will no-doubt be at top of the agenda.

Don’t forget to join the Car Sharers Australia Facebook Group!

Uber Carshare statement to members:

Unfortunately, in the past month, we have seen an increase in vehicle theft and theft attempts on the Uber Carshare platform across certain areas in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Tasmania and South East Melbourne.

The safety and security of all vehicles listed on the Uber Carshare platform is absolutely fundamental. We remain committed to investing in vehicle security technology, resources and processes to reduce the likelihood of theft and enhance the experience for all owners and borrowers using our platform.

With this in mind, we wanted to provide an update on what steps you can take to help minimise the risk of theft and what we are doing to support members.

Uber Carshare