British motorists are being issued an urgent security warning as a cold snap sweeps across the nation, creating perfect conditions for car thieves.
The Costly Defrosting Mistake
With temperatures plummeting, many drivers will be waking up to frozen windscreens this week. The motoring organisation the RAC and insurance experts are urging people to avoid the dangerous habit of leaving engines running unattended while vehicles defrost.
Many drivers mistakenly believe nothing can happen in the few minutes they step away from their car, but this creates a golden opportunity for criminals who can identify running vehicles and drive away in seconds.
Insurance Consequences and Police Warnings
A police spokesperson emphasised that leaving a vehicle running is 'an open invitation to opportunist thieves'. The consequences extend beyond the immediate theft, as insurance providers may refuse to pay out for claims.
MoneySuperMarket insurance expert Sara Newell warned van drivers specifically: 'No matter how cold it is, the risk of losing your insurance cover isn't worth a few extra minutes of warmth.'
Many insurance policies contain exclusion clauses for unattended vehicles, meaning if your car is stolen while left running, you could be facing significant financial loss without any compensation.
Safe Alternatives for Winter Driving
The RAC advises that whether you're parked on a public road or your own driveway, leaving your car running with the engine on is never a good option. There have been numerous reports over the years of vehicles being stolen while owners were inside their homes waiting for cars to warm up.
While ensuring your windscreen and mirrors are properly cleared before driving is essential for safety, experts recommend staying with your vehicle during the defrosting process or using alternative methods like scraping ice manually.
Being patient and present during the defrosting routine could prevent both the heartache of a stolen vehicle and the financial burden of invalidated insurance.
