Drivers urged not to leave cars warming up alone

Motorists who leave their vehicles unattended while warming up could be risking losing more than their no-claims car insurance bonus.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued a warning to drivers not to leave their autos open to thieves in this way, no matter how cold the weather gets.

According to the ABI's director of general insurance and health Nick Starling, it may be tempting to seek refuge in the warmth of the house while the car de-ices, but "it only takes seconds for thieves to strike".

"Stay with your vehicle while it warms up, so that it is you that drives away in a warm car, not a thief," he added.

The warning follows a spate of incidents across the country in which a number of vehicles have been stolen since the icy weather began.

Police in Lancashire recently logged 27 such incidents in a two-hour period, while officers in Greater Manchester were alerted to four vehicles stolen while de-icing.

Car and van insurance policyholders who fail to heed the warning could find that when it comes to making a claim, their policy is nullified because they have not taken adequate security measures to prevent theft.

Motorists might want to follow the ABI's advice soon, as the country is currently on high alert for further wintry weather. Heavy snow showers have been forecast until the end of the week and sub-zero temperatures are resulting in widespread ice.

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The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of the BGL Group