Car Insurance UK - M&S Warns Motorists Over Rising Car Crime

18/08/2010

Motorists across the country are being warned by M&S car insurance in a bid to ensure their vehicles are fully protected against theft in the wake of rising car crime figures.

Recent research from M&S suggests that 56 percent of drivers have now fallen foul of thieves and such incidents that can affect UK car insurance premiums.

The biggest concern however is that 40 percent of respondents surveyed admitted to not always using their vehicle’s security system when parked, while 43 percent admitted that they have even left their car unlocked in the past.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of general insurance, has urged drivers to improve their vigilance in an effort to tackle thieves and avoid a potential car insurance claim being invalidated.

"During the summer months, many drivers unwind windows and leave roofs open – it’s important to make sure the vehicle is secure when unattended," he said.

According to the survey, 12 percent of drivers had returned to their vehicle only to find that paintwork had been deliberately sabotaged, while eight percent reported smashed windscreens with another eight percent admitting to having belongings pinched from inside their car.