Leaving a Vehicle Unattended to Defrost Can Potentially Invalidate a Car Insurance Policy

06/01/2010

Drivers that leave their vehicles unattended in the morning while it defrosts must heed the latest warnings regarding their car insurance.

By leaving a vehicle to heat up and defrost, drivers are potentially invalidating their car insurance policy if it is stolen during this period.

The current wintry weather conditions mean that thousands of drivers are forced to go to their cars early in readiness to defrost and warm up exterior and interior of their vehicles. Some drivers choose to apply their de-icer and leave their engine running whilst leaving their vehicle.

It is felt that this period is the moment when many thieves strike. Drivers have been warned this week about the potential for losing their vehicles as well as their car insurance policy.

PC Mark Humphries of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary said: “Unfortunately, if a vehicle is stolen in this manner, people will also get a frosty reception from their insurance company as loss from leaving keys in an unattended vehicle leaves policies void."

It is not only a problem that is found in the south-west of the UK. Norfolk Police issued their own statement last month warning drivers of exactly the same perils.

The icy conditions look set to continue into next week as the Met Office continues to issue weather warnings for a large percentage of counties across the country. Drivers are warned to be vigilant at all times.