Frost increases theft as cars left unattended

“When the icy mornings start” theft claims increase, as drivers leave their cars unattended while defrosting, say insurance experts.

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) says that car owners should stay with their vehicles to avoid becoming victims of this new type of car theft – “frosting”.

Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive at BIBA, said: “Unfortunately, gone are the days when you can leave your door open…and the same goes with your car. You do need to take security measures there.”

He added that drivers are being sensible by defrosting in the first place, as it would be dangerous to drive with only a small gap in the windscreen through which to see.

However, it could be contentious when making an insurance claim in a situation where a driver has left a vehicle unattended as insurers will argue “you haven’t taken reasonable care,” warned Mr Trudgill.

In January 2007, Sainsbury’s Bank estimated that between 2000 and 2005 as many as 121,730 households may have become victims of “frosting”.

Tags: theft claims, January, Sainsbury, corporate affairs executive, Insurance, Financial services, theft