Millions of pounds-worth of cars 'stolen as they warm up'

Date: 3/2/2011

Drivers who leave their cars unattended with the engines running to warm up on cold mornings have been warned that this puts them at increased risk of their vehicle being stolen.

According to swiftcover.com, £12.7 million-worth of vehicles are stolen every year because the owner has made this mistake.

And while 47 per cent of drivers have admitted to walking away from their car while it heats up, 4.8 million motorists are unaware that doing this could invalidate their insurance policy.

Further research by the price comparison site revealed that the first quarter of the year is the period when the largest number of motors are stolen.

Robin Reames, Claims Director at swiftcover.com, said: "Leaving a car with keys in the ignition provides a perfect opportunity for thieves and we as motorists are especially likely to do this at this time of year."

Another error that could cost drivers their insurance cover is to knowingly give their vehicle insurance provider false information, although the Association of British Insurers recently claimed thousands of people are known to do this.

Posted by Mary Treen