Car insurance news
Shock car theft stats revealed
Car insurance companies are warning motorists to be extra vigilant after it has been revealed that one car is stolen every single minute in the UK.
Leaving keys in easy-to-reach locations accounts for many of the thefts, but many more occur during the winter months when drivers leave their car defrosting and go back into the house, still with their keys in the ignition.
Thieves are beginning to realise just how easy it is to steal these unguarded cars and motor insurance companies are receiving more and more claims from distressed car owners who have come back out from the warm only to find their car gone. Car insurance companies, however, have a legitimate right to refuse to pay out on such a claim, so it does pay to take proper care of your vehicle.
According to a recent survey, a third of Britons leave their car keys near the front door when in the house. This makes them an easy target, as Rebecca Pearson, spokesperson for duck2Water Car Insurance Services, specialists in cheap car insurance, explains, "Thieves are starting to find ingenious ways to steal keys.
"Some hook them from a key rack or hall table by 'fishing' through the letterbox, so it's best to keep them hidden and well away from the front door."
Car insurance companies have no reason not to pay-out if you find yourself a victim of this type of crime, but you are likely to lose your no claims discount next time you apply for cover. So to keep paying a cheap car insurance premium, it makes sense to take the time to be a little more vigilant.