Car insurance news
16/02/2010
Carjackers steal no claims bonus
Greater Manchester police have warned car insurance customers that if they would like to protect their no claims bonuses they need to be doubly sure that their vehicles are locked up.
The warning follows two recent crimes in Stockport which involved thugs attempting to carjack vehicles.
Police said that although everyone needs to be vigilant, those most likely to be targeted are people travelling alone and those returning to car parks late at night.
They said that one of the best ways to try and avoid a carjacking incident is to only unlock doors at the last possible minute and to avoid using mobile telephones. Keeping keys hidden where possible is also advisable.
The advice follows a recent Association of British Insurers warning that leaving keys in an unattended vehicle could make it all but impossible to make a car insurance claim in the event of theft, a position that was then supported by many motor insurance companies.
While issuing the car insurance advice, a police spokesperson said, "In the rare event that you feel an accident has been staged to make you stop, drive to the nearest police station to report it or drive to a safe public place where there are potential witnesses."