Leaving Running Vehicles Unattended Can Invalidate Insurance
According to Devon and Cornwall police, car and van owners should not give thieves the opportunity to steal a vehicle or its contents by leaving their vehicle unlocked and unattended while it heats up.
Car and van owners could invalidate their motor insurance if they leave their vehicle unattended while they wait for it to defrost in the morning, it has been claimed.
Mark Humphries, police constable 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. Many people are caught-out this way… don’t get complacent because your car is parked on your driveway or directly outside your house.”
At the end of last year, the Financial Ombudsman Service reminded car and motorhome insurance policy holders that most insurers have a clause that invalidates cover if drivers leave their keys in or on their vehicle.
It is recommended you stay in your car while it is warming up.