More than half of all motorists have been a victim of car crime, but many could not receive insurance payouts thanks to not securing their vehicle properly.
As many as 56 percent of car owners have suffered at the hands of criminals in one way or another, with 12 percent having their paintwork ‘keyed’ and eight percent having something stolen from their car.
However, research by Marks and Spencer Car Insurance shows that as many as 40 percent of drivers risk invalidating their insurance and therefore removing the ability to make a claim by not securing their car correctly when it is left unattended.
Although 60 percent of cars on the UK’s roads are fitted with an alarm, 40 percent say they do not always use it, while 12 percent say they never do. Some go even further with 43 percent saying they sometimes leave their car unlocked.
However, M&S Car Insurance points out that the British Car Crime Survey shows that car crime had dropped by 17 percent in the last year.
Andrew Ferguson, M&S head of general insurance, said: ’’It is good to hear that car crime is falling, however it is always important to make sure vehicles are locked and secure. During the summer months, many drivers unwind windows and leave roofs open – it’s important to make sure the vehicle is secure when unattended, especially as failure to do so could invalidate any insurance claim.’‘
